WIP A Couple of Faces Using Gouache

[valiant]

Hi Guys,

I just thought I would post these pics as I am getting back into painting faces using gouache. Obviously, there is still a way to go with these, especially the eyes, but I think there may be mileage in it!!

Having swapped from enamels a couple of years ago, I still miss the wet blending ability of them, so have resurrected using gouache. I have applied a basic acrylic flesh as a base, then using only permanent white, burnt sienna and vandyke brown, applied a shade and highlight, which I can blend with a damp brush, as you would on paper. Hair and moustaches are still done with acylics.

Gouache dries to a dead matt finish and can be sealed with a light spray of varnish, if needed. Ive noticed some areas on the pics where I need to blend again, but can do this easily, as the gouache can be reworked as many time as needed, until it is varnished.

Thanks for looking,

Steve

 

[Eludia]

Thanks for the examples of what can be achieved with gouache Steve.

You may remember I gave them a go a few months ago but they've been stuck in a cupboard since then. This might be the little nudge I need to dig them out again for another go

 

[valiant]

Thanks Billy. People might say why not just use oils? Well, its a question of time really. I dont have a permanent work area, so have to set up and take down after each session, so whilst I have my water and brushes its much easier to use gouache, rather than having to set up two lots of materials!! They have similar properties to oils, but dry quickly and can be reworked. Also, if you stuff it up, as I frequently do, you can wash it off under the tap!!

 

[peedee]

This is interesting Steve,
A friend of mine used to use gouache paints for his Historex models, spray varnish not being very matt in the 70's, none of us used that paint and seal technique.
It could have saved Tommy an awful lot of bad language when he tried to add a wash over the top of the base layers.
He cursed like a trooper.
Paul.

 

[valiant]

I can honestly say Ive never used gouache on anything other than faces, but the principle would be the same - not sure how the varnish would appear on a larger surface?

I can feel an experiment coming on.....!!

 

[Mirofsoft]

If you remember the painted fig from Labayen ( 60ies 70ies ) they were painted with Plaka


collection Ivo Preda

 

[peedee]

I used Pelikan Plaka casseon emulsion for many years it was the only genuinely velvet matt paint I could find if I could still get it I would add a youch to certain acrylics couloursknowing it would matt them too.

No-one stocks it in N.W. England anymore in small jars.

Sigh.....

Paul.

 

[Rich Sculpts]

I used Pelikan Plaka casseon emulsion for many years it was the only genuinely velvet matt paint I could find if I could still get it I would add a youch to certain acrylics couloursknowing it would matt them too.

No-one stocks it in N.W. England anymore in small jars.

Sigh.....

Paul.

Paul they are still available. Try Curtis Ward (a good company to deal with) - Pelikan Plaka Velvet Matt Casein Paint 50ml

Alternativley - try eBay Pelikan Plaka Paints 50ml "ALL COLOURS" Water Based Casein Emulsion Paint 50m

-Rich

 

[peedee]

You are a diamond Rich

Cheers

Paul.