This course offers students the opportunity to explore some of the diverse applications of Gouache. Gouache is an opaque water-based paint that is both bold, vibrant, subtle and delicate. Taking inspiration from the landscapes of Studio Ghibli to the rich designs of Kaffe Fassett, students will work from reference images and still life to design and produce a range of artworks focusing on colour, tone, and pattern. Together we will look at composition, colour mixing, application and layering. This course aims to give a good foundation in the subject, to cater to individual strengths and to enrich student portfolios. Throughout the sessions students will be encouraged to talk about their work and share points of reference and inspiration.

This course is suitable for all levels.

Most materials including gouache paint, brushes, paper and drawing pencils are provided but students are welcome to bring their own brushes if preferred.

Zara Slattery is an illustrator and comic artist and author of the award-winning graphic memoir, Coma. She has a BA Visual Communication from Edinburgh College of Art and an MA in Communication Design from Manchester Metropolitan University. Working from her garden studio, Zara’s client list includes national magazines, publicly funded bodies, gaming and TV production companies. She has run adult art education courses and workshops locally, nationally and internationally for over ten years.

Read more.