Kathleen Denis – Exploring Gouache: The Versatile Medium (Online); Wednesdays, May 1-15, 2024

Dates: Wednesdays, May 1-15, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Pacific Time, 1:00-3:00 PM Eastern Time, 6:00-8:00 PM London Time
Level: All (familiarity with how to paint helpful)
Medium: Gouache

Gouache is one of the most versatile painting mediums, allowing you to paint similar to oils and acrylics, because of its opaque qualities, and also like watercolors, with little mess.   The effortless set-up and clean-up make it easy to travel with, using no solvents, only water, as a convenient grab-and-go medium.  Making direct brushstrokes, like acrylics, allows your painting to not get overworked, and its ability to be re-wet, unlike acrylics, allows you to make changes to your painting at any time.  The matte finish of gouache permits you to see the colors without glare on the painting’s surface and offers the possibility of varnishing it to look like an oil painting, becoming permanent.    You can use it for quick studies or as a finished painting.   

I usually paint in oils or acrylics but while dealing with some possible paint pigment related health issues, I started painting smaller pieces in gouache and found that I really love this medium.  The ease and convenience of using them is such a pleasure!  So, when I traveled to France, gouache was the only medium I took with me, and I loved the outcome.  It can be challenging to learn how to use a new medium, so allow me to guide you through the ins-and-outs of gouache so you can enjoy it as much as I do.

In this class learn how to:

• Choose various surfaces to paint on.
• Set up a palette box with all your colors in it ready to use.
• Add medium to your paints so they are more fluid (like oils).
• Choose which colors to use.
• Use your pigments to achieve your desired objective.
• Layer lights over darks and darks over lights.
• Match dried colors (they change a little as they dry).
• Soften edges as needed.
• Varnish your final painting so you don’t have to mount it under glass.

In addition, you will learn about:

• Composition
• Values
• Color Theory

All levels may attend but being familiar with how to paint is helpful. Supply list will be provided when you register.

To view Kathleen’s artwork, credentials and awards go to www.kathleendenis.com.

Kathleen Denis is known for capturing sun-drenched light in her contemporary-impressionistic style paintings, whether painting scenes of island life, timeworn cottages, inviting gardens or adorable doggies. Presently living in Palm Beach Shores, she was born in Miami, grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, and spent much time in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, which greatly influenced her use of subject matter and colorful style.

Kathleen’s love of art began with lessons at the age of four, and graduated from University of Miami, with a BFA degree in Graphic Design, while continuing to passionately study, paint en plein air and studio, teach, and win awards.

Her art is licensed by leading manufacturers worldwide and found on numerous home décor and gift products, found at stores such as HomeGoods and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Her original paintings are acquired in galleries, exhibits, plein air events and on her website at www.kathleendenis.com.