A Happy Medium

Yesterday I carved out some time to sit outside and paint. It was just what I needed, carefree painting in the sunshine.

Last year I picked up my paint brush after many years of neglecting the practice. I pulled out my ‘go to’ acrylic paints and started painting. I didn’t realise at the time, but acrylics were never quite the right fit for me. I struggled to get the paint to do what I wanted, always adding too much water, or so it seemed, not enough. I have attempted watercolour on occasion, but never enjoyed the muted colours.

In the back of my mind I had a vague memory of trying gouache when I was younger. I remember liking the opaque colour and how easy the paint felt when I put brush to paper. But I also recall being told it was a hard medium to use, so I never pursued it.

Then I began to see other artist experimenting with the medium and thought I should give it another try. I went to an art store and bought a student set of gouache paint.

These oranges were my first attempt at gouache after many years.

Feeling the paint glide across the paper, creamy and bright, was just how I remembered the medium to be.

I have since upgraded my student set with these Windsor and Newton tubes which are so beautiful to work with.

I am still learning so much about this beautiful medium and I’m loving every minute of it.