Gouache cactus 6 styles
6 different styles to paint cactus with gouache
In this class I will show you different ways to use gouache, I will cover the basics of gouache, the supplies you need and will detail six different styles. At the end of the class you’ll be able to use this knowledge in different gouache paintings.
The first style can be called realistic, with a lot of fine details. I’ll show you real time how I paint and explain how I mix, later, smudge, texture to achieve a realistic look.
Next we will move to a more stylized look with smaller cacti, and less details. What is interesting is to paint a lot of different pots and leaves.
The third style is very loose, and we will be painting directly with our brush, without any prior drawing. This is an interesting skill to acquire, and it can be very useful. Then we add a loose outline to achieve this cool effect.
Moving along to style #4 which is on dark background. The values are changing quite a lot when you paint on dark for example, and you have to adjust to get this dramatic effect. We will enhance it with colored pencils, soft pastel or wax pastels.
Style #5 is made with vignettes in a pastel palette (or a different one if you prefer!), placing carefully our colors to achieve a balanced composition. We will add colored pencil on top to add dynamism.
Last style will be to use gouache as watercolor. Both are water-based medium and gouache can be diluted (almost) like watercolor.
You can learn more about the difference between gouache and watercolor, and how to think when you're painting with both mediums.
Course Curriculum
What students say about the class
A really fun tutorial that gives some lovely examples of using gouache. I really enjoyed it and will put the skills to use. Recommend it to anyone.
Sarah
Loved Cecile’s class! Especially how I’ve never thought about using pencil colors for sketches (I’m a newbie with gouache) and also loved how Cecile even corrected one of the cactus that she did not like how it was painted without fear! It’s just such a lovely class with so many fun projects to work through! Thank you Cecile - I’m moving on to your next classes now :)
Mamta
This course is definitely beginner friendly, but also suitable for people who already have some experience with gouache. Many examples are shown and you are invited to try different styles.
Jenni
Cecile Yadro
I’m Cecile, a French artist, both digital and traditional. Gouache is my favorite medium.
Art can help you express yourself, find your voice, and discover who you are. And I want to help you do that.
I've been teaching art classes for six years, and I've seen how powerful they can be for more than 23,000 students.
With my easy and inspiring tutorials for beginners, I empower you to express yourself and give you the tools for creativity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
what experience is it aimed for?
The class is for all levels, it's beginner friendly, with step-by-step instructions.
how many hours of instruction for each of the many many cacti that you talk about
It's hard to say, the total for all the class is more than 2,5 hours of videos.
is it in real-time, showing us how to mix and shape each of the many many cacti ?
Yes, it's real time with detailed instructions for each step. Except when it's the same cactus in a different color where I have sped up the video, but you are able to use the step-be-step detailed one.
