A Brief Guide To Water Color Artists

By Cecile Ingram


A medium has evolved as part of the history of the art world. For the most part the evolution has been slow, but spans between the cave paintings to the modern art world. Cave painters would mix pigment, that they had dug from the earth themselves, with water to create their paintings. The modern painter does almost the same, but without the need to dig for his own pigments. This is the way of the water color artists.

Even though it is exceedingly to master, its still one of the most widely practiced art forms. Most will have practiced in their childhood. Cast your mind back and you will possibly recollect sitting at a newspaper covered kitchen table. A brush grasped in your hand, a paintbox in front of you along with a book, and a jar of water. The popularity lies within the lack of equipment required, no matter the scope of painting attempted.

Possibly this has contributed to the continued popularity. Even the monks as they created the great illustrated manuscripts would make use of that same art form. The old masters from the art world would also be practitioners of the same art form.

As an art form it has spanned the globe, although it is easy to see the different regional influences. Just consider the differences between the European styles and those from Asia. For a while it was not as popular as it is now, with classes being held throughout the country.

In today's busy world learning can take many forms. People might prefer using just books and CDs, without a teacher. Others might prefer the social media available on the web. With this it is possible to watch the technique repeated over and over again until you feel that you have grasped the lesson. However people choose to learn, it is a long way from the early days.

Even the nobility of Europe dabbled in this way of painting. They gained instruction directly from the painters of the day. Those who were in not such a high position created clubs and experimented between themselves. There were others who preferred their own company, and so ventured into remote areas with their equipment where they too cold experiment with light and color.

The heyday for the medium really started with the English in the eighteenth century. It had grown to be a lot more popular within the British Isles than it had on the European mainland. It can not be said for certain that it was one man alone who caused such a rising of popularity. For many a leading light was a man called Paul Sandby, and he is often acknowledged as a strong candidate for such a title.

For many there are still the aspirations to reach those dizzy heights, although any reason to replicate what see before them in paint is a worthwhile ambition. The medium is not limited solely to the realism which many associate with water color artists. It can also be used to create abstract works amongst others. The limited essential equipment really does create an art form that everyman can attempt and enjoy, and it is all available at such an affordable price.




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