🎨Rainbow Bird Gouache Painting in Soft Pastels | Step-by-Step Demo with a Reference Photo ✨

Mastering Gouache Painting in Pastels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gouache is an incredibly versatile medium that allows artists to achieve both bold opacity and delicate translucency. In this tutorial, we explore how to use gouache in pastel tones to create a soft, dreamy painting using a reference photo as a guide. Whether you’re new to gouache or looking to refine your pastel techniques, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Why Choose Gouache for Pastel Paintings?

Gouache is known for its rich pigment and matte finish, making it perfect for achieving the soft, powdery look of pastels. Unlike watercolor, gouache offers excellent coverage and opacity, allowing you to layer and blend colors smoothly. This was especially helpful when building up the feathery layers of this painting. When combined with a pastel palette, you can create ethereal, light-filled compositions that feel both modern and timeless.

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into your painting, gather these essential materials (contains affiliate links):

• Gouache paints (choose pastel shades or mix your own)
• High-quality watercolor or mixed-media paper (140 lb is ideal)
• A selection of brushes (round and flat brushes for detail and blending)
• A reference photo (choose one with soft lighting and gentle hues)
• Palette and water cup
• Pencil for sketching (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting with Pastel Gouache

Step 1: Selecting and Analyzing Your Reference Photo

Choose a reference image with subtle color shifts and a balanced composition. Study the light and shadow areas to determine where your highlights and midtones will be placed.

Step 2: Creating a Light Sketch

Using a light pencil sketch, outline the basic shapes of your subject. Keep the lines minimal so they don’t interfere with the final layers of gouache.

Step 3: Mixing Pastel Colors

To achieve soft pastel tones, mix white into your primary colors to lighten them. Avoid using too much water, as gouache works best with a creamy consistency.

Arteza also sells a set of pastel shades that works wonderfully! That saved a lot of time in mixing and helped me create a balanced color palette without the hassle.

Step 4: Blocking in the Base Layers

Start with broad, light washes to establish your color composition.

Match the main blocks of color without worrying too much about the details at this step.

Use a larger brush to fill in areas smoothly, letting each layer dry before adding the next.

Step 5: Refining Details and Blending

Once the base layers are dry, use smaller brushes to refine edges, add soft transitions, and blend where necessary. Work with dry brush techniques for texture or slightly diluted paint for smoother blending.

Each area was layered with tiny vertical lines to give the illusion of feathers catching the light. To achieve a cohesive look, I blended a few different colors into each colored section, with each set of vertical lines overlapping the blocked color sections from the previous step.

Let the layers dry in between and don’t overwork this layer or you risk reactivating the gouache from previous layers. 

Step 6: Adding Final Touches

Enhance highlights and add any final details to bring depth and dimension to your painting. This could include subtle texture, fine linework, or additional color corrections.

This is also the step to add some white accents wherever the light was brightest on the subject.

Pro Tips for a Successful Pastel Gouache Painting

✅ Work in thin layers to build depth gradually.
✅ Use a light touch when blending to maintain softness.
✅ Experiment with different brushes for various textures.
✅ Don’t overwork the painting—pastel gouache paintings thrive on simplicity and lightness.

Watch the Full Tutorial!

For a real-time demonstration, check out the full step-by-step gouache painting tutorial on YouTube: Watch Now

Final Thoughts

Painting with gouache in pastel tones is a rewarding process that allows for both precision and spontaneity. With practice, you’ll be able to create stunning, soft-hued compositions that capture the essence of your reference photos beautifully.

What’s your favorite subject to paint in pastel gouache? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more painting tutorials and inspiration! 🎨✨