Choosing the Right Surface for Gouache and Watercolour Painting

Gouache and watercolour are two popular water-based painting media, each with its unique characteristics and requirements for the painting surface. Understanding the differences between a painting board and canvas can help you make an informed decision for your particular needs. This guide will explore the composition, texture, and best practices for both gouache and watercolour artists, ensuring you select the most suitable surface for your creative projects.

The Difference Between a Painting Board and Canvas

When considering the materials for your watercolour or gouache paintings, it's crucial to understand the primary differences between a painting board and canvas. These differences can significantly impact the quality and longevity of your artwork.

Painting Board

Material: Typically made from wood, MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), or hardboard. These boards are rigid surfaces that provide stability, making them suitable for various painting techniques.

Texture: Painting boards can have a smooth or textured surface, depending on the specific type used. For instance, gessoed boards offer a smooth surface that is ideal for detailed work. Other textured boards can provide a more interesting tactile experience and effect.

Weight: Generally heavier and more durable than canvas, which makes them a good choice for large projects or those requiring more stability.

Canvas

Material: Usually made from cotton or linen, canvas is a flexible fabric stretched over a frame or mounted on a board. Its flexibility makes it easier to transport and hang compared to a rigid board.

Texture: Canvas can vary from very smooth to heavily textured. Coarse canvas can affect the final appearance of the paint. This texture can add a unique quality to your artwork, especially with watercolour or gouache.

Weight: Lighter and more portable, making it ideal for traditional painting methods. Canvas can be traditionally stretched on a frame, or you can purchase ready-made canvas boards.

Which is Right for Gouache or Watercolour Painting?

Gouache: Both painting boards and canvas can be used for gouache, but a primed board like a gessoed board is often preferred. The smooth surface allows for better control and layering of the opaque paint. Gouache is a water-based paint with a higher pigment concentration, making smooth surfaces essential for achieving the best results.

Watercolour: Watercolour is best suited for watercolour paper, which is specifically designed to absorb water without warping. While you can use a primed canvas or board, traditional watercolour paper will yield the best results due to its ability to handle moisture and provide a texture that enhances the paint's flow and blending. Watercolour paper comes in three different surfaces: hot press (very smooth), cold press (slightly more tooth), and rough, each offering a unique texture and working surface for your watercolours.

Beyond Substrates: The Most Ideal Choices

Watercolour paper is what you are looking for. It comes in separate sheets or in blocks, which provide a hard working surface and save you the step of stretching and taping them. It's crucial to choose paper that suits your specific needs and preferences. Hot press paper is ideal for detailed work and those who prefer a smooth surface, while cold press and rough papers offer more tooth and texture for broader, looser techniques.

Recommendations: For watercolour, my choice is Arches 140 pound. However, there are several excellent brands available, such as Fabriano or Strathmore. Choose based on price, surface texture, and degree of whiteness. Hot press paper is excellent for dry techniques and detailed work, while other weights are more suitable for wetter techniques and those who prefer a smoother finish.

Important Considerations: Painting boards and canvases are not suitable for gouache or watercolours, with the exception of the unprimed canvas. Unprimed canvas is entirely unsuitable for watercolours because you can't do washes on it. If you use gouache on unprimed canvas, the paint will crack and flake. Similarly, painting boards without a primer can yield poor results, especially with watercolours.

Conclusion

Choosing the right surface for your gouache or watercolour painting is a matter of preference and the specific demands of your project. For gouache, a primed board is ideal, while for watercolour, specialized watercolour paper is recommended. With the right materials, you can achieve the best results and enjoy the creative process to its fullest.