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Skillshare

Gouache Illustration: Paint a Whimsical, Colorful Character

via Skillshare

Overview

Love painting whimsical, colorful illustrations? Learn to use gouache paint to bring your imagination to life!

Step into illustrator Vanessa Gillings' studio and learn to apply her unique painting method to your own character illustrations. Through testing colors, layering paint, leaving paint to dry, and even keeping an eye on the humidity in her studio, Vanessa has perfected the art of using gouache to take her creative vision from her imagination to the page.

Blending digital and analog techniques, Vanessa reveals a unique, accessible approach to hand-painted work. Key lessons explore:

  • General tips and tricks for using gouache
  • Testing your colors before you paint
  • Layering paint to avoid unintended lines
  • Creating colors with a flat, even effect
  • Using washing to bring your vision to life

Plus, Vanessa shows you how to create one of her intricate characters from beginning to end — giving you the inspiration you need to create your own dapper animal.

Whether you're new to gouache or a seasoned painter, you'll learn a technique that opens the door to a whole new world of intricate illustration. Follow along and learn how to create the whimsical work you’ve always imagined!

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Working with Gouache
  • Materials and Sketching
  • Color Roughing
  • Transferring
  • Color Testing
  • Laying Down Washes
  • Adding Details
  • Final Thoughts
  • Explore More Classes on Skillshare

Taught by

Vanessa Gillings

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