How to Paint a Skull Using Gouache

Starting with a Base Layer: Setting the Tone

One of the first steps Jordan takes is applying a base layer to eliminate the white of the paper and unify the painting. He prefers toned paper but still starts with a single color wash—burnt sienna—to add warmth and create harmony across the composition. Using larger brushes like flat or angled brushes helps cover broad areas quickly and informs his blocky style.

Why Burnt Sienna? This warm tone acts as a foundation, allowing subsequent layers to build depth and color variation efficiently. Jordan emphasizes that starting with a toned base is crucial for a harmonious image.

Quick Value Study: Mapping Light and Shadow

After laying down the base, Jordan immediately moves on to a value study using the same burnt sienna, but concentrated. Values represent the lightness and darkness of the image and are essential for understanding shadows and highlights. He typically uses two to three values early on to train his eye and plan the shadows that will come later.

Working with Gouache: Layering and Drying Considerations

Gouache dries quickly, which makes it ideal for layering. Jordan works with diluted paint initially and gradually increases opacity by using less water in later layers. This layering technique allows him to build depth without disturbing previous layers. He also notes that the drying time varies depending on the water content: more water means longer drying.

One challenge with gouache is color shift as it dries. Light colors tend to dry darker than they appear when wet, while dark colors dry lighter. Jordan adjusts for this by observing early layers and compensating in subsequent layers.

Background First: Framing the Subject

While waiting for layers to dry, Jordan works on the background. He mixes burnt sienna with a navy-like night blue to create a dark, nearly black background. This contrast helps carve out the silhouette of the skull and puts the colors in context. The ratio of blue to burnt sienna can be tweaked for cooler or warmer tones.

Dealing with Background Frustrations

Jordan suggests two strategies: either paint the background lightly first so it can be easily covered later, or wait until the subject is partly complete before adding the background. This approach minimizes frustration and allows the background to enhance the overall painting.

Building Light and Shadow: Value and Color Layering

Adding lighter values is a key advantage of gouache over watercolor because gouache allows painting with opaque whites and light colors on dark backgrounds. Jordan mixes white with Naples yellow for warm light tones and carefully preserves the silhouette while layering. He emphasizes working from diluted to opaque paint to maintain control and avoid disturbing previous layers.

Instead of using black directly, Jordan mixes burnt sienna and night blue to create rich darks. Mixing complementary colors neutralizes them, producing deep blacks that feel more natural and harmonious. This technique also applies to creating shadows and dark areas in the painting.

Brush Choices and Techniques

Jordan favors flat and angled brushes for their versatility. Large brushes cover broad areas quickly, while angled tips allow for sharp lines and details without switching tools prematurely. He advises keeping things simple with brushes until finer details are necessary.

Rather than focusing on one area until completion, Jordan jumps around the painting. This practice lets areas dry while maintaining momentum and seeing how colors settle in context. It also helps avoid overworking any single spot.

To finish, Jordan adds paint splatters with a small brush to introduce texture and energy, mimicking freckles or pores. These tiny specs add life and interest to the skull without overwhelming the composition.

Handling Teeth and Curvature

Defining the curvature of the teeth prevents them from looking flat. Jordan applies highlights where the light hits most and shadows where teeth recede, using minimal brushstrokes to suggest form without over-detailing. This subtle approach keeps the teeth realistic without making them look creepy.

Working with Gouache: Challenges and Tips

• Color Mixing: Coming from pastel, color mixing was a new challenge for Jordan. Gouache requires mixing colors on the palette or painting, as opposed to using premixed colors.
• Opacity and Layering: Using diluted paint first and then building opacity helps maintain control and avoid disturbing underlying layers.
• Drying Shifts: Expect colors to shift as they dry and adjust accordingly.
• Background Management: Paint backgrounds lightly or later in the process to avoid frustration.
• Brush Selection: Use large flat or angled brushes for broad strokes and details.
• Varnishing: Jordan prefers framing gouache paintings under glass. Some varnishes can alter the matte finish, so testing is recommended.

Gouache Compared to Other Mediums

Jordan also paints with watercolor and acrylic gouache, but gouache stands out for its opacity and matte finish. Unlike acrylic gouache, which dries permanently, traditional gouache can be reactivated with water, offering flexibility. He appreciates gouache for its vibrancy and ease of use without harsh chemicals.

Final Thoughts on Painting a Skull with Gouache

Painting a skull with gouache is approachable and rewarding. The medium’s fast drying time, layering ability, and opacity make it ideal for building form and value. Jordan’s method of starting with a base layer, doing a value study, layering lights and darks, and working around the painting creates an efficient and expressive workflow. Adding texture and subtle details brings the skull to life without overcomplicating the process.

This approach offers a great way to practice anatomy, form, and color harmony, whether as a beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand their gouache skills.

Connect with Jordan Rhodes at www.jordanmrhodes.com.

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