Painting with gouache on panelsApproveRejectUn-ApproveSubscribeUn-Unsubscribe
Question asked 2021-02-27 13:00:10 ...
Most recent comment 2021-03-02 12:34:57
Gouache
Grounds / Priming
Pigments
Rigid Supports
I would love to hear any thoughts from a conservation standpoint regarding using gouache on prepared rigid surfaces. I paint with gouache (I typically use Holbein or Turner acryla gouache for their flatness and opacity, but have experimented with different brands) on gessoed cradled panels, either baltic birch or hardboard. Since gouache is water-soluable (though I find that the acrylic gouache is less inclined than artist's gouache to reactivate with moisture), I'm curious about whether it would be advisable to add some kind of finish to the board after the painting is done. I've experimented with a few different varnishes, but I know these kinds of finishes can be problematic, and I also don't like how the varnish changes the surface of the painting... even matte ones add some kind of sheen. Is there a way to add a level of protection from light and moisture to gouache works on panel without framing/glazing them? Thanks for any opinions.
EditDelete
Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
I think that gouache on true gesso or chalk-glue ground sounds like a fine
choice as long as it is not applied too thickly. I would not overly smooth the
ground (like one does for egg tempera) to provide a bit of mechanical tooth.
I would only varnish watercolor or gouache paintings if you want the aesthetic change
that it causes. Really only glazing will provide the protection you are
interested in. The next thing that I can think of is to frame the work in a
deep shadow frame to help prevent physical contact.
EditDelete
Moderator Answer
(mkinsey)
Gouache can shrink upon drying over a wooden or hardboard panel to the point where cracking and crazing can occur, especially when the priming swells or re-wets from taking up water. In my experience, a paper-faced support is better for gouache.
I can confirm, as Brian stated, that varnish will dramatically change the appearance of gouache. Color depth and value contrast are increased to the point that what was subtle becomes extreme, and mid-tones become extremely dark. Varnish does not, however, afford sufficient protection to prevent re-wetting from accidental contact with droplets or a damp cloth, so the finished art still needs protection in the form of glazing.
EditDelete
Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
Matthew
Thanks for weighing in. I have seen the same phenomenon you
describe on paper and cardboard supports when the gouache is applied thickly. I
was thinking that it would fine on panel in a similar manner as other water borne
media as long as the paint is not too thick. Thanks for the correction.
EditDelete
Moderator Answer
(mkinsey)
I didn't mean to contradict you, Brian. I just happen to have become an "instant expert" on gouache crazing on a primed panel when I spent way too long on a nice little painting that ended up spoiled. It looked amazing and was really nice to work on until the paint failed. There might be a way to modify the gouache so it retains a tiny measure of flexibility, but I didn't experiment further.
EditDelete
Moderator Answer
(brian baade)
It is not a big deal about the texture of the ground in this
case since its absorption should provide enough of a bond, again as long as the
paint is not applied too thickly. I have not encountered the issue that Michael
has with panels, but honestly, gouache was never one of my preferred mediums and
I defer to his judgement. Finally, individual experiences with a technique is
such a complicated issue as so many variables are possible.
This Page Last Modified On:
restricted