Introduction to Gouache: A Chromatic Journey to Japan

Start by getting to know Lil Sire and hear about some of her greatest influences such as the Japanese Edo period, or renowned Studio Ghibli artists like Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.

She talks you through the tools required for painting with gouache, then emphasizes the importance of textures and her particular fondness for those that look like crepe batter! By way of some helpful exercises, learn how to measure out the right quantity of paint to get unique flat washes and thin lines, then find out how to make up your own color chart.

Next, focus on the fundamental question of inspiration. Learn how to create a mood board to stimulate your creativity and see that it's just a simple matter of getting into the habit of doing it daily.

Now it's the moment you've been waiting for, time to paint your illustration in gouache! Start by painting the people, then move on to the background colors, and finally get into the finer details like plants or kimono patterns.

Lil Sire gives you some tips on sharing your creations via social media and the online selling platform Etsy. She also imparts some of her knowledge of illustration agencies and offers some last invaluable advice on opening the doors to your success.