Basic Gouache Painting Workshop with Ellen Jean Diederich

Basic Gouache Workshop with Ellen Jean Diederich

October 16-18, 2026, 10:00am -3:30 pm Friday –Sunday

HIA-Hospice Community Room South Entrance-Community Room 3
3800 56^th Avenue S Fargo, ND 58104 – Bring your own lunch

Tuition: $250.00 | Registration: Online at givinity.com

Course Description Gouache is one of the world’s oldest and most versatile painting media, trusted by artists for centuries. Essentially an opaque watercolor, gouache offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to work seamlessly from transparent washes to bold opacities, paint light over dark, and capture vibrant pastel tones.

Because of its natural matte finish, gouache photographs and reproduces exceptionally well, making it a historic favorite for illustration and commercial design. Plein air painters love its quick drying time and portability, and it serves as a wonderful tool for planning larger works or layering over traditional watercolors.

Whether you are new to the medium or looking to expand your skills, you will learn the practical techniques that make working with gouache approachable and fun. Note: This is a painting workshop, not a drawing class. Reference photos and traceable line drawings will be provided, though you are welcome to draw your own.

What You Will Learn & Practice

• Gouache Fundamentals: Explore media properties, paint behavior, and the key differences between traditional gouache and watercolor.
• Layering & Process: Master the underpainting stage, painting from dark to light and thin to thick.
• Mixed Media & Color: Learn how to blend gouache with watercolors, work with whites, and mix rich custom neutrals.
• Guided Paint-Along: Follow along step-by-step using high-definition overhead screens to complete one to two finished paintings (subjects include florals and landscapes).

Supply List

Start with the supplies you already have! You are welcome to bring your favorite watercolor tools. If you prefer to purchase supplies at the workshop, a selection of gouache sets, palettes, paper, and brushes will be available for purchase. Contact ellen@givinity.com to reserve specific items in advance.

Essential Materials

• Paints: Set of 18 traditional gouache colors (recommended), or a combination of staining watercolors mixed with key gouache neutrals.
• Palette: Airtight palette (such as the Mijello Fusion 18) or a plastic jewel box to keep paints moist, plus a small spray bottle.
• Paper: 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper, heavy drawing paper, or tinted paper.
• Brushes: Your favorite watercolor brushes, plus a 2½” house brush (black bristle) for broad washes.

Drawing & Prep Tools

• Pencils & Erasers: 2 or HB drawing pencil, a couple of watercolor pencils, a Jet Eraser, and a yellow gum eraser.
• Workspace Setup: Supportive painting board (e.g., Gatorboard or drawing board), Frog Tape or masking tape, water cup, paper towels, 18″ ruler, and a fine-point Sharpie.
• Reference & Tech: Personal reference photos (or use provided options). An iPad or smartphone is highly recommended for viewing reference images.

Recommended Gouache Neutrals & Mixing Colors (Ideal for pairing with traditional watercolors or supplementing your gouache set)

• Permanent White (Winsor & Newton or Holbein)
• Pale Rose Blush
• Naples Yellow
• Neutral Tint / Neutral Gray
• Ivory Black
• Holbein Myosotis Blue

I will have supplies including these colors available for purchase.