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  • Writer's pictureAndrea

Using Gouache On Model Horses

Somewhere between acrylics and watercolours lies gouache. 2D artists have been using it for 1200 years creating masterpieces of all types, but I hadn't heard about it until university. Bottom line: will it work for model horses?

What Is Gouache?

Though I just said it is somewhere between acrylics and watercolours, the true answer is that it is a type of watercolour... though there are acrylic gouaches on the market. Using the same binders as watercolour, this paint can be cut with water to behave like its more famous cousin or be laid down as is out of the tube. The true difference between gouache and watercolours is that gouache is considerably more opaque.

Here are some links if you want to learn more about gouache:

Markings before being smoothed down (1 layer)

How Does Gouache Change Model Horse Painting?

I mention that gouache is like acrylics is because of the high opacity of colour. Straight out of the tube you can paint it on a model and it behaves similarly to acrylics. The main difference is that you dont get the thick layering and lumpiness like that of acrylics! Raise your hands if you're like me and HATE acrylics for their impossibly fast drying times and lumpiness. Gouache has a similar drying time to that of acrylics but you can reactive them with water on your pallet or on the model itself to smooth it out! Downside is that gouache dries chalky and isn't as durable as acrylics so you must seal your layers in between or they will reactivate with more paint.


Is Gouache Really That Great For Models?

Honestly I think through my experiments, gouache is the next big medium for model horse painters. Let's give a rundown of the pros and cons.

Smoothed after 3 layers, sealing between each

Pros:

  • Fast drying times

  • Easy to apply

  • No harsh smells or chemicals

  • Reactivates with water for easy smoothing

  • Plenty of colour choice including metallics

  • Non reactive to primers or sealants

  • If surface is sealed first before painting, works on any surface including vinyl

Cons:

  • Fast drying times

  • Reactivates with water and paint very easily and can be hard to control

  • Must seal between every layer of colour

  • Difficult to shade and needs a lot of practice

  • Chalky when dry/ not as durable before sealing

  • If not sealed properly, will not hesitate to chip

If you are hesitant to try gouache on a model horse, feel reassured that it is the next big thing in the doll customizing world for doll faces! I encourage you to check out this video about how a famous doll artist builds a face with gouache:

Dollightful Painting Justine Dancer OOAK Festive Holiday Christmas Doll https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA0xgwZFnPo


Have you tried gouache for model horses? How did you find it? Let me know!


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