Painting with Gouache
Spring Class | Registration opens Wednesday, February 4, 2026 12:00 AM EST
Gouache (opaque watercolor) is a fun and versatile water-based medium that combines the convenience of watercolor with the ability to paint light colors over dark, like oil or acrylic, making it easy to layer, change and correct. The class will explore using gouache with a variety of subjects, including landscape, still life and architecture. Beginners are welcome, and experienced gouache painters will be introduced to an extended range of techniques. Gouache will also be explored as an excellent medium for sketchbooks and journaling. Students will learn how to mix a wide range of beautiful colors from a simple palette of only 5 colors plus white. The class will include demonstrations by the instructor as well as individual instruction at each student’s level of experience.
SCHEDULE NOTES:
The Community Arts Center will be closed for Spring Break from 3/29/26-4/5/26.
No class on 4/1/26.
- Materials to bring to class:
Gouache paint (Winsor & Newton, Holbein and M. Graham are a few good brands, NOT Himi or “acrylic gouache”),
Colors: Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Yellow Pale or Light (not “Hue”), Perelyne Maroon (W&N) or Alizarin Crimson, Winsor Red (W&N), or Pyrrol Red (M. Graham) or Pure Red (Holbein), Burnt Sienna, Permanent White (you may want a large tube of white)
Short handled synthetic brushes labeled for mixed media or acrylic
1/2 inch flat wash (or shader)
1/4 inch flat wash (or #6 or #8 flat shader) - ideally, 2 of these
#4 or #6 round
1/2 inch angle Small fan (1 inch or similar)
Heavy (140lb / 300gsm) watercolor or mixed media paper — hot press, vellum or cold press surface, 9x12” or 8x10”
Watercolor palette with generous mixing area, or “Masterson Sta-Wet Handy Palette”
Spray Mister bottle, for keeping palette wet
Water container - cup or jar
Charley Parker
Charley Parker studied painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. For the past several years he has been teaching at the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware College of Art and Design and Jester Artspace. Charley works in and teaches workshops and classes in gouache, water mixable oil and ink and watercolor. Charley is the author of the popular arts blog, Lines and Colors: http://linesandcolors.com
Website: http://www.charleyparker.com