Getting Started with GOUACHE in 2024 ✶ BEST Palettes, gouache, accessories for beginners

2023 was the year I picked up gouache properly, and it was your blog posts and videos that really helped me make my decisions on colours! So thank you for that! Gouache really is such a rewarding medium, and it teaches you so much about painting. I'm usually a get all the colours kind of girl, but thanks to your advice I've stuck to a smaller amount so I mix most of my colours, and that's been so rewarding too. And the paper thing you mention, so true. Gouache's unpickiness has allowed me to use up papers I didn't love too much, and create beautiful pieces regardless!

A sponge with parchment paper in tupperware works as a wet palette too.

I feel like this is the first Tips video I've seen in a long time that has numerous, completely new-to-me tips- thank you so much. I especially appreciated the water storage options that separate out groups of colours. Will definitely be using that. Thanks so much for sharing

To clean a stained plastic palette a melamine sponge (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) works wonderfully. Just moisten the sponge and rub it across the surface. It has always taken all the stains out for me. I have also tried sample product from Turners that is designed to clean palettes - “Turner Palette Cleaner” that works well also. I just found that I always have magic eraser sponges on hand so it’s one less thing I need to buy. Hope this helps! Thank you Sarah for all your hard work you put into your videos. Your attention to detail and your teaching style is so appreciated! Thank You!

Your video inspired me to clean out a watercolor palette I wasn’t using and make a dry gouache palette instead! I’ve been avoiding painting because it’s just a commitment to set everything all up and I hope this makes it easier to do more often!

I love this video! I admire your expertise, practicality, program and presentation. I painted with gouache when I was in high school, and put it away to pursue other interests. I’m close to 60 and have this sudden interest in the arts and all things creative. Your advice is invaluable and I plan to view your videos and absorb the content.

Just watched your art chat with Lindsey (thefrugalcrafter) and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was lively and informative, with lots of tips and zero dull moments! The two of you seemed so comfortable with each other -- a couple of art buddies talking about their favorite subject. I highly recommend it!

If you keep your studio pallet in a zip lock baggie, it stays wet for ages!! No need for anything special. I spray my paints with a bit of water after every session and I’m good to go for the next session!

loved hearing all your advice. FYI - The clear plastic sheet (or perspex is what I actually use) is the best and fantastic. If i want a white palette I put a white piece of paper underneath the clear and I have a white palette. if i want a grey palette I put a grey piece of paper underneath, black etc and so on. you can put a beige piece of paper underneath your clear one and then you have the beige palette you want

Really enjoying the video but just had to stop part way to say that I use vintage square or rectangular enamelware lids / trays as palettes - they are wonderful to mix on (I'm not a fan of plastic trays) and are lighter than the ceramic. Bonus is that I can also attach paintboxes, water dishes, or anything else I want using magnets. I have a variety of sizes, all white with either blue or black edges.

Supply videos and discussions are always so fun to watch 😊. Gouache is rather pricey where I live no matter what brand I choose so I end up buying a little bit from each brand and wait for sales.

I LOVE that you are emphasizing a limited palette. I got lost in watercolors with too many colors and I intend to not repeat that mistake with gouache!

You kept me company as I collaged this morning, while sipping my favorite coffee. What a wonderful way to begin my Saturday. Thank You Sarah ❤

17:11 not sure if you've tried an enamel butcher tray but they are a great alternative to a ceramic tray that is much lighter! Love them.

Brilliant. So much detail! I'm humbled.

Aha! The very video i needed this weekend!!

Fantastic update, thank you Sarah ❤

Thank you — this was super helpful! I agree with you about the limited palette. When I first tried gouache, I got the 24 Himi set, and while I didn’t mind using the paint, I found that many colors to be so overwhelming that I never wanted to use it. I’ve since switched to tubes and have 8 colors, including white and black, and that is much more manageable!

❤❤❤ Wonderful and so informative!!! Thank you Sarah!!!

You’re tips are always useful 😊