Viral Painting Technique! Bring Fruit to Life with Acrylic Gouache

Apr 17, 2025 | News On Japan

Apr 17, 2025 (Watercolor by Shibasaki) - In this video, artist Harumichi Shibasaki brings fruit to life using acrylic gouache—a technique that’s been generating buzz for its incredible realism.

Using just light, shadow, and color, he turns simple oranges and kiwis into vivid, three-dimensional artwork.

Acrylic gouache is a type of paint that combines the matte, opaque finish of traditional gouache with the permanence and water resistance of acrylic paint.

Unlike regular gouache, which is rewettable and can be reworked with water even after drying, acrylic gouache dries permanently and cannot be reactivated. It uses an acrylic binder instead of a gum arabic binder (found in traditional gouache), making it more durable and suitable for layering without smudging or lifting previous layers.

Artists like acrylic gouache for its bold, flat colors, smooth application, and versatility on various surfaces like paper, wood, canvas, and even fabric. It’s popular in illustration, design, and fine art for its vibrant, non-reflective finish and ease of use.

Source: Watercolor by Shibasaki

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