9/13/2013

Everyone Can Be Water Color Artists

By Cecile Ingram


Throughout the ages there has been one medium that has endured in the art world. From the cave paintings to the modern day art world this medium has been largely unchanged. The cave painters would mix pigment from the ground with water, and their modern counterparts still do the same, without having to dig out their own pigments. Welcome to the world of 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.

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.

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 European nobility considered it to be an apt pastime. The painters of that time were often engaged to provide instruction and guidance to the household. Those not of noble birth would form clubs and experiment amongst themselves, as they tried to create realistic light and shade. Others preferred their own company and so carried their equipment to a remote spot where they too could experiment.

Many argue that in the 18th Century the English made the medium their own. Indeed it was not nearly as popular on the European continent as it was in the British Isles. There are many great painters that could be referred to as the spark that lit the flame, but many would agree that it was Paul Sandby who was mainly responsible for establishing the medium as a true art form.

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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