Pronunciation: [ɡwˈɑːt͡ʃɪz] (IPA) 
Gouaches are a type of watercolor paint that offer bold and vibrant colors. The spelling of this word can be a bit tricky. The IPA phonetic transcription for "gouaches" is /ɡuˈɑʃ/. It starts with a "gu" sound, like in the word "guide." The "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "father," followed by a "sh" sound, like in "sheep." The final "es" is pronounced like the "ez" in "fizzes." So, the correct spelling of this word is "gouaches."
Gouaches refer to a type of painting technique and the medium used in this technique. The term "gouaches" derives from the French word "gouache," which means opaque watercolor. It is pronounced as "gwash." In painting, gouaches are created by combining pigments with a binding agent, usually gum arabic, resulting in a thick and opaque paint.
Gouaches involve the application of heavily pigmented colors in a way that leaves no visible brushstrokes, achieving a smooth and solid appearance on paper or other suitable surfaces. The opaqueness of gouaches makes them distinct from transparent watercolors and gives artists the ability to layer colors without the underlying layers showing through. This allows for precise detailing, color mixing, and the creation of vibrant and intense visuals.
Traditionally, gouache paintings were executed on illustration or heavy watercolor paper due to their absorbent surface. Gouaches can also be used on other materials such as canvas, cardboard, or wood. They are favored by artists and illustrators for creating artworks, illustrations, and designs that require a combination of intricate details, bold colors, and a matte finish.
Apart from their use in the visual arts, gouaches also refer to the actual paintings created using this technique. These paintings are characterized by their flat color areas, opaque appearance, and the absence of visible brushstrokes, resulting in a distinct aesthetic and style.
Overall, gouaches refer to a painting technique and the paints themselves, which are opaque, densely pigmented, and provide artists with a versatile medium for creating detailed and vivid artworks.
The word "gouaches" is derived from the French term "gouache", which literally means "watercolor" in English. The French word comes from the Italian word "guazzo", which refers to a method of painting with watercolors. The Italian term, in turn, has its roots in the Latin word "aquaticus", meaning "relating to water". This etymology reflects the characteristic of gouache paints, which are water-based and create opaque, vibrant colors when applied to a surface.
