What is watercolor painting?
Watercolor painting is one of the oldest forms of art ever created. It originated dating back centuries when artists painted atmospheric perspective. Today, many illustrators make a living painting with watercolors working on projects for commercial companies or by becoming fine artists. Watercolorists often work freelance designing packaging and other materials because watercolors are vibrant, easy to take anywhere, and can produce commercial work. In the early 1900’s, artists produced editorial spreads using watercolors, ink, and other mediums. Watercolors have been a favorite among many throughout the centuries.
Watercolor Paints
Watercolor paints, a water-based medium, comprise of pigment mixed with a binder (such as natural gum arabic or synthetic glycol). Then the paints mix with water to produce a translucent painting material that is then brushed onto paper. The pigment is suspended in the binder in degrees of transparency. Some paints are considered tints, stains, and transparent. Painters have also been known to make their own paints from natural sources.
If you’re interested in learning about that, I have another tutorial on how to make your own watercolor paints.
Watercolor Painting Techniques
Watercolor paints allow artists to build up layers of paint on paper called washes, and techniques are deployed called wet on wet, wet on dry, masking, and subtraction. Many different techniques can be used to achieve different textures including the use of salt. There are many different basic ways to paint with watercolors. Some artists use gouache to accentuate their watercolors during the final stages of painting.
Typically watercolor paintings do not last as long as other mediums. This is one reason artists prefer oil paints and acrylic. These mediums tend to last longer. However, watercolor is a timeless medium with a rich history. Watercolor paintings are subject to disintegration, because of the paper they are painted on. Bright light can also change the color of the paints and yellows the paper. This is why watercolors are considered more delicate.
If you would like to learn how to watercolor paint, take a look at our courses.
History of Watercolor Painting
Watercolor painting developed in the 1700’s, but many believe the idea of watercolor painting existed back in ancient times when cave paintings were created. The modern style of painting and materials were developed in the 1800’s. You can read more about the history of painting in this article.
Choosing Your Paints
Watercolor paints come in all different types, sizes, and several different forms. In my watercolor course, I walk you through the easiest materials to start with and provide students with an optional kit if they just want to get started with a full set of paints. As a beginner artist, exploring different types of painting tools and formats will help expand your knowledge and skills quickly. I’ve created the last pigment as a space where students can get started easily, find support through the online Gab community from more experienced artists, and have a clear entry point for learning the medium. If you follow the links in the website article by article, it will lead you through each step of learning for getting started. The first step is selecting your materials.