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Learn and Grow Like We Were Young

I spent two weeks completing my first gouache painting. Our instructor provided photo references and gouache supplies for us to choose from. After finishing the sketch, we began painting with gouache. Since most of us were new to this medium, our instructor demonstrated how to mix it with water for the best results. Unlike watercolors, gouache is an opaque medium, so it’s essential to apply the colors with enough thickness. We were taught to start with darker colors in the first layer and then add lighter colors on top. White can be directly applied over darker hues to create a shiny effect.

While painting, some of our classmates asked if they were doing it correctly and good to proceed further. Our instructor reminded us that there are no direct answers in the journey of learning to paint. “Just do it, and with time, you’ll develop your own understanding and keep improving”—of course, with her guidance whenever necessary.

Exploring Color Themes

Our instructor also emphasized that “everyone will have a different color theme they naturally gravitate towards. Some prefer bright and warm tones, while others lean towards cool and muted shades—that’s perfectly fine. The color theme you’re drawn to reflects your unique artistic style.”

For my first attempt with gouache, I followed the color theme of the reference photo I had chosen. However, I didn’t mix the paint with water as well as I should have, so the texture of the drawing paper is still visible, especially on the vase in the middle of my painting. You can also see some patches of color in other areas, but our instructor reassured us that this is normal when painting by hand.

Learning Through Experience

Learning art is much like growing from a child to an adult. When you fall down (make mistakes), you have to get back up and keep moving forward (learn from those mistakes and improve).

“The road to learning painting is full of ups and downs, which makes it wonderful. The same is true for life.”