Everyone Can Be 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.

Despite it being a popular form of art, it is very difficult to become a master of. For many their first experience will have been gained as a child, sat at a newspaper covered table. Wielding a brush in one hand whilst sat in front of a paint set, a book and a jam jar full of water. Those basic requirements are still the same today, whether it be a child painting or a professional.

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.

The reach in popularity for this style really is worldwide. There are many different styles, such as Asian and European but it is a simple matter to note the differences. It has to be said that it has not always been quite so popular, but today there are full classes everywhere.

Nowadays its also possible to try learning from books or CDs, without any form of human interaction. You can even try learning from the Internet where it is easier to see various techniques. If you don't understand something you can replay the particular clip until it does make sense. A far cry from how it used to be.

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.

Everyday, somebody, somewhere is practicing this art form, the reason for their inspiration can be numerous, but they feel a need to put down what they can see in their mind's eye. It might be an abstract work, or the more traditional realism which everyone routinely associates with water color artists. It is an all encompassing style and any can join in, no matter their station in life. The cost of equipment is minimal, so maybe this has inspired you to go out and create your very own masterpiece.




About the Author: