Watercolor is a technique and medium that has gained wide recognition for its translucency and vibrant colors. Over the centuries, artists have developed and explored its history, techniques and materials. This is a detailed exploration of watercolor paintings.
History of Watercolor Painting
1. Ancient Beginnings
Watercolor paintings date back to antiquity. Egyptian artists used water-based paints on the walls of tombs, temples, and other structures to decorate them. The first watercolors were made using mineral and plant pigments mixed with water, and painted with animal hair brushes.
2. Medieval Manuscripts
In medieval Europe, the use of watercolors in the creation and illumination of manuscripts was widespread. Water-based pigments and inks were used by monks and scribes to create intricate illustrations and borders on the pages of religious text.
3. Renaissance and Beyond
During Renaissance times, watercolors began to be used as an artistic medium. Albrecht Durer, a 1471-1528 artist, used watercolors to create both sketches and completed works. Durer's watercolor studies of nature showed the medium's ability to capture fine details and subtle color gradations.
4. The 18th and the 19th Centuries
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, watercolor became a popular painting medium. In England, artists like Thomas Girtin (1775-802) and J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851), a watercolor painter, took the medium to new heights. Turner's dramatic use of color and light, as well as his innovative techniques, had a profound impact on the next generation of artists.
5. Modern Watercolor
Artists continued to experiment with new styles and techniques in the 20th century. Portability and immediate results made this medium popular with plein air painters, urban sketchers and other artists. Artists working in watercolor today continue to explore abstract and experimental techniques.
Materials and Tools
1. Paints
Watercolor paints consist of finely ground pigments suspended within a binder that is water-soluble, most commonly gum arabic. There are many different types of watercolor paints:
- Pan Paints These dry paint cakes are activated with water. These are convenient and portable for traveling.
- Tube paints: They come in small tubes with a creamy texture. These paints are easy to blend and come in a variety of colors.
- Liquid watercolors: These come in concentrated bottles. These are great for creating vibrant washes or detailed work.
2. Paper
Watercolor paper is specifically designed to handle the techniques and moisture used in watercolor painting. Watercolor paper comes in different textures and weights.
- Hot Pressed HP: Smooth surface ideal for detail work.
- Cold-Pressed (CP), A slightly textured surface that is versatile and most commonly used.
- Roughness: Surface with a high degree of texture, which adds character to a painting.
The weight of paper is expressed in pounds or grams per square meter. Papers heavier than 300 gsm/140lb can handle more moisture without buckling.
3. Brushes
There are many different sizes and shapes of watercolor brushes, which can be used for different techniques.
- Round brushes: Versatile, and can be used for detail work as well as washes.
- Flat Brushes : Ideal to apply broad washes with straight edges.
- Mop brushes: Large and soft brushes to cover large areas with color.
- Rigger Brushes Long and thin brushes to create fine details.
Brushes can be made of synthetic fibers or natural fibers (such as squirrel or sable). Natural hair brushes have a reputation for being able to retain water and keep a fine tip, while synthetic brushes tend to be more durable and cheaper.
Techniques
1. Washes
A wash is an application of color that is uniform and broad. There are different types of washes.
- Flat wash: A uniform layer of color is applied across the paper.
- Gradated Wash: An wash that changes from dark to lighter or one color to another.
- Variegated wash: A washing that blends several colors to create a more complex, textured look.
2. Wet-on-Wet
This technique involves applying wet paint to wet paper, or a layer of wet paint. The colors will blend and spread in unexpected ways. This creates soft edges and fluid transitions.
3. Wet-on-Dry
Wet paint is painted on dry paper, or over an existing layer of paint. This technique creates sharp edges and defined forms, giving you more control and detail.
4. Glazing
Glazing is the process of applying thin transparent layers over a layer of dry paint. This technique creates depth and richness through letting the underlying colors show.
5. Dry Brush
The dry brush technique involves using a very small amount of water to paint dry paper. This produces a grainy, textured effect that can be used to mimic rough surfaces.
6. Lifting
The lifting process is used to remove paint from paper. You can use a paper towel, sponge or damp brush to remove the paint. Lifting can be used to lighten or create textures and highlights.
7. Masking
Masking is the process of covering certain parts of the paper with tape or paper to protect them against paint. You can use masking fluid, paper, or tape to create sharp edges, and to preserve white areas.
Styles & Approaches
1. Realism
The goal of realistic watercolor painting is to capture the subject accurately, with an attention to light and detail. Realistic techniques involve layering, glazing and precise brushwork.
2. Impressionism
Impressionistic watercolors are more about capturing the atmosphere and essence of a scene than on capturing every detail. Artists emphasize lightness and movement with vibrant colors and loose brushwork.
3. Abstract
Color, texture, and shape are the most important aspects of abstract watercolors. Wet-on wet, splattering and experimental brushwork techniques are common.
4. Expressionism
Expressionist watercolors express emotion and mood with bold colors, dynamic compositions and energetic brushstrokes. It is more important to focus on the artist's internal experience than their external reality.
Notable Watercolor Artists
- Albrecht durer: He is known for his botanical and animal studies as well as landscapes.
- J.M.W. Turner: Turner is known for his innovative watercolor techniques and atmospheric seascapes.
- John Singer Sargent: Famous for fluid and expressive landscapes and portraits.
- Georgia O'Keeffe : She is known for her abstracted and vibrant watercolor paintings of landscapes and flowers.
Contemporary Watercolor
Artists working in watercolor today continue to explore new materials, techniques and approaches. Digital technology has also had an impact on watercolor painting. Some artists combine traditional and digital techniques.
Conclusion
Watercolor is a diverse and rich medium, with a long and varied history. It also has a variety of styles and techniques. Watercolor's unique qualities, such as its transparency, fluidity and spontaneity, offer endless artistic possibilities. Watercolor is a versatile medium that can be used to create delicate botanical studies, abstract compositions or atmospheric landscapes.
