What is Gouache?

I had heard about it, I had seen it before, but until last week I was unaware of my love for GOUACHE!

According to the art pro's at Dick Blicks,


Gouache is an opaque watercolor paint. Whereas transparent watercolors allow you to see the "white" of the paper below the paint, gouache can be applied in solid colors. This allows an artist to paint in layers from dark to light.


Gouache dries to a matte finish, which makes it easy to scan or reproduce electronically, since there is no glossy shine. Designer's Gouache traditionally offers colors blended from a number of pigments, but some lines of Artist's Gouache offer single-pigment colors. Student Gouache will have working characteristics similar to Designer's Gouache, but with lower pigment concentration, less expensive formulas, and a smaller range of colors.

Frying Pan Encaustic Printmaking by Me :)

Encaustic Coloring... Lovin' the Crayons!

Art Journaling..

I have been doing a little online research on Art Journaling because I will be teaching a workshop on it next month and wanted to really get familiar with the world of Art Journaling.  I found a really good blog called Daisy Yellow that goes over the basics, as well as a lot of really nice art techniques.

 Daisy Yellow Art Journaling Blog

Another awesome potter...

I ran across this ceramic artist and thought I would pass him onto you to check out.  I love how he writes and draws on his pots!  

Erik Haagensen's Website

artist Erik Haagensen

A Cool Bulletin Board!

I often substitute teach in a middle school classroom where the students are severely mentally and physically challenged.  Their bulletin board had not been done in the 2 years I had been working there so I volunteered to go in one day last month and redo it for them in a cool winter theme.  I hand drew the penguins, aren't they cute?

Some new Raku pieces..

At the Maitland Art Center, where I take pottery classes, Raku is always on the menu!  Here are a few recent pieces I have made.

small container w/lid & large bowl with copper penny raku glaze

close up of the smaller piece