Differences Between Watercolor Gouache and Tempera

Watercolor, gouache, and tempera are water-based painting mediums widely used by artists. Although they share common qualities, each has unique characteristics that make them suitable for different artistic styles and techniques. This article delves into the distinct features of these mediums, helping artists to choose the perfect medium for their next project.

Watercolor: Transparent and Luminous

Composition: Watercolor is composed of pigments suspended in a water-soluble binder, typically gum arabic. This binder keeps the pigments suspended but allows the medium to dry relatively quickly, which can make blending colors challenging.

Transparency: One of the most distinctive features of watercolor is its transparency. The white of the paper shows through, giving the artwork a luminous, ethereal quality. This transparency also allows for subtle color blending and layering effects.

Application: Watercolor is often applied in thin washes, which can be layered to build depth and complexity. This technique is crucial in achieving the desired luminosity and transparency in the final piece.

Drying Time: Watercolors dry relatively quickly, which can make it difficult to blend colors smoothly. However, this rapid drying time also means that watercolor paintings can be completed relatively quickly.

Surface: Watercolor is best suited for watercolor paper, which is specially designed to absorb water without warping. Other surfaces, such as heavily textured or absorbent paper, can cause the paint to lift or smudge.

Gouache: Opaque and Versatile

Composition: Gouache is similar to watercolor, with the main difference being a higher proportion of pigment and often the inclusion of an opaque white pigment, such as chalk. This makes gouache more versatile and allows for solid color application.

Opacity: Gouache is more opaque than watercolor, making it ideal for solid color application and covering underlying layers. This property allows artists to create bold, vibrant paintings with greater contrast.

Application: While both watercolor and gouache can be applied thinly, gouache is often applied more thickly. Additionally, gouache can be reactivated with water after drying, allowing for adjustments and blending.

Finish: Gouache dries to a matte finish, which can enhance its unique characteristics and is often desirable for certain artistic styles. However, this matte finish can be altered by adding gloss.

Surface: Unlike watercolor, gouache can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including watercolor paper, illustration board, and even canvas. This versatility makes gouache a popular choice for various artistic projects.

Tempera: Egg-Yolk or Synthetic

Composition: Tempera is made from pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, traditionally egg yolk but often synthetic binders today. This traditional method gives tempera a unique texture and durability.

Opacity: Tempra has a generally opaque quality, similar to gouache, but the opacity can vary based on the specific formulation. Traditional egg tempera creates a hard and durable finish ideal for permanent artworks.

Application: Tempera is often used in layering techniques. Due to its fast-drying nature, tempera can create a hard, durable finish suitable for detailed work and permanent panels.

Finish: Tempera typically dries to a matte or semi-gloss finish, depending on the binder and surface used. Traditional egg yolk tempera often has a slightly glossy finish, which can enhance the depth and shine of the painting.

Surface: Tempera works well on a variety of surfaces, including paper, wood panels, and even cardboard. This medium’s versatility allows for a wide range of artistic applications.

Summary: Transparency, Binder, and Finish

Transparency: Watercolor is transparent, gouache is semi-opaque, and tempera is opaque.

Binder: Watercolor uses gum arabic, gouache includes an opaque white pigment for opacity, and traditional tempera uses egg yolk, while contemporary formulations may use synthetic binders.

Finish: Watercolor dries to a glossy finish, gouache to a matte finish, and tempera to a matte or semi-gloss finish.

Each medium has unique qualities that suit different artistic styles and techniques. Understanding these differences can help artists choose the perfect medium for their next project, whether it’s a transparent watercolor painting, an opaque gouache illustration, or a durable tempera panel.

For more in-depth information and tutorials on these mediums, visit our dedicated Painting Mediums Guide.