Watercolour and Gouache Paint


Watercolour: A soft transparency

Watercolour is a type of paint composed of a water-based solution and colour pigments. The quantity of water used as well as the variety of pigments give an artist countless visual possibilities and allow them to play with transparency. Watercolour paint is quick to dry, which allows for layering colours. The superposition of coloured layers gives watercolour its fine, delicate charm. In addition to being inexpensive and easily portable, watercolour paint is non-toxic, easy to clean and non-staining. Complete your watercolour toolkit with our selection of watercolour paper, brushes, mediums and varnishes. Find inspiration by exploring our watercolour books.

What is the difference between watercolour and gouache?

Watercolor and gouache are similarly made. The difference lies in their consistency. Gouache is much more opaque whereas watercolour is much more transparent. Both types of paint are actually made from the same ingredients.

Fun fact about watercolour

Watercolour paint has been used throughout history for sketching, cartography and botanical illustrations, but it became a medium in its own right during the Renaissance. Today, watercolour and gouache paints are used by artists as well as in more technical fields by designers and architects. Many famous artists painted in watercolour, such as Vincent Van Gogh, Albrecht Dürer, Paul Cézanne, John Singer Sargent and Marc Rothko.

Trusted brands in watercolour

Discover our biggest watercolour brands such as Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton, Van Gogh, Pébéo, Sennelier, Holbein and Schmincke. If you are new to watercolour or searching for watercolour with the best value, check out our DeSerres house brand.