Tiffany Haney
Gouache is a type of paint that is sold in tubes or cups. It can also be used in the form of cakes or pans, which are more portable and convenient than traditional tubes. While using gouache in pans, one must be cautious about the quality and accept the loss of its creamy consistency. Gouache pans are ideal for travel as they are less messy and easy to carry. Artists can make their own gouache pans by pouring the paint into empty pans and adding a few drops of glycerine, honey, and ox gall to prevent cracking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can gouache be used in pans? | Yes |
| Why use pans? | More portable than tubes or cups, less mess |
| Downsides of pans | Loss of creamy consistency, harder to get intense colour mixes |
| How to make your own gouache pans? | Mix gouache with honey, glycerine, and ox gall; pour into pans and let dry |
| Tips | Use honeywater, not Arabic gum; use a toothpick to ensure paint gets in all corners of the pan |
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What You'll Learn
Gouache pans are more portable than tubes or cups
Gouache pans are also known as "cakes" and are simply dried gouache paint that has been reactivated with water. They are a great option for plein air painting as they are lightweight and can be easily carried in a backpack or bag without the worry of spills or leaks. With tubes or cups, there is always the risk of the paint spilling or the tube being crushed, creating a mess.
To use gouache in pan form, simply add a drop or two of water to each colour before you leave for your painting trip, and it should be ready to use when you need it. You can also add a few drops of medium to the paint to slow down the drying process and keep it moist for longer. This is especially useful if you plan to paint at a leisurely pace and want to avoid the paint drying on your palette.
Making your own gouache pans is a simple process. All you need is an empty watercolour palette and empty pans made for filling watercolour paint. If you plan to use large brushes, opt for full pans, and if you want a smaller kit, go for half pans. Fill the pans with fresh paint, tap them on a table to spread the paint, add more paint, and let them air dry. You can arrange the colours in a chromatic wheel or however you prefer.
While gouache pans are more portable, it is important to note that the paint may lose its creamy consistency when dried. Additionally, some colours may crack or crumble, and the opacity may be reduced when the paint is reactivated with water. It is recommended to use high-quality artist-grade paint to avoid these issues.
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You can make your own gouache pans with honey, glycerine, and ox gall
Gouache is a water-based paint that artists have used for centuries. It is known for its opacity and vibrant colours. It is usually sold in tubes, but it can also be purchased in pans or cakes.
Gouache pans are more portable than tubes, making them a convenient option for travel. They are also less messy and easier to transport. However, the paint in pans may lose its creamy consistency and opacity.
If you want to ensure the quality of your gouache pans, you can make your own. To do this, you will need an empty watercolour palette and empty pans made for filling watercolour. You can buy a set of plastic full and half pans and prepare them yourself with tube paint. If you are using large brushes, use full pans, and if you want to make a tinier kit, use smaller half pans.
To make your own gouache pans with honey, glycerine, and ox gall, follow these steps:
- Fill your pan with fresh gouache paint.
- Tap the pan on the table to spread the paint, and then complete with some more paint.
- Let it air dry.
- Once the paint is dry, add a thin layer of warm honey-water on top. You can mix honey with a little bit of water and microwave it for a few seconds to dissolve the honey into the water.
- Blend the honey-water with the paint using a small pin or a toothpick.
- Add 2-4 drops of glycerine and 2 drops of ox gall.
- Stir the mixture well until it is fully blended.
- Check in the coming days if some colours need more of this mix.
Some colours may need more of the mix than others, so you may need to experiment to find the right amount for each colour. It is easy to add more of the mixture if needed.
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Some brands of gouache are better suited for pans
Gouache paints are available in tubes, cups, or pans. While tubes are the most common form today, pans are more portable and convenient for travel. However, the quality of gouache in pans can vary, and some brands may be prone to cracking and crumbling.
On the other hand, brands like M. Graham have been reported to work well in pans and rewet nicely. Caran d'Ache is another brand that offers gouache in pan form, with 14 colors and a larger white tube to lighten the shades. The compact packaging makes it convenient for travel.
Additionally, Royal & Langnickel GOU24 is a budget-friendly option that offers 24 colors and is known for its medium density, making it convenient for painting. For a slightly higher price, Miya offers a better set for those looking to improve their painting skills.
When choosing a brand of gouache for pans, it is essential to consider the paint's quality, portability, and ease of rewetting. Making your own pans with empty watercolor palettes and fillable pans is also an option to ensure the desired quality and arrangement of colors.
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You can slow down the drying process by mixing in a few drops of medium
Gouache is a water-based paint that is easy to clean and environmentally friendly. It is a versatile medium that offers the flexibility of watercolour while delivering the opacity of acrylics. While gouache is typically sold in tubes, it can be squeezed into empty pans, which is more cost-effective in the long run.
Gouache is known for drying quickly, which can be advantageous as it allows for easy layering. However, in dry climates or well-heated rooms, the paint can dry too rapidly, causing it to dry on the mixing tray or palette before it can be applied to the paper. This can be frustrating, especially when working on detailed pieces that require a smooth finish.
To address this issue, you can slow down the drying process by mixing in a few drops of a retarder medium. This substance simply slows down the paint's drying time, giving you extra time to work and perfect your strokes. When adding the retarder medium, use it sparingly as it remains active for some time, affecting subsequent layers if not used carefully.
The amount of retarder medium you need depends on the dryness of the ambient air. In drier conditions, you will require more of the medium. A ratio of one part medium to four or five parts gouache is recommended, but you can adjust as needed. You can add the medium directly to the paint in your palette using a dropper or a dropper bottle.
Additionally, you can mist your palette with water to extend the working time of your gouache. However, be cautious not to use too much water, as it can dilute the colours.
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Gouache pans are ideal for small sketches
Gouache pans are portable and convenient, reducing the mess created by tubes of paint that can be crushed or broken in your bag. They are also ideal for painting en plein air, as you only need a foldable bucket of water, brushes, and your gouache pan.
You can purchase ready-made gouache pans, but you can also make your own. To do this, you will need an empty watercolour palette and empty pans made for filling with paint. If using large brushes, opt for full pans, and if using small brushes or specialty colours, use half pans. You can fill the pans with paint straight from the tube, tapping the pan on a table to spread the paint and adding more paint before letting it air dry. You can arrange the colours in a chromatic wheel or with light and dark colours.
It is worth noting that gouache pans may not have the same creamy consistency as fresh gouache, and the quality can vary. Some colours may crack or crumble, and the opacity may be reduced when rewetting. However, with the right high-quality paint and a few drops of water to reactivate the paint, gouache pans can be a great option for small sketches, especially when travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gouache can be used in pans.
Pans are more portable than tubes or cups, and they also reduce mess.
Mix honey, glycerin, and oxgall with gouache and pour the mixture into pans.
Some people add water to the mixture and microwave it for a few seconds.
You will lose the creamy consistency of gouache when using it in pans, and it may be difficult to get enough opaque colour for larger areas of paper.
