Playing

Is it really possible to be playing in the midst of 2020’s endless problems? Let’s hope so. I named this little painting “Playing” for several reasons. Yes, I promise to share these reasons and more. But first, let’s remind any new blog readers about this colorful place and blog and its reason for being.

Favorite Things

This painting, post and blog are a part of a series I call Favorite Things. This means each week I write about a drawing or painting and the process. You are invited to follow along as I share stories about the creative life I lead. To do so, simply sign up here. You’ll receive one email each week and get a first look at my latest drawing or painting. Woot!

Playing with Gouache

Off and on since May, I have been playing with Gouache. Why? Well, I got a set of gouache paints for my birthday this year. I thought it might be fun to try this water-based, opaque medium. But wait, there are more answers to the why question.

Here’s another answer to why: it’s opaque and requires a similar thought process to painting in oils. By this I mean, in order to create a sense of form or the sense of light on a form in gouache, the painter has to paint simple shapes. So, in this little painting, in order to show the red berry in light, I darkened the lower half of it. And, I also showed a cast shadow of the berry on the leaf below. This is not so different from painting in oils. But there are some differences between the two.

Differences

One of the biggest differences between gouache and oil paints besides opacity is the change that occurs when it’s dry. Gouache can dry a bit darker. There is a tackiness in the paint that takes some getting used to, too. And, I think gouache may lead to a different thinking about laying down the paint. Why?

There’s a technique in oil painting when two areas come together. For instance, an object and the background. The painter can decide whether to make that intersection of the two areas have a crisp edge or to have a softer edge. I love thinking about this and painting these areas in oils.

In my limited experience of playing around with gouache, this technique does not seem possible or desirable. In other words, I have to lay the paint down and live with it in gouache. Or I can paint over an area in gouache to make an adjustment. But the end result is there is not a desirable outcome using ‘wet into wet’ painting in gouache. But, since I’m new to this medium, I will see if this is a fact or a current skill limitation and let you know.

Gouache in History

Even though Gouache is new to me as a medium, it is certainly not new in history. Here are a few wonderful examples.

Ahhh! Who doesn’t recognize this wonderful cut-out entitled Icarus by Henri Matisse? I had this image as a poster in my bedroom as a teenager. You?

And how about this amazing Gouache painting by the mighty Massachusetts born and bred Fidelia Bridges. Isn’t it gorgeous? Even though I usually loathe poison ivy, the leaves and the composition in this painting, help me see it in a whole new light.

Seeing

Speaking of seeing, is it me or are you noticing your surroundings more now that we’re all hanging a bit closer to home? I ask because the source of this little gouache painting is a Kousa dogwood tree in our backyard. Yes I have noticed the tree itself. But the bumpy red berries? Gotta say, I had never really paid much attention before this year. In fairness, until last year, we weren’t really here in NC this time of year. And, this time last year, that side of the garage was covered in scaffolding as Mr Studly renovated the garage for the studio.

But, I have been absolutely entranced by the beautiful berries on this tree this year. So, I clipped off a branch and brought it into the studio to draw and paint.

A New Desk

Lastly, I recently got a new (free!) desk from my fab friend and color consultant, Barbara Clare. The desk is solid wood and easily fits behind one of the easels in my studio. This means that when I finish up painting for the day (which requires standing), I can sit at my desk and sketch and try my new, playful medium, Gouache. Hooray!

And You?

How about you gentle reader? Have you tried playing with something new and different in your world? Even if it’s your cat crashing Zoom meetings, please do share in the comments below. Thank you!