Watercolor Vs Gouache Vs Acrylic (10 KEY Differences!)

In this video we compare Watercolors, Gouache and Acrylics, looking at the difference between them and examining equipment, process, how to start painting and the basics of each medium.
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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Introduction
0:11 Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylics, the paints and how they re-wet
3:59 Do they dry lighter or darker?
5:11 The difference between brushes and which to choose
7:45 The surfaces you can use for these paints
10:42 Choosing the correct palette
12:45 Layering and glazing rules
15:49 How to lighten colors and whether to use white
18:42 Order of application by tone
20:45 Texture techniques and special effects
23:12 Combining these mediums together as mixed media paintings

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[drewgrant]

Michele, your videos are so informative and practical. Your demonstrations, tips and sense of humour all combine to make them very watchable. Sometimes at work I just listen to them like a podcast. It's obvious you put a great deal of effort into your presentations and take pride in your work. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[laurenb]

For anyone interested in trying out a stay wet palette for acrylics, I highly recommend looking up the DIY options. The reason being that you can figure out if you like it for very cheap and not too much effort. Then you could stick with that or eventually treat yourself to a really good one.

Also, thanks for another great video, Michelle!

[rbdreamsart]

I paint in adult coloring books and use the acrylic on top of watercolor method most of the time. I've also fallen in love with gouache and use it like both acrylic and watercolor.

[grahamramsden]

That tutorial was just perfect for me Michelle. I'm a raw beginner and initially bought everything for acrylic painting. I will now extend my paints to include water colour. I just wish I had started with water colour first. Anyway thanks for your lesson brilliant.

[audreysenior]

Just brilliant Michele! So much helpful information on so many subjects, all in one video. Thank you 🙏🥰💕

[Gingercat]

Such a helpful video, thank you!! 😊 I started learning acrylics before watercolour and it’s useful to see how the two mediums differ.

[derekbryson]

I am relatively new to painting and although I will tend to use watercolour and watercolour pencils I have Gouache paint and also Acrylic paint and didn't understand the differences and how and when to use each medium and I found your explanations very informative. Thank you.

[rodeastell]

Great video ... like you I only mix up or put out enough paint for a short time and then put out fresh. If I have to mix up a large amount to be used throughout a project I store it in small airbrush jars. For mixing I use a glass cutting board from a discount store .. at the end of the day I just wet it and scrape it clean.

[delphinewood]

Love how you organized this tutorial. Clear, linear and great use of examples. Thank you. 🙏💙🌵

[bonnieg]

I have used all three, combined watercolor with gouache, but never tried watercolor and acrylic. Looks interesting. Thank you.

[doctordashiell]

Thank you, Michele, you always have such great videos! Love, Nancy

[kengarcia]

Wow, I came away with an education in this media and am inspired to paint again. -Thank you!

[colleenmcchesney]

Wow that’s a gorgeous painting with the papyrus! Love the fish especially! I have tried both the watercolor & acrylics separately but not together for mixed media because I did not think 🤔 they would work well. I am hoping to get some gouache soon (I’m leaning towards W&N) to add to my art supplies and one of those stay wet palettes. Thanks so much for going into such great details about the three mediums. Hope you’re enjoying a wonderful day today.

[sherylosullivan]

Wow, Michelle, that was amazing! So comprehensive. I can see I have many hours I will be spending with you!

[samlarsen]

I’m into Bay Area Figurative Movement and your style looks similar so I appreciate your channel.

[encapsulatio]

Would be so helpful if you would talk about pricing for all 3(also include oil paint). And I mean the Pro level paint for all 4 mediums.

[Linda-qqmg]

You have covered many important facts about the uses of these mediums which are goingeo

[tbm]

Your papyrus is looking fabulous! I can't wait to see it totally finished. Love the beautiful Cyclid fish too! ❤️❤️ Excellent video as usual!

[scottmantooth]

*1:18** you can also find watercolor pigments in the form of sticks...typically one stick is equal to three full pans of paint so very useful if limited on space or assembling a specialized or unique pallet*

[aliciashackley]

This is a great video with lots of info Michele. Thx as always. 🥰