Appreciating Watercolor

Watercolor painting isn't just about applying colors; it's a dynamic collaboration between artist and medium. The paint itself seems to have a life of its own, swirling and flowing on the paper in response to water and brushstrokes. It's a captivating dance, a constant interplay that yields beautiful and unpredictable results.

For the aspiring artist, the possibilities are endless. Imagine a world brought to life on paper – anything from a breathtaking landscape (Figure 1-1) to a whimsical abstract creation. The author readily admits their artistic journey wasn't always graceful, but the sheer joy of creating with watercolors outweighed any initial struggles.

The focus here is on transparent watercolor, lauded for its ability to create luminous effects. Thin layers of paint on high-quality cotton rag paper allow light to penetrate, bounce off the white surface, and then reflect back through the layers, resulting in a painting that practically glows.

There's also opaque watercolor, known as gouache, made by adding white to the transparent variety. Acrylics offer another option for opaque, water-soluble painting, but unlike watercolor and gouache, acrylics dry permanently and can't be rehydrated later.

So, what draws artists to watercolors? What myths might deter them? Many misconceptions surround this medium, but the truth is quite positive.

Firstly, watercolor is permanent. While a work on paper might seem less substantial than a canvas painting, high-quality watercolor paper (made from 100% cotton rag) has been found remarkably intact in ancient Egyptian tombs. Lightfastness, once a concern, is no longer a major issue. Modern pigments ensure vibrant colors that will last for generations.

Secondly, watercolor is incredibly portable. All you need is paper, paint, a brush, and water – a compact kit you can take anywhere, allowing you to paint on the go, whether it's a trip around the world or just to your art class.

Thirdly, watercolor is forgiving. Contrary to popular belief, it's not a one-shot deal. You can manipulate and rework the paint even after it dries. Techniques for erasing and layering are covered in detail later in the book.

Fourthly, watercolor is immediate. Unlike oil paints that take ages to dry, watercolor dries quickly, perfect for our fast-paced world.

Fifthly, watercolor is fluid. Some might find this lack of complete control daunting, but it's precisely this characteristic that makes watercolor so captivating. The paint moves and flows freely, reacting to your touch and creating unique effects. Embrace this flow, learn how to work with it, and the paint will practically paint itself.

Finally, watercolor offers endless technical possibilities. Exploring these techniques (covered in later chapters) adds another layer of enjoyment to the artistic journey.

Watercolor is a medium full of surprises, perfect for experimentation. While the author enjoys creating realistic scenes, the potential for abstraction and non-representational art is equally exciting.

In conclusion, watercolor painting is a rewarding and versatile art form. It's permanent, portable, forgiving, immediate, fluid, and offers a vast array of techniques to explore. Whether you're drawn to realistic landscapes or the world of abstract expression, watercolor awaits, ready to dance with you and create something truly special.