Kyria Smith, one of our Fuel Your Creativity artists creates a wide range of mixed media art. She often uses gouache to create stunning gradient backgrounds in her artwork. Kyria demonstrates how to create a simple, two tone gradient using Gouache Paint, Arteza Flat Paint Brushes, and Watercolour Paper (or Mixed Media)
Supplies Needed:Preparation
First, tape off the edges of your paper so that you don't have to worry about your paper moving around or colouring outside the lines. Kyria uses washi tape because she finds it doesn't tear the paper. Next, pick out your paint brushes and paints. It is easier to choose a paintbrush for each colour, so you don't have to worry about washing your brush in between colours. For this demonstration, Kyria is using Arteza Flat Watercolour brushes.
Add your colours of choice to a palette (Kyria uses the colours Pastel Coral and Pastel Cheese Puff from our Blossomy Pastels Gouache set; however, use whatever colours you have on hand.) Kyria prefers to use a flat palette because it makes blending easier, but any palette will do as you won't be mixing your colours before application. Lastly, add enough water to the gouache to thin it out and ensure the paint isn't runny. Gouache dries down opaque, and Kyria doesn't want this gradient to be transparent.
Tip: When adding water, try to achieve the consistency of runny yogurt or melted ice cream.
Blending
Start applying broad, even strokes across the page, starting at the top (Kyria uses Pastel Coral here). Sweep your brush back and forth until you get a nice consistent layer of paint. Next, switch over brushes and grab the next colour (Pastel Cheese Puff) and start creating those strokes from the bottom, moving upward to meet the other colour. Once you are at the other colour, start overlapping them. Make sure you are also blending the top colour into the bottom colour so you're creating a seamless, gradient blend.
Apply the two colours as needed until you are satisfied with the gradient. It helps to work quickly to maintain a wet edge between the two colours. You can work the gradient as long as you want, as long as the paint is still wet. If the paint does dry, you can go over it with the two colours and blend them again, creating more vibrant results. In this demonstration, Kyria did end up going over the gradient again.
Gouache is pretty forgiving with layering as long as the bottom layer has dried. When working on a large piece, Kyria try's to get the gradient down quickly, but there is no right or wrong. Kyria reminds herself, "part of the process of creating is knowing when something is good enough to move on." Once the paint is fully dry, carefully remove the tape. If you pull diagonally, it is less likely to rip the paper.
Tip: You don't have to wipe off the tape, but Kyria uses a paper towel to clean as much as she can, so it's less messy when she takes the tape off.
Now you can create vivid, gradient backgrounds for your next work of art! Make sure to share your gradients and all of your artwork with us on Instagram. If you’d like to see how Kyria transforms these backgrounds with linework, click here. Don’t miss out on Kyria’s specially curated bundles!
The Kyria Smith Gouache Starter Bundle includes a Gouache Art Paint and Tools Set, a 8" x 10" Gouache Paper Pad, and a swag bundle including a thank you note packet featuring an artist print.
The Kyria Smith Gouache Favourites Bundle includes a set of 60 (12ml tubes) of Gouache Premium Artist Paint, Set of 10 Micro-Line Pen, Black Japanese Ink, Assorted Nibs, Hardcover Watercolour Book, 3.5" x 5.5"", Set of 5 Round Watercolour Brushes, and a swag bundle including a thank you note packet featuring an artist print.
Leave a comment