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Andrea Kalfas is an illustrator living and working in Baltimore, MD. This is a blog for ideas, progress, and things to show off. Thanks for looking and check back often!

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May 22, 2012
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What brand of gouache do you use? Have you tried using student-grade gouache, particularly Lefranc & Bourgeois Fine Gouache? I am always told to stay away from student grades, but I was also told that if they worked for me (color-wise), I should be fine. I am worried about "permanency", or that my gouache paintings will break down in the future.

Asked by alma-roja

I enjoy Winsor & Newton a lot. I’ve never used Lefranc & Bourgeois before, but I used Daler Rowney throughout school. (Is that considered student grade? I don’t know. I still use it occasionally and I like them ok, but oh man, their yellow ochre! what happened? s’not good.) About the worst thing I’ve experienced with “lower-quality” gouache is that there will be more variation in how the paint dries, so that you’ll get some colors that dry with an annoying semi-gloss for some reason. But my older paintings done in said “lower-quality” gouache are still holding up just fine! I think you should be good so long as you mix (mix (MIX!)) your colors, look for a nice even consistency in the pigment of your paints, and be mindful about storage. That way, your works should last you a good while!

Good luck!

Notes:

  1. andreakalfas posted this