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Thursday, January 3, 2013

Tools And Techniques Of Water Color Artists

By Maryellen Lamb


Water color artists have been creating stunning landscapes and wildlife studies dating as far back as the 1400s. While the materials used in this type of painting have evolved over time, the basic supplies and techniques remain the same. In fact, many of today's painters still prefer landscapes and wildlife as their subject matter, since the natural luminescence of this type of paint brings life to their renderings.

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.

While the quality of paint is important, the use of water is equally important in this process. Water colors first became available on the commercial market in the 1700s. While these early versions used various binding agents based on what was available to hold pigments together, today's versions use a more scientific approach and are much more consistent in quality. Paints are sold in small pans, known as cakes, or in bendable metal tubes.

Paper quality has also seen great improvement over time. There are many weights and finishes to choose from, but painters tend to have a preference based on what works well with their style of painting. Many prefer to use paper that comes in block form, which consists of multiple sheets stacked and glued around the edges. However, individual sheets are also available.

A great deal of moisture is needed for this type of painting. Because of this, natural-haired brushes are often preferred as they're more absorbent. However, modern synthetic brushes have greatly improved and are becoming more popular. Whether natural brushes or synthetic brushes are preferred, both come in various shapes and sizes suited for specific tasks.

The techniques used with this medium are very different than those used with more opaque paints. Water colors are much more fluid than other denser paints, and require a unique approach. While a layered approach is typically used to attain the depth and detail of the subject, doing so can be tricky as too many layers can turn the translucent quality of these paints quite muddy. This is very different from other types of paints, where colors can be layered on top of one another until the desired results are achieved.

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.

The supplies and techniques used remain basically unchanged from centuries ago. However, today's water color artists have the luxury of the improved availability and consistency of paints, papers and brushes suited to their preferred style of painting. It is interesting to note that many still prefer to paint nature-based subjects, such as animals or outdoor scenery. There are also many well-known artists who use the unique properties of this medium to create stunning portraits or abstract paintings.




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