Falling for Watercolor’s Aesthetic? Try Gouache Instead.
Meg ☺There’s something magical about watercolor.
That soft bloom of color, the way pigment drifts across the paper like it has its own little personality… I’ve always adored the look of it.
But actually painting with watercolor?
Whew.
That’s a whole different story.
If you’ve ever dipped your brush into a beautiful palette expecting something dreamy — only to end up with a streaky, runaway wash that dries lighter than your own hopes and ambitions — this post is for you.
Because I’m here to tell you something freeing:
You don’t have to master watercolor to get that soft, painterly magic.
You can absolutely fall in love with gouache instead.
And honestly? It might be the perfect match.
Watercolor vs. Gouache — The Real Talk
Watercolor is like a wild child. It wants freedom. It wants movement. It wants to do whatever it wants, and you’re just along for the ride.
Gouache, on the other hand, is like watercolor’s grounded older sister.
She still gives you those velvety, soft edges — but she listens a little more.
Here’s why gouache might be your soulmate:
It’s forgiving.
Instead of getting one shot to lay down a wash, you can actually layer. If something goes wrong? Paint right over it. Easy.
It dries matte and dreamy.
Like watercolor without the shine, but with more solid color and control.
It blends beautifully.
Want soft transitions? Yes. Want crisp shapes? Also yes.
You can reactivate it.
Walked away mid-painting because your dog barked or your tea went cold? Come back, gently brush it with water — boom, revived.
You can go opaque or translucent.
Yep, gouache can mimic watercolor when thinned… or act like acrylic when used thick.
It’s the shape-shifter of the paint world.
Why I Use Gouache for Kitschy Lemon Art
When I create KL illustrations — whether it’s cute characters, holiday designs, or those cozy vintage vibes — I want control without losing softness.
Gouache gives me:
✨ Clean lines when I need them
✨ Soft, nostalgic color when I want it
✨ Flexibility when a piece needs revisions or layering
✨ A matte finish that scans beautifully for prints and digital files
Plus… it’s just more fun.
There’s no fighting. No wrestling. No praying your wash doesn’t backflow into a weird cauliflower the moment you look away.
Gouache lets you breathe while you paint.
If You’ve Been Frustrated With Watercolor… Try This
Before you give up on painting because watercolor feels slippery and unpredictable, try a small set of gouache. Just basic primaries are enough to start.
Play.
Make blobs.
Paint silly shapes.
Paint things that don’t matter.
Let it re-teach you how enjoyable painting can be.
You might discover that the airy look you crave doesn’t require mastering water ratios or perfect timing — just a different medium that meets you where you’re at.
A Little Encouragement from Me to You
You don’t have to fit into the “real watercolor artist” mold to make soft, beautiful art.
If watercolor frustrates you, it’s not because you’re doing anything wrong — the medium just has a personality that doesn’t match everyone.
But painting should feel soothing. It should feel like you’re reconnecting with something.
And gouache has a way of making everything feel more… doable.
If you’re drawn to the magic of watercolor but wish it came with a little more cooperation?
Gouache is probably for you.
And honestly, once you try it, you might fall in love the way I did.