Female figure mixed media: watercolor + gouache

In this inspiring video blog, I'll show you how to create a lively and sunny sketch of a female character in a cafe setting. You'll learn to combine gouache or watercolors and a fine-tipped marker into a liberating mixed-media technique where you don't have to fear making mistakes.

October 13, 2026|Svetlana Ruoho

Spring joy from the painting table!

Come join me for a bright and spring-themed painting lesson! In this demo, we'll immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of travel through our own character or image.

This time, the inspiration is a lovely, relaxed moment in a cafe. We'll take a reference, but boldly create something entirely our own from it. If you don't have your painting supplies ready yet, you can simply watch the video first and practice the technique later.

What supplies do you need?

For this quick sketch, you only need a few basic supplies that can easily fit in your handbag:

Paper: For example, a handy size sheet (approx. 18 x 24 cm) is excellent for quick exercises.
Pencil: For preliminary sketching.
Colors: Watercolors or gouache paints (for example, fresh green, ochre, black, and red).
Palette knife and brushes: In addition to a watercolor brush, this time we'll use a palette knife for applying gouache.
Thin black marker: For finishing and outlines.

Steps for a quick sketch: From proportions to marker lines

Sketching progresses through a few clear and fun steps. You can decide the order yourself: whether you first throw colors onto the paper in a semi-abstract way or lightly outline first. In this demo, we'll proceed from light pencil sketching through colors to marker finishing.

1. Lightly sketching proportions

Let's start by lightly sketching the person on paper with a pencil.

"Don't measure too much, trust your eyes and draw joyfully!"

As a rule of thumb, the upper body of a seated person roughly fits four head lengths, and from knees to hips is about two and a half head lengths. You can choose whether to make the figure very upright or casually sitting. Let's also draw beautiful high heels for the figure, as women's feet look stunning in them.

2. Bold and free play of colors

Now begins the most liberating part. Let's use a palette knife – in addition to oil and acrylic paints, it can also be excellently applied to gouache technique.

Skin tone: Mix ochre, red, and plenty of water (or a little white) to quickly achieve a beautiful skin tone.
Hair and clothes: Mixing black or dark brown and a touch of dark red creates a lovely contrast for a hair bun. The combination of violet and green always works.
Splashes: Take a watercolor brush and make joyful color splashes on the paper, adding energy to the work. Let's also paint yellow and red juice or a cocktail on the table for refreshment.

Once the colors are on the surface, let the painting dry for a moment before the next step.

3. Finishing with a thin marker

When the surface is dry, take out a thin marker to concretize the details. On rough paper, the marker creates a fun effect.

The trick of this technique is complete freedom: the marker outlines don't have to precisely match the color splatters. Colors and lines can live on top of each other as their own layers. You can also lightly sketch window frames or other cafe chairs in the background to add depth.

Artist's tips for the future

Always remember to sign and date your finished work. When you make these sketches regularly, you'll gradually notice your own development and realize that the human figure is not an overwhelming subject to paint at all. It can be done lightly and quickly.

Once you've gained confidence at your home desk, take your pad with you and boldly head out, to parks or cafes, to paint from a live model.

What should we watch next?

I recommend watching the video Girl on the Dunes Beach next. There you'll learn how to create three-dimensional depth in your works in a completely new way!