In this article I share about how to use acrylic gouache to create a peony painting on top of vintage papers, then collage this and other papers to create a floral mixed media artwork.

The inspiration for this workshop was flower photos my daughter sent to me from her trip to Oregon where she stopped at a Peony farm! Some of her photos are below for your reference.

Collage painting is one of my favorite creative activities and I hope you’ll try some of the tips and tricks shared in the class video.

“Peony Music” acrylic gouache flower painted on vintage music and collage on watercolor paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes. At the time of writing, this original art piece is available on my Etsy Shop HERE.

Some of the things you will learn from this workshop include:

the difference between regular gouache and acryl or acryla (acrylic-based) gouache;
my favorite acrylic-based gouache paints;
layering techniques with Turner acryl gouache;
how I cut or tear shapes for paper collage;
my “auditioning” method for paper placement before gluing down my collage;
my favorite acrylic mediums to use as glue for collage;
the inks and paint pens I like to use for mark-making on my glued collage;
and more…

White Peony watercolor journal experiment by artist Tristina Dietz Elmes.

Acrylic Gouache Peony and Collage Painting Workshop Video Replay

Below is the full video workshop of my Live painting session. The paints, surfaces and accessories used in the video are listed afterwards in this article. Enjoy! 🎨

Here are the video timeline sections if you want to jump to a particular part of the live session:

0:00:00 - Intro To Acrylic Gouache and Peony Painting

Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching! 😍

Peony Flower Reference Photos

Below are Peony flower reference photos for you to use for this painting workshop. Note that these photos are copyright 2026 Devon Elmes and are being used with permission. The images are for your personal use.

Supplies List for Acryl Gouache Peony & Collage Workshop

Turner Acryl Gouache paint, reference image, brush, permanent ink pen, collage papers, acrylic matte gel medium and small fussy-cut scissors used in the workshop by Tristina Dietz Elmes.

Here are links to the supplies list for the books, paints, permanent ink pens and accessories shown during the video. As a Blick Affiliate and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases for links below that lead to Amazon and Blick Art Materials.

Book: The Beginner's Guide to Chinese Painting - Flowers by Mei Ruo Softcover (2010) - https://amzn.to/49eXOyg
Book: Chinese Painting 2 by Chow Chian-Chiu & Chow Leung Chen-Ying Softcover (1970) - https://amzn.to/4fEeva6
📙📘📗
Turner Acryl Gouache Paints Various Sets - https://amzn.to/42QMKDR
Turner Acryl Gouache White 20ml Tube and Other Single Tube Colors - https://amzn.to/42Vs8KB
Holbein Acryla Gouache Paints Various Sets and Individual Color Tubes on Blick - https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fholbein-acrylic-gouache%2F
Liquitex Matte Gel Medium 8oz Jar - https://amzn.to/41Y94uI
Pebeo Studio Acrylics Gel Medium Gloss and Matte on Blick - https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fpebeo-acrylic-gel-mediums%2F
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Black with 2 Permanent Ink Cartridges - https://amzn.to/4nId0Kg
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Sepia with 2 Permanent Ink Cartridges - https://amzn.to/4dwlRtA
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Grey with 2 Permanent Ink Cartridges - https://amzn.to/3PKA7ao
Sakura Micron Pens Permanent Ink Black Set of 8 - https://amzn.to/4eKBXCa
CuppaClip Watercolor Journal 140lb Hot Press Paper Various Sizes - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNM6V7DT?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.2JFDJHBD957E1&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.2JFDJHBD957E1_1779691068373
CuppaClip Palette Paper 40 Sheets with Thumb Hole Various Sizes - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FNL9RR2Y?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.2OMBPE6N5R1QY&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.2OMBPE6N5R1QY_1779691028325
Hahnemule Agave Sustainable Watercolor Paper Block 140lb Various Sizes on Blick - https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fhahnemuhle-agave-watercolor-paper%2F
Black Ink Mulberry Paper Scrap Pack - https://amzn.to/4eHLaer
Golden State Art 11x14 inch Mat for 9x12in Art - https://amzn.to/4cNcG7Y
Arteza Nylon Bristle Acrylic Paint Brushes Set of 12 - https://amzn.to/4e71MMw
Meeden Palette Knife and Spatula Set of 3 - https://amzn.to/4cSSGRl
Precision Tip Scissors for Fussy Cutting Paper Set of 2 - https://amzn.to/4mUcqIW
Mofa Turquoise Hot Air Tool 300W - https://amzn.to/4kAae8a
Faber Castell Clic-N-Go Collapsible Water Cup Turquoise - https://amzn.to/42tTZRN
My Recommended Cloth-Like Viva Paper Towels 3 Double Rolls - https://amzn.to/3EPZhOW
🎨🎨🎨
Note that most of the list of supplies above can be found on the Blick Art Materials website and shipping is generally free for orders of $79 or more. Check them out here:
https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2F
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If you would like to see other paints, mediums and art supplies that I recommend, click below to go to the Supply Links page on my website:
https://www.dietzart.gallery/supply-links

Or, check out art supply recommendations on my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/tristinadietzelmes

FREE Live Art Lessons Sunday Afternoons

SUNDAY afternoons I teach a FREE ART LESSON simulcast on YouTube Live and on the WhatNot auction platform followed by a giveaway and sale of my handmade artworks, gift items and some art supplies on WhatNot. You can follow the QR code appearing in the YouTube video or follow the Invite link in the video description to join me on WhatNot for some great Live Auction Art & Gifts deals.

If you're new to Whatnot, sign up with the following link and get $15 in Whatnot credit to use to shop on the platform:

https://www.whatnot.com/invite/tristi...

I hope you'll join me and the thriving Artisan community over on WhatNot soon!

“Peony Friends” acrylic gouache on agave renewable watercolor paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes. At the time of writing, this original art piece is available on my Etsy Shop HERE.

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Happy Arting! 🎉