1/04/2013

Tools And Techniques Of Water Color Artists

By Maryellen Lamb


Lifelike wildlife and landscape paintings have been created by well-known water color artists dating back to the early 1400s. The basic materials and techniques required haven't really changed much, but the availability and consistency of supplies has greatly evolved. The luminescent qualities of this type of paint make it a natural choice for painting nature-based scenery, making this a popular subject even with today's painters.

The quality and availability of supplies have seen drastic improvements over the years. However, the materials have remained basically the same. Paper blocks or single sheets of paper, paints and brushes, as well as a good bit of water, are all that's required. Good quality supplies can be expensive, but because these paints don't require expensive thinning medium the process is generally less expensive than some other types of paint.

Water is as much of a component for this medium as the paint itself. Commercial varieties first became available in the 1700s and combined various binders to hold the pigments together. Over the years, binding agents have evolved to create a more consistent product. Most artists currently use paints that come in small pans, otherwise known as cakes, or in metal tubes.

Paper has also undergone vast improvements since earlier times. Many painters choose a certain finish or weight of paper to complement their style. Paper choice is largely based on preference, and can be purchased in single sheets or block form. Many painters prefer blocks of paper, which are bound on four sides, as they are considered more portable.

Softer natural-haired brushes are traditionally preferred for water colors as they hold more liquid than synthetic brushes. However, modern synthetic brushes are much more absorbent than those of years ago. Nevertheless, most still prefer the absorbent properties of natural hair. Brushes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes that are suited to different techniques.

Painting with this medium requires a very different approach than painting with acrylics or oils, which are more opaque. It requires great skill to apply just the right combination of water and paint to achieve a certain result. Artists generally layer colors to achieve their desired results, but the translucent colors can become dull and muddy if proper control is not maintained. With other more opaque paints, colors are simply applied repeatedly as needed.

Detailed landscapes and wildlife renderings have long been the subject matter of choice for water color artists. The paint has a luminescent quality that brings these subjects to life. While there are many artists who choose to paint portraits or abstract subject matter, nature-based paintings still seem to be the focus of many of today's painters.

Today's water color artists are fortunate to have access to high quality supplies. Although the quality and availability of supplies has changed greatly over the years, the basic techniques and materials used remain the same. It is also interesting that many artists have retained a preference for painting nature-based subjects. In addition to artists who paint animals and outdoor scenery, there are also many who focus on abstract paintings or portraits.




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