Gouache is often described as the "bold cousin of watercolour"—a paint that bridges the transparent delicacy of watercolour and the opaque strength of acrylic or oil. But long before it became a favourite medium for illustrators, designers, and fine artists, gouache had a vibrant and storied past. Its history stretches across centuries, cultures, and technologies, making it one of the most enduring forms of artistic expression.

What Is Gouache?

Before diving into its history, let’s clarify what gouache actually is.

Gouache (pronounced "gwash") is a water-based paint made of finely ground pigment, a binder like gum arabic, and often an opacifier such as chalk or white pigment (like titanium dioxide). This formula gives gouache its signature matte, velvety finish and high opacity, allowing artists to layer light colours over dark—something traditional watercolour cannot do.

Origins in Antiquity

The roots of gouache reach back to ancient Egypt, where artists mixed pigment with water and a binder to create opaque paints for murals and papyri. Similarly, Persian and Indian miniatures dating as far back as the 9th and 10th centuries used a form of opaque water-based paint remarkably similar in function and appearance to what we now call gouache.

In Europe, gouache found its earliest home in medieval illuminated manuscripts, where scribes and artists used it to render brilliant miniatures on vellum. The intense, flat colour helped enhance legibility and decorative contrast on religious and literary texts.

Renaissance and Baroque Uses

By the 15th and 16th centuries, gouache had become a key tool for artists working in cartoons (full-scale drawings) for frescoes, tapestries, and stained glass. Its quick-drying nature and ease of correction made it ideal for preparatory work.

During the Baroque period, gouache was used alongside watercolours in topographical paintings—particularly by travelling artists who needed fast, portable media to capture landscapes and architecture.

The 18th and 19th Centuries: Designers and Decorators

Gouache flourished in the 1700s as decorative artists and wallpaper designers embraced it for its intense colour and opacity. By the 19th century, gouache was a staple in the kits of fashion illustrators, poster designers, and theatrical set painters.

French artists in particular—such as Jean-Baptiste Oudry and later Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec—used gouache for both studies and final works.

The 20th Century: Fine Art and Illustration

The 20th century saw gouache firmly establish itself in both fine art and commercial art circles.

• Pablo Picasso used gouache in his early works and sketches.
• Henri Matisse famously employed gouache for his iconic paper cut-outs, hand-colouring sheets of paper with pure, matte tones.
• Paul Klee experimented with gouache in his mixed media abstractions.

In parallel, gouache became the industry standard for commercial illustrators. Before computers, it was the medium of choice for advertising layouts, storyboards, book covers, and animation backgrounds. Its vibrant, consistent coverage photographed well and could be easily reproduced.

Modern Gouache: A Medium Reimagined

Today, gouache is enjoying a renaissance among fine artists, illustrators, designers, and urban sketchers alike. Thanks to its forgiving nature and vivid colour payoff, it’s ideal for beginners and professionals alike.

With the rise of designer gouache—a term often used for highly pigmented, matte gouache used in graphic design—brands have refined their formulas to deliver even better performance. Some modern gouache is rewettable and compatible with watercolours, while others (like acrylic gouache) dry waterproof and permanent.

Gouache at Jackman’s Art Materials

At Jackman’s, we believe that a medium with such a rich legacy deserves the finest materials. Our gouache line is crafted with the same care and pigment focus as our professional watercolours—offering intense colour, smooth handling, and a velvety matte finish beloved by artists across disciplines.

Whether you're illustrating children's books, exploring abstract composition, or adding gouache to your plein air kit, you're joining a tradition that spans centuries.

Why Choose Gouache?

• Matte finish ideal for scanning and reproduction
• Can be reactivated like watercolour
• Excellent layering and coverage
• Vivid colour payoff without gloss
• Great for mixed media

Final Thoughts

Gouache may not get as much attention as oil or watercolour, but it’s one of the most versatile, historical, and rewarding mediums available. From ancient manuscripts to modern masterpieces, gouache continues to empower artists to work boldly, confidently, and with total control over their colour.

Want to be part of gouache’s future?
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