Class #120: Intro to Gouache with Roberto Zavala

Class #120: Intro to Gouache with Roberto Zavala

Session | Available

All levels
9/24/2025-10/22/2025
10:00 AM-1:00 PM CDT on Wed
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$250.00

Class #120: Intro to Gouache with Roberto Zavala

Session | Available

This 5-session course introduces students to the vibrant world of gouache painting—a versatile, matte, and opaque medium that combines the best qualities of watercolor and acrylic. Through guided exercises, demonstrations, and personal projects, students will learn how to control gouache’s unique properties to create vivid, expressive artwork. Emphasis will be placed on foundational painting techniques, color mixing, composition, and building confidence with the medium. By the end of the course, students will have a solid technical understanding of gouache and a small portfolio of completed works.

Key topics
•Overview of gouache: history, uses, and differences from watercolor and acrylic
•Materials overview: paints, brushes, paper types, palettes
•Basic handling: mixing, dilution, layering, and reactivation
•Exercises: swatches, opacity tests, flat washes, gradient blends
•Warm vs. cool colors, complementary color pairs
•Creating color charts and mixing grids
•Exercises: limited palette challenges, value studies
•Techniques: dry brush, lifting, scumbling, edge control
•Creating thumbnails and planning a final piece
•Group critique: discussion of technique, color, style, and intent
•Tips for continuing gouache practice beyond class
•Explore the use of Gouache as a preparatory tool for Oils, Acrylic and other mediums 

  • This class will meet in our lower-level studio.
Roberto Zavala

Email: pavita.fineart@gmail.com
Phone: 760-622-7499



Roberto is a dedicated artist with over 10 years of experience in drawing and painting. He began his artistic journey at the renowned Watts Atelier (online at first), where he honed his technical skills and developed a deep appreciation for classical techniques. Continuing his education, Roberto spent four years studying at the prestigious Art Students League of New York, further refining his craft and exploring the dynamic relationship between form, light, and color.

With a passion for sharing his knowledge, Roberto has taught several art classes as a Teacher Assistant, guiding students through various aspects of drawing and painting. His teaching experience extends to online platforms, where he currently serves as an online drawing instructor. Through his classes, Roberto focuses on helping students build strong foundational skills while fostering creativity and confidence in their work.

Roberto's artistic practice spans a variety of media, with a particular focus on oil painting, Gouache and drawing in charcoal. He is committed to using his extensive training and experience to inspire others, emphasizing the importance of structure, confident brushwork, and a thoughtful approach to color and composition.