Welcome to a lesson on stamping and gouache together! I’m pairing the lesson with a celebration with Colorado Craft Company’s Christmas in July release – they always throw the best parties!
Gouache is opaque watercolor – it has some properties of watercolor, but also a few others! There are many techniques to use, and in my previous post, Getting Started with Gouache Painting, is one you might decide to visit to get tons more information!
(See the bloghop list as well as prize info at the end of this post!)
Tutorial: Using strong color: stamping and gouache!
Not all the cards are shown in process, but several are…..see notes below along with photos for tips from each card.
Watch the video below and scroll to the end to leave comments or questions — or click HERE to watch it on YouTube and leave comments over there. I read both dutifully!
Just Add Snow
Just Add Snow is a set with two images – I made two cards, one with an extremely simple background (a flood of color) and the other has clouds painted atop it. In the Gouache Jumpstart class, students will learn both clouds plus 2 different techniques to make birch bark.
Bird Perch Mini
Bird Perch Mini has the rabbit and bird as two stamps; the image on the package shows the bird standing on the rabbit’s ear, but I opted for top of the head to point toward the sentiment.
The bunny was stamped, then the background was painted on top of the edges of the stamp lines. As you saw in the video, a little bird is easy to paint atop a light background color. And the MISTI makes it so easy to restamp with each figure added to the scene!
Gift Exchange
Gift Exchange is going to be a card for my sister’s cat from my dog! They haven’t met, but my sister fell in love with Vienna when she visited me recently, and Vienna loves kitties and is gentle with them. I think they’d be pals.
Since I wanted the to be nose-to-nose, I had to have an alternate plan for stamping since I couldn’t do them together. I chose to paint the background around the dog stamp, then paint the cat on top, since it wouldn’t mean painting white on top of red.
Sneaky Mice
Sneaky Mice is a sweet little peekaboo mouse scene. I debated whether to put them in an indoor or outdoor setting; I liked outdoor, because it shows Santa visits the critters out in the wild, it’s not just sneaky mice stealing people’s stocking stuffers!
The moon shows what gouache looks like when color “lifts”; the white was painted atop the blue, and picked up some color. In this case I left it since it made it look more moon-like!
Mice Lights
With a complex image like Mice Lights, painting the background right across the entire stamp was the approach I took. That meant the yellow is underneath all the tangle of wires, and painting them on top worked great.
Cozy Cat
In this painting of Cozy Cat. gouache was helpful! I had painted the wall in the back a dusty rose color and decided the complex image was a little too messy for a light color – the eye needed help to “see” all the detail. I could paint the nice flat black right over it easily in gouache.
Meowy Christmas
A simply drawn image like Meowy Christmas is easy to paint since it’s just shapes. But getting flat coverage takes practice! (Clearly I need more. ha!) Have some tiny brushes on hand for making patterns on giftwrap.
Peaceful Fox
I painted Peaceful Fox in a much looser illustrative style. Starting with dark color to deepen the center of the tree and eliminating one figure under the tree, then using water to spread the color to the outside and giving it a watercolor feel. I could then get very loose and messy with the pine branches, especially since I was adding thick chunky snow. And a toothbrush makes wonderful fine snow!
Mice Ornaments
I bet you didn’t know mice decorate trees! Mice Ornaments has two lil mice hugging a snowman ornament. I had painted this without knowing what I’d do for a scene; there was a lot of white and especially the snowman looked “weak” on a white background. That meant darkening it to increase contrast which worked well. I painted over the string on the snowman and tail on the little mouse, and could just paint them back in on top with gouache.
3 Kings
Last but not least the 3 Kings!
This went through stages – first painted by itself, not knowing the ‘scene’ that I would create. Since I’d stamped the star I knew it would be night and started increasing shadows, then it was still so busy against the bluish purple sky – so I put them inside a barn to give it a nice dramatic frame.
About that class!
The new Gouache Jumpstart class teaches color theory for the first few lessons, then jumps into paintings…..you don’t need drawing skills! I made them nice and easy, and there’s photos in case you decide to trace them.
There is not any stamping in the course, however – this video today has been added to the PreClass lesson. So if you decide to try it later, that’ll be handy when you do for ideas on how you can maybe tackle stamping and gouache together!
Bloghop and giveaway!
There are 2 giveaways!!
CCC will give away one free clear stamp set from comments on my blog – they will choose the winner randomly and contact them.
If you use my affiliate link (any on this page) to make a purchase, you will be entered to win the entire release. . ($270 Value!!)
Bloghop links:
IG:
Adam Karle
Jasleen Kaur
Joe Sysavath
Laura Inguz
Traci Jenkins
Supplies
Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art
- Colorado Craft Company Complete Bundle-Save 10%
- Colorado Craft Company Stamps Only Bundle-Save 5%
- Colorado Craft Company Individual stamps (see website for dies)
- GOUACHE:
- Winsor and Newton Intro Gouache Set 10 colors: Blick • Amazon
- OR Daniel Smith Gouache –
- Hansa Yellow Medium
- Hansa Yellow Deep
- Pyrrol Scarlet
- Quinacridone Magenta
- Ultramarine
- Cobalt
- Permanent Green Light
- Yellow Ochre
- Titanium White
- Lamp Black
- PALETTE: Joybest airtight palette
- BRUSHES: Jack Richeson travel brush set for gouache Blick • Amazon
- GOUACHE PROTECTION:
Subscribe to receive blog posts by email:
108 Comments
Submit a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I love your cards and your art. Signed up for gouche class (sadly paid before finding’celebrate’ code, but Happy Artversary! Also loved your video about your art instructor and purchased her insect look and find book for my daughter and I. Thanks so much!
Oh I’m so glad someone bought the book! She’d be most happy a kiddo is enjoying her work ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Such wonderful cards, I will take your class on gouache, so excited!
Love love love these! I found the perfect one for my xmas card this year!
Wow. Amazing cards. I love all of them.
I loved seeing how you used the Misti with the adorable new Jeram release. The gouache is so much fun. The little book for your new class is absolutely adorable.
Absolutely wonderful cards! Loving this CCC release! Thanks for sharing!
Nice look at the sets and ideas for painting style.
I love these cards! So excited about the new CCC release. Some of the card designs, especially the “gift exchange” one, remind me of the style of cards in your video about color block doodling cards, which also featured CCC stamps. I love the bright colors.
You did a fabulous job. Anyone would be delighted to receive one.
What beautiful cards! I always look forward to seeing what you do, as you are so very talented. My favorites of this set are the bunny and bird looking toward the sky and the mouse peeking into the stocking, set outside. Thanks for sharing your talent with us! I’ve never used gouache, so I’ll have to try it.
So much cuteness in this latest Anita Jeram release. Now you’ve done it. I’m in trouble in a good way. I have a set of gouache paints sitting on a shelf for years, after being told by an reputable artist who was visiting my Childs school, lucky me, that I needed to paint with “gouache paints” after I damaged my lungs painting with commercial oils for a nativity scene for my church. I didn’t know how to really use gouache and was terrified to start. Well last night while trying to work, I saw the BIG Anita Event and couldn’t resist Uh Oh. Anyway I was drawn to your name and clicked. I had already placed a small order and your tutorial stirred my soul and I am so excited to get the stamps and try the gouache out, if it isn’t totally dried out- or I’ll run to get more. You were so thorough, I feel I can do this. Thank you! CCC has the best team ever and supporting artist. Now, I feel confident to start painting again. I will be watching you, Sandy to learn more. You are awesome and I feel blessed that God guided me to watch your tutorial. I didn’t purchase the whole set because I need to use what I have. But I will purchase one more set just to say Thank you. I don’t think I submitted a previous comment. The comment before me was also as excited as I am, but no, I never revealed about my lung damage due to a project and I am the ONLY Cindy Madrulli on the planet. Cheers, that you have so many like minded fans. We adore your style, right after Anita Jeram. Two Thumbs up to all the artist who are a part of the 3C experience.
So much cuteness in this latest Anita Jeram release. Now you’ve done it. I’m in trouble in a good way. I have a set of gouache paints sitting on a shelf for years, after being told by an extremely famous artist who was visiting my Childs school, lucky me, that I needed to paint with “gouache paints” after I damaged my lungs painting with commercial oils for a nativity scene for my church. I didn’t know how to really use gouache and was terrified to start. Well last night while trying to work, I saw the BIG Anita Event and couldn’t resist Uh Oh. Anyway I was drawn to your name and clicked. I had already placed a small order and your tutorial stirred my soul and I am so excited to get the stamps and try the gouache out, if it isn’t totally dried out- or I’ll run to get more. You were so thorough, I feel I can do this. Thank you! CCC has the best team ever and supporting artist. Now, I feel confident to start painting again. I will be watching you Sandy to learn more. You are awesome and I feel blessed that God guided me to watch your tutorial. I didn’t purchase the whole set because I need to use what I have. But I will purchase one more set just to say Thank you.
Oops, you can remove any one of my comments. I need to get back to work. Fire me, I over click.
WOW ! What a wonderful bunch of cards with this new release. As usual you amaze me with your beautiful scenes whatever the media you use. Love how these cards look with gouache, you make me want to try !
Your cards are amazing. I never thought to use gouache paint.
As always your work is beautiful. Paint scares me a bit-haven’t had much luck with it. However, I look forward to your blog in my email and who knows maybe it will become a new favorite. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Oh my, Sandy! Your card with the We Tree Kings set is incredible. I love thee light coming through the door of the stable (or barn).
You are so talented Sandy. Love, love, love your cards and tips. Thank you so much for the inspiration today.
These scenes all came out beautiful! I love how you painted them!
These cards look amazing. I will have to try this.
Sandy, you are soooo talented! I am very inspired by EVERYTHING you draw, create, and can’t seem to get enough….Your work is beyond words. Thank you for all you do!
Wow! Your cards are great. I love the shadowed look of the 3 kings card.
Beautiful! I must get my gouache paints out now.
You have been an inspiration to me on so many levels.
Your cards are all so beautiful and whimsical and fun! Thank your for all the inspiration with these dtps
Sandy Allnock and Colorado Craft , what a fabulous combination, loved everything in the release and the extraordinary way you paint and present art, loved , loved it all!
Hi Sandy, You bring Anita Jeram’s stamps to life and this release is no different! Thank you for sharing your inspiration and techniques with us. I love your scenes! <3
Wow! You have been busy. Beautiful cards and I especially like the background with the birch tree – so pretty! I enjoyed watching your video and appreciate you sharing your talent with us.
Love your cards! My fav is the Three Kings card. The bright colors of all the cards jump at you, yet don’t feel “in your face.” I have an unused cheap Gauche set. Might just have to break it out and try them!
Wow! What an amazing set of cards Sandy! I just love your wonderful use of colour and the look of gouache on these adorable scenes! I’m sure they will all find a very special place in lots of homes over Christmas. So sweet and special for Christmas!! Thanks so much for the great inspiration!!
Lovely cards, and you use them in such creative ways. Very cute stamps
Just amazing. You are wonderful and give so much inspiration. I truly grow as an artist with all that you share. Thank you
Wow! Beautifully colored cards! I love them all!
Amazing cards! And so is the new release! Love that airtight palette.
Anita has such cute stamps. The new Christmas ones are so sweet! And you Sandy are my secret crush. lol I want to be alike you when I grow up. (shhh. don’t tell anybody Y I am going to be 64 next month) I have a few of your things and your hex chart has actually helped me a lot with my colors. This is a whole new painting is a type of painting I have never heard of but I like it. You are such an amazing teacher and I am forever grateful that you share your wonderful talents with us.
sorry about the typos in my other comment. that is my glitchy hp mouse thing on the keyboard. did not see until I posted. Hope you understand what I mean
I learn so much from you. All my art supplies were packed away for two years while I was waiting to move, watching your videos helped me connect to the art world even though I couldn’t do any of what you were showing. Your explanation of what gouache is and the strong colors you can create with it was an aha moment. I loved your cards.
You are a great teacher – I love your classes. I am a big fan of the Anita Jeram illustrations so the combination of your teaching and her images makes me very happy!!
Your process is so amazing to watch. Just LOVE the scenes your create!
I enjoy it when you pair stamping and painting as I am always looking for new ways to use my stamps!
Absolutely love your work and how you’ve used the CCC stamps! Hoping to sign up to your gouache intro class soon.
These cards are amazing due to your gift of painting. Your technique is inspiring. Thank you for sharing. Love your ideas.
Love this technique. Your cards are just adorable!
I love your cards. Now you’ve made me want to try gouache!
Thank you, Sandy! I’ve never thought of using stamps with gouache. These paintings are adorable!
You are so talented and generous in your teachings. A huge thank you ❤️
I am always in awe of what you show us! Thank you Sandy!!!
I always to try stamping, but never found the time! This looks like such fun!
These cards are the cutest! Especially the gift exchange. I’ll have to check out your class. Nothing I paint over red looks that good
You give such great instructions and making me think twice about a gouache purchase. Thanks for the inspiration!
I so love watching your videos on how you paint. Soo instructional! Love you cards.
I love Anita Jerams work. No wonder I am collecting her stamps. Such a beautiful release and your coloring is amazing. I think I have to start with gouache now…
Another fun Jeram release <3
I love the gouache look too! Thanks for the inspiration!