Yes, you absolutely can mix gouache paints together! Mixing gouache colors is a fundamental aspect of working with this versatile medium, allowing artists to create an infinite range of hues, shades, and tints.
Mixing gouache paints allows you to expand your palette beyond the tubes you purchase. By understanding basic principles like the color wheel and the properties of gouache, artists can achieve precise colors needed for their work. As the reference states, by understanding these basic concepts of color theory, you can mix gouache colors that work well together and achieve the desired mood and atmosphere in your artwork.
Why Mix Gouache Paints?
Mixing offers several key advantages for artists using gouache:
- Custom Color Creation: Achieve the exact shade or tone you envision, which may not be available straight from the tube.
- Value and Saturation Control: Easily adjust the lightness (value) or intensity (saturation) of a color by adding white, black, or complementary colors.
- Cost-Effectiveness: A smaller selection of primary or key colors can be mixed to create a wide palette, potentially saving money.
- Harmonious Palettes: Mix colors from a limited set to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look across your artwork.
How to Mix Gouache
Mixing gouache is similar to mixing other water-based paints like watercolor or acrylics, but with gouache's unique opaque properties in mind.
Basic Principles
- Start Small: Begin with small amounts of paint and gradually add more of the colors needed to achieve the desired result.
- Use a Palette: Mix on a non-absorbent surface like a ceramic palette, plastic tray, or even a simple plate.
- Consider Water: Gouache is water-soluble. A little water helps with blending, but too much can reduce opacity and vibrancy.
- Swatch Testing: Always test your mix on a scrap piece of paper, ideally the same type you'll be using for your final artwork, as colors can change slightly when dry.
Mixing Common Variations
Here are some common mixing goals and how to achieve them:
- Creating Tints (Lighter Colors): Add white gouache to a color. Gouache white is opaque and works effectively for this.
- Creating Shades (Darker Colors): Add black gouache or a dark complementary color. Be cautious with black, as it can quickly overpower other colors.
- Lowering Saturation (Dulling Colors): Add a small amount of the color's complement (opposite on the color wheel) or a neutral gray.
- Mixing Specific Hues: Combine primary colors (red, yellow, blue) or secondary colors (green, orange, violet) in varying ratios.
Examples
| Result Desired | Mix Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light Blue | Blue + White | Add white gradually for control. |
| Dark Green | Green + Black (or Dark Blue/Violet) | Use very little black initially. |
| Muted Red | Red + Green (complement) | A tiny amount of green will gray the red. |
| Orange | Yellow + Red | Adjust ratio for more yellow-orange or red-orange. |
Mixing gouache is an iterative process. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what results you can achieve!
