About the Demo

Have you heard about gouache? It’s an opaque water media that’s having a moment on social media. Artists like it for its vivid color, ability to layer, and quick-dry properties. But it requires finesse in terms of water use and paint manipulation. 

In this demo I will create a gouache landscape showing a scene from my travels in Europe. I start with a reference photo, a value sketch, and a drawing on watercolor paper. As I begin to apply paint, I’ll explain my approach to color and my techniques to get the best out of this versatile medium. More of my work can be seen at www.LindaHugues.com.

The demo will be filmed and shown live on Zoom.

Artist Statement

For me travel is a delight to the senses. It leaves me yearning to translate that emotion into paint. I especially love sunlit views with strong forms and bright colors, woven with a suggestion of activity and connection. 

As I start each painting my aim is to convey what is unique about the architecture, landscape, and light of that particular location. I also like to include people because they bring the scene to life.

My process includes a strong focus on composition, achieved by starting with a value sketch. Then I’ll use color to evoke the unique sense of light and atmosphere in that special place. I typically work in oil for large paintings and gouache for smaller works.