Japanese Anemones and Marigolds, Caran d’Ache Studio gouache, 8x8in. (20x20cm). I threw everything at this, using the tubes of gouache. The background, which was kept lively with a variety of tones and washes within the colour range of blue and black, did not granulate.
Caran d’Ache is a long-established Swiss company, justifiably well known for its excellent range of pencils. In fact it produces much more than this and manufactures ranges of watercolour-based paints as well. I was sent two paintboxes of gouache to try: the Gouache Studio assortment of 12 colours in 10ml. tubes, selling at £44.99rrp; and the Gouache Studio assortment of gouache in 14 pans (plus a tube of white), selling at £37.99rrp.
Described as a water-based paint made with natural gum binders but no plasticisers, the gouache can be opaque and matt surfaced with a strong covering power. It will not crack and can easily be re-worked when dry. This latter distinguishes it from acrylic, which has resin as a binder and once dry is immovable. The gouache is recommended by Caran d’Ache for amateur artists and painting classes.