Workshop description

In this workshop, participants are introduced to unique material and working method of gouache painting. Students will begin the process by exploring various options of composition from photograph. They will paint one painting in gouache using their own photograph of choice.

Learning Objectives

Through group and individual instruction, participants will:

1. Gain knowledge of unique working properties of gouache paint and related materials of brush and paper.

2. Produce a painting that shows cohesive value structure that creates convincing sense of realism.

3. Create a painting that demonstrates harmonious color relation.

4. Be able to apply the principles of design in gouache painting to architectural rendering.

Instructional methods

Class is comprised of instructor lecture, demonstration, and students working independently with the guidance of the instructor. Workshop will conclude with group critique of their finished paintings.

Workshop schedule

10am–12pm: Introduction to material, instructor demo, value/composition thumbnails, begin painting.

12pm–1pm: Lunch, provided.

1pm–3pm: Continue and finish painting. Group critique.

Materials

Watercolor paper, 9”x12”, 2 sheets per each participant will be provided, but they may bring their own paper.

Students must bring their own brushes, colors, palette and water container (small bottle or jar).

Full set of gouache paint is NOT necessary. A tube of White Designers Gouache (14ml or more) is a must.

Students may choose to use their own set of gouache paints if they have them (*recommended list in Syllabus).

Brushes

Participants bring their own brushes of choice they are familiar with. Some recommended brushes are: Synthetic brush, flat, 1/2 inch wide Synthetic brush, round, #2, #4, #6 785 series, Robert Simmons brand (or similar brand/size). Above brushes are just a recommendation. Students may bring different brands, shapes and sizes.

Watercolors

Mixed with White Designers Gouache to create a gouache painting. These colors are ‘recommended’ colors, except White Designer’s Gouache which is a must. Participants may bring their own colors of choice if they already have them.

Please see the event listing on our website to view the full syllabus, including recommended paints.

About the instructor

After serving 7 years in the U.S. Army, Don Yang pursued his childhood dream of living as an artist by studying at the American Academy of Art in Chicago where he earned BFA with honors and later MFA with emphasis on fine art and traditional illustration. After graduating from the Academy, Don has taught figure drawing, oil painting, and artistic anatomy at the American Academy of Art for 22 years and served as chairperson of Fine Art Department and Foundations Department. An avid plein air painter, painting both outdoors and in his studio at the historic Fine Arts Building in downtown Chicago, he frequently exhibits his work both locally and nationally.

Painting in Gouache