What if we stopped looking down on gouache?

Rediscovering a long-underestimated medium

For a long time, I looked down on it.

Gouache, to me, was that thick, clumsy paint we used in school — the one that made lumps, puddles, and wrinkled paper.A "not serious" paint. A bit outdated, a bit naïve.And yet, today, it’s at the heart of my artistic practice.

Some treasures only reveal themselves to those who are willing to see them differently.

Gouache, a long-forgotten medium

In the art world, oil is praised for its nobility, watercolor for its lightness, acrylic for its modern flair.Gouache, meanwhile, is often stuck between the pages of a schoolbook or hidden in a children's art class.Many still think it's too simple, too rough, or too unpredictable.And I used to swear by watercolor, too —until one day, almost by chance, I decided to give gouache a second chance.

The turning point

It happened during a six-month journey, a time when I needed to come back to the essentials.I had packed three old tubes of gouache, a brush, and some thick paper.And right away, I was captivated —by the texture, the richness, the softness of the finish, and the way colors blended so harmoniously.

It felt like painting intuitively, instinctively —letting the hand speak, letting color guide the movement.

Since then, I never looked back.Gouache has become the starting point of all my collage work:I paint large sheets with professional artist-grade gouache, mark them, explore them,then cut and assemble them into vibrant, one-of-a-kind artworks.

But what is gouache, really?

Gouache is a water-based, opaque, velvety paint used for centuries —from medieval illuminated manuscripts to contemporary illustration and design.

Its composition is simple yet powerful:

• Pigments (natural or synthetic), highly concentrated

• Gum arabic, a soft, natural binder (also used in watercolor)

• Mineral fillers (chalk, kaolin, talc) for opacity

• Water as the solvent

• Optionally: a touch of glycerin or honey for texture and longevity

Unlike watercolor, gouache covers the paper instead of letting it show through.But when heavily diluted, it can mimic transparent watercolor effects.It dries quickly, and reactivates easily with water — allowing for endless adjustments.

In my own practice, I work exclusively with extra-fine professional gouache,chosen for its intense pigments, lightfastness, and soft matte texture.

Why I love gouache

• Its velvety matte textureNo shine, no glare.It softens the light and creates cozy, muted, tactile atmospheres.

• Its opacity and spontaneityIt lets me work quickly, layer freely, and improvise.Perfect for my intuitive and expressive approach.

• Its simplicityNo fumes, no solvents, no complicated setup.Just water, a brush, a tube — and go.Even when it dries on the palette, a drop of water brings it back to life.And cleanup is instant.

• Its portability and intuitive feelI can paint anywhere — under a tree, on a terrace, in my studio or while traveling.It adapts to my rhythm, my moods, and my inspirations.

• Its sensory richnessEvery sheet I paint becomes a fragment of emotion.I cut, I assemble, I compose.And the final artwork tells a story — a sensation, a mood, a memory.

Easy to use, easy to love

Unlike other mediums, gouache is incredibly low-maintenance.It washes off with water — even when dry on the brushes.It lasts a long time if the tubes are well sealed.And it’s non-toxic, odor-free, and chemical-free.

Pro tip: Let it dry on your palette if you want — a little water will bring it back to life.Perfect for minimalist setups or artists on the go.

A few practical facts about gouache

Property	Gouache
Opacity	80% to 95%, depending on pigments
Lightfastness	Excellent (ASTM I or II for pro brands)
Drying time	Fast (just a few minutes)
Reusable when dry	Yes
Cleanup	Water only
Toxicity	Low to none (brand-dependent)

In my work

All of my abstract collage artworks are created from papers I paint by hand with gouache.I use extra-fine professional-grade gouache, carefully selected for its richness, opacity, and pigment quality.Each painted fragment holds a mark, a memory, a trace.I then assemble them like pieces of a personal map —each composition becoming a sensitive reflection of my inner landscapes.

Curious to see what gouache can really do?

Visit my online gallery to explore my original artworks, created from hand-painted fragments: View the collection

And if you already paint with gouache — or are thinking of giving it a try —I’d love to hear your thoughts.Come say hello on Instagram: @felilo_art