2025 Workshop 4

Vibrant Illustrations with Gouache: Seasonal Paintings

In this workshop, we will be creating four sketchbook spreads illustrating different subjects for each season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, using gouache paint. We will bring the seasons to life by illustrating their beauty with vibrant colors and detail. This four-part workshop will cover techniques on how to paint with gouache, how to keep the colors vibrant and make your illustrations jump off the page.

Gouache cactuses by Sofia Pavan Macias — Artwork by Sofia Pavan Macias

Lesson 1: Summer - Keep Your Gouache Vibrant

Instructions

We’ll paint summer-inspired illustrations with gouache: a cactus, a watermelon slice, and a seashell. I’ll share tips on keeping your gouache looking vibrant on the page, along with color mixing tips for creating vibrant hues even with a limited palette.

Lesson 2: Fall - Layering Gouache for Depth and Dimension

Instructions

We’ll paint cozy fall-themed illustrations with gouache: a slice of pie, an acorn, and a pumpkin. I’ll guide you through layering gouache to add depth and dimension to your illustrations.

Lesson 3: Winter - Using References Creatively

Instructions

We’ll paint some wintery illustrations with gouache: cozy slippers, a mug of hot chocolate, and a pomegranate. I’ll also share how I use reference photos in a way that helps me illustrate creatively without having to copy the references exactly.

Lesson 4: Spring  - Capturing Textures with Gouache

Instructions

We’ll paint springtime illustrations with gouache: a baby chick, a tulip, and some wild strawberries. I’ll show you how to use gouache to capture a variety of textures, from soft fur to the glossy skin of a strawberry.