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Acrylic vs. Gouache vs. Watercolor

Writer: Sonali GanganeSonali Gangane

What makes them so different from each other?

These mediums of paint create varying textures and effects on a painting.

let's see how each of these are distinctive and eccentric in their own way.



Acrylics paint

  • Made from acrylic resin (thermoplastic), silicone oils and stabilizers or additives

  • They are versatile.

  • The consistency and texture of acrylic paints is made for surfaces like canvases and wood as they can handle more layers of paint than paper.

  • Acrylic paint is a fast drying medium, therefore it discourages the blending of colours after it has dried.

  • This artist's medium is flexible in nature and water resistant after it has dried.

  • Though artists do frown upon the fact that palettes and brushes get ruined if not washed immediately,

  • And sometimes even clothes become the victim!



Gouache paint

  • Recently gained popularity amongst artists

  • Water-medium paint made of natural pigments, water, and binding agents.

  • Gouache paint is similar to watercolor, but is modified to make it opaque.

  • The consistency of this medium is unique, as it has opaqueness like acrylics but at the same time can act as watercolors.

  • It works along the lines of these different mediums contrasting one of the distinguishing characteristics of this paint is that you can mix it even after the paint has dried.

  • Layering with gouache is easy and fun & it works on diversity of surfaces.

  • Commercial artists use this medium for posters, prints, comics, and many illustrations.

  • It simply doesn't have any disadvantages and is very likeable


Watercolors


  • Made of ground pigment mixed with a water based soluble pigment, often diluted and applied as overlaying washes

  • Two washes can blend together to give a fused effect on paper

  • Flows easily on paper and colours can be mixed to give a beautiful after-effect.

  • Can work with variety of mix media, oil pastels, pens can be used on a painting done with watercolors.

  • This medium dries in an appropriate amount of time

  • It is definitely not water resistant!

  • It comes as solid cakes or tubes of watercolor pigment.

  • Watercolor cakes are durable and convenient.

  • One of advantages of watercolor mediums are that they are easier and cleaner to work with when compared to acrylics

  • Though watercolor after drying leaves an impression or fixed fluidity of paint


 
 
 

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