Gouache is a water-based paint consisting of natural pigments suspended in water and bound with a water-soluble gum arabic binder. Similar to watercolor and tempera, gouache is opaque and can be thinned with water. Unlike watercolor, gouache dries to a matte finish and can be re-wetted and reactivated. This makes it a versatile medium for a variety of painting techniques, from thin washes to thick impasto applications.
Gouache has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. It was a popular medium for manuscript illumination and was later used by artists such as Albrecht Drer and Hans Holbein the Younger. In the 20th century, gouache was adopted by a number of modern artists, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Edward Hopper. Today, gouache is still used by artists of all kinds, from illustrators to fine artists. It is a versatile and affordable medium that is well-suited for a variety of painting techniques.
