What if you could have the velvety opacity of gouache with the versatility to create everything from delicate washes to bold, expressive layers? What could you create with that kind of freedom?

Gouache has a distinctive character that sets it apart from other painting mediums. Known for its rich, velvety opaque finish, it delivers bold, beautifully saturated color while still offering the fluidity and versatility artists appreciate in watercolor. With the right amount of water, gouache can move effortlessly from soft, transparent washes to creamy, opaque passages—giving artists the freedom to explore both subtle and expressive ways of painting.

We asked Brand Ambassadors Fernando de Paiva and Marlene Rivero to share their insights on the versatility of DANIEL SMITH Gouache.

When working traditionally with a white paper background, I leverage the blending versatility provided by the opacity of gouache. By utilizing a dynamic color mixture with fluid motion alongside loose brushstrokes, I can rapidly build elements either from dark to light or from light to dark.

In contrast, when using black paper as a base, the dark background helps create volume by building directly from the highlights and light sources of the objects.

Combining gouache with transparent watercolor passages allows for enhanced depth, dimension, and atmosphere:

• Balance This document presents translated responses regarding techniques and creative methods for working with (gouache), transparent watercolor, black and white paper bases, and mixed media.
• Light: It complements textures and transparencies, giving the painting breathing room while preserving light.
• Structure: Gouache acts as an added boost, adding body, weight, and strength to the composition wherever it is needed.

Regarding creative ways to combine gouache with other media, one of my absolute favorite combinations is layering watercolor + gouache  + soft pastels to achieve rich textures and multi-layered effects.

The opacity, the coverage the paint provides, its stability on the paper, and its permanence. The tones are very vibrant, not to mention the huge color range.

I have more freedom to experiment without worry, and it saves me time; the range of color mixing becomes much broader.

Gouache offers great corrective power and many possibilities because I can use it either translucently or fully opaque—or combine both approaches.

Yes, I think a salmon-like shade and something a bit lighter than lavender would be amazing.

I use it constantly—on a weekly basis—on various surfaces. I’m fascinated by its versatility; I use it on black paper, kraft paper, toned paper, 100% cotton paper, and paper with a weight lower than 300gsm.

With its rich, highly pigmented color, velvety opaque finish, and versatility to shift from delicate washes to bold, layered passages, it gives artists the freedom to paint with both delicacy and intensity.

Pick up your brushes, explore its possibilities, and discover what this distinctive medium can bring to your own creative journey.

Begin your journey here.