Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Gouraud shading is a technique used in computer graphics to create smooth, realistic shading on 3D objects. Unlike flat shading, which colors each face of an object with a single tone, Gouraud shading interpolates colors across the faces. This is achieved by assigning a color to each edge of the object, factoring in lighting, and then calculating intermediate colors to produce a smooth gradient. This method significantly enhances the visual realism of rendered images and is capable of real-time rendering in modern systems.1

Gouache, on the other hand, is a painting technique that uses opaque pigments mixed with gum. It creates a distinct, brilliant surface layer on paper, differing from transparent watercolors. Gouache has ancient origins and was used by artists like François Boucher.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. gouache
  2. computer graphics

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.