For many, the beauty of painting with watercolours is the ability to produce an effect of dreamlike splendour.
The free-flowing aspect of painting with vivid watercolours helps to form a series of water-soluble pigments that are smooth, subtle, and luminous.
The added depth of painting with watercolours.
Watercolours allow the artist to build up colours in layers, creating smooth blends that gradually build from light washes and culminate with an application of darker hues that add depth and texture. This layering is the blend that creates the unique characteristics of watercolours and makes it such an enjoyable art form.
The beauty of painting with watercolours is there for all to see.
Many artists will agree that the beauty of painting with watercolours is the fluidity and ease with which gradients can be created. However, from the observer’s point of view, it is the natural luminosity that allows the whiteness of the paper to pour out through translucent colours.
Due to the subtle, gentle look achieved when painting with watercolours, many artists choose to depict scenes within nature as the colours are less intense than acrylics or oils.
Go with the flow.
The beauty of painting with watercolours is often the flow of colours that is created when the artist adds water to dilute the pigments. Often, the unique characteristic of a watercolour painting is how the colours disperse to create the wispy, feathered effect. This iridescence is achieved through the subtle transition of blending which appeals to those who appreciate an amalgamation of colour.
The beauty of painting with watercolours has been appreciated for a millennium.
One of the oldest art forms, the beauty of painting with watercolours had considerable value throughout history.
Ignoring the leisure activity of cave painting that used similar techniques, over 10,000 years ago, it was the ancient Egyptians who took the art to another level, illustrating important manuscripts to decorate text.
The use of watercolours was prominent throughout the Middle Ages in an administrative capacity and, by the time of the Renaissance, watercolours were being used more and more as a form of art.
By the 16th century schools began to teach watercolour painting due to its demand and, as technology improved and the population expanded, so did the need for artists who worked with watercolours.
Botanical, wildlife and landscape were originally among the most popular themes for watercolour artists and these techniques were then used and improved upon throughout the Middle Ages.
Botanical illustrators were traditionally the most accomplished watercolour artists and were amongst the first generation to merge into new occupations.
Wildlife illustration reached its peak in the 19th century following a time in 18th century England when lessons in watercolour painting were revered and considered indicative of a good education – often only affordable to the rich elite.
The 18th and 19th centuries were a significant time for watercolour artists and, during that period, English artist William Blake provided much-needed illustrations for the epic, 14th-century Italian poem, Dante’s Inferno.
And Blake wasn’t the only watercolourist in demand.
Due to the perceived value of educated individuals having such skills, topographers, engineers, scientists, botanists, and even military officers, recognised the usefulness of watercolour painting.
A designated watercolour artist would need to be present for new discoveries and achievements, to illustrate in the moment.
As we have already touched upon, the technique is fluid and yet detailed enough to work quickly and efficiently. This fluidity works well when under pressure to illustrate something to be documented at that moment, perhaps out in rugged terrain or on a remote archaeological site of profound significance.
Therefore, watercolour artists were often taken on expeditions to some far-flung parts of the world to illustrate the work of geologists, biologists, archaeologists and naturalists.
In fact, the requirement of a good watercolour artist was such that, in the world of evolutionary biologist, Charles Darwin, he took considerable interest in the medium and became a keen enthusiast himself, often painting in watercolours for work and pleasure.
The beauty of painting with watercolours is natural and organic.
It’s no surprise that early artists used watercolours to paint nature. The harmony of the water and pigment creates natural blooms that depict our natural surroundings in vivid colour.
The spontaneity that is indicative of watercolours is ideal for painting weather scenes, particularly when painting the effect that the weather has on the environment.
The natural flowing effect is perfect for storms and cloud formations and the light, delicate hues are less intense, giving the painting a natural appearance.
Adding to the organic feel, techniques can be used to create a textured look whilst the drips and feathered blending help to make the beauty of painting with watercolours appear as unique and as fresh as nature itself.
If you would like to see more examples that epitomise the delicate beauty of painting with watercolours, check out my latest gallery of work.