---
title: "The Artist's Process: Learn Gouache, Watercolour & Art Techniques"
description: "Explore my creative process, painting techniques, and art tips. From gouache secrets to custom portrait commissions, learn how I approach every piece of art."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/the-artist-s-process-tips
last_updated: 2025-09-02
---

# My Creative Process: Art Tips, Techniques, and Studio Stories

Tribe Verified · Bengaluru-based artist sharing genuine creative processes.

By [Basit](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in) · Ships from Bengaluru to across India · ₹299 per item / bundle (estimate)

Part of [Art Prints & Custom Commissions](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/gallery)

Art is not just the finished piece; it is the messy, quiet, and often confusing path to get there. Welcome to my studio—let’s talk about techniques, the realities of gouache, and how I turn ideas into paintings.

## Photos and videos

- ![Let's talk about the truth of gouache painting. It can be a tricky medium for beginners, but I'm here to share some tips I've learned along the way. Swipe to uncover the secrets.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31094d3f-c5b8-462c-9d06-2097a0bfbc60)
- ![Hot pressed or cold pressed paper? It's a question every watercolor artist faces. Here's a little chart I made based on my experience to help you decide which paper is best for your style.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e1b9a56f-b467-42ce-b966-76c26624e799)
- ![One of my favorite ways to overcome art block is to redraw an old sketch. It's a great reminder of how much I've grown and helps me reconnect with why I love to create.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2fe57d46-a06f-41ac-a024-52ffc1509c0e)
- [Video: Some days are just about showing up. This is me at my desk, sketchbook open, with no grand plan. Just enjoying the quiet, creative flow and remembering why I fell in love with art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1a604005-c87a-49fd-a42c-657ab7a58f5e)
- [Video: My studio is my happy place, my sanctuary. It's where I can go into myself, as the poet Rilke said, and let my feelings flow onto the paper. This is where my art comes from the heart.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dd1fdf23-53af-4105-bc8f-8889498cc70d)
- [Video: A rainy day is perfect for staying home and getting some digital sketching done on Procreate. The sound of the rain outside and a cozy setup inside is the perfect combination for creativity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3370d81d-a336-4d51-b3af-328f4bc627f7)
- [Video: What makes you happy? For me, it's art. Whether I'm in my studio painting or out in an art store picking new brushes, the entire process fills me with joy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/358c2850-a774-4773-aed0-b6572fd968ee)
- ![When I feel stuck, sometimes switching my medium helps. I moved from my usual watercolors to a digital tablet, and it felt playful and new, helping me break through my art block.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eb0c7675-18da-4d49-ac62-d9dda88971a1)
- [Video: As I step into 2025, I'm reflecting on my journey and setting intentions to be bolder with my art. This is a new chapter, and I'm excited to share it with you.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f9e4387f-6567-436c-9810-60b0c49cd950)
- ![A common struggle for beginners with gouache is layering. Unlike watercolor, you need to let each layer dry completely. It takes practice, but it's worth it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7a2c1342-292c-4aaf-b612-b4a050e8df4b)
- ![Tip number two for gouache: too much water leads to messy results. It can make your colors streaky and uneven. Finding the right water-to-pigment ratio is key.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0ee96897-ced8-4ccd-a6f8-6b9169fdb6a4)
- ![Be careful not to overwork your gouache paint. Blending is tricky, and if you rework an area too much, the bottom layers can lift and create muddy colors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a792f9a2-987f-445c-a567-20ad909187e7)
- ![The most important thing to know about gouache is that it isn't watercolor. They are cousins, not twins. Gouache is opaque and matte, which gives it a unique character.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c4eba5c-ee14-43c1-a18b-cd4f97b10788)
- ![So why doesn't diluting gouache like watercolor work for most people? This post breaks down the reasons and helps you understand the medium better.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c85d4861-f266-4cec-9cc6-2cc6d8296d3c)
- [Video: Look what I found. My childhood watercolor set from Camel. This little blue box is where my entire art journey began, and it's amazing how much nostalgia it holds.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ed6bb77a-b295-4c08-9bab-fea69a2ff9aa)

## About The Artist's Process & Tips

People often ask me if they can treat gouache like watercolor. It is a common trap. Gouache is opaque and does not forgive overworking, whereas watercolor thrives on transparency. I have learned the hard way that understanding your medium’s personality is 90% of the battle, so do not be afraid to make a mess while learning what your paints like.

My studio is where I escape to process the world. Whether I am staring at a blank page or struggling with an art block, I try to keep it real. It is not always about painting a masterpiece; sometimes it is just about showing up, picking up a brush, and enjoying the quiet flow.

### The Reality of Materials
I am self-taught, which means my process was built on trial and error. I have gone through stacks of paper to learn that Hot Pressed is for detail, while Cold Pressed handles those soft, dreamy washes. My go-to is usually 300 GSM cold press for traditional work, but I love experimenting with digital sketches on Procreate when I need a change of pace.

### My Approach to Custom Work
When you commission a piece, I want it to be more than just a painting. I take my time with every layer—from the initial pencil sketch to the final varnish. If it is a portrait, I focus on the expression; if it is a landscape, I focus on the light. I work primarily in watercolor, gouache, and digital mediums. 

### Let’s Create Together
Whether you are a beginner looking for advice on overcoming art block or someone wanting a custom illustration of a favorite memory, I am here to help. I believe art should be accessible, honest, and personal. If you are curious about a specific technique or want to discuss a project, just reach out. Let’s make something beautiful together. Njngal pwoliyalle? (Aren't we cool?)

## About Basit

I'm Basi, a self-taught artist based in Bengaluru, born and raised with my heart still in Kerala. I didn't go to art school, but I’ve spent years obsessing over light, texture, and the quiet joy of a sketchbook.

[See all of Basit's services](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in)

## More from Art Prints & Custom Commissions by Basit

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- [Art for Your Home: Prints & Merchandise](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/art-for-your-home-prints-merchandise)
- [Custom Art Commissions](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/custom-art-commissions)
- [Plein Air Adventures: Painting on Location](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/plein-air-adventures-painting-on-location)
- [Food, Fruit & Cafe Sketches](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/food-fruit-cafe-sketches)
- [Portraits & People Studies](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/portraits-people-studies)
- [Digital Worlds: Procreate Illustrations](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/digital-worlds-procreate-illustrations)
- [From My Sketchbook: Daily Practice & Ideas](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/from-my-sketchbook-daily-practice-ideas)

## More services by Basit

- [Watercolor Workshops](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/watercolor-workshops)
- [Live Art & Event Sketching](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/live-art-event-sketching)

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## Book

To book Basit, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hey%20Basi!%20I%20saw%20your%20art%20process%20page%20and%20loved%20your%20take%20on%20the%20techniques.%20I'm%20interested%20in%20a%20custom%20commission%20and%20would%20love%20to%20chat.)