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.
Its one of the most commonly practiced art forms, but very difficult to master. Many will remember sitting at the kitchen table as a youngster with a paint set, a painting book, a brush and a jar of water. That is all the equipment that is required, and it doesn't really change much no matter what level of painting is being carried out.
This might go a long way to explain why this medium still endures. Even the monks in their abbeys would use the same principles as they created their impressive illustrated manuscripts. Also the acclaimed Old Masters will have also explored and used this art form.
It really has a global reach, but it is a simple matter to spot the regional variations. No-one will be able to mistake the paintings of Asian influence with those from Europe. For a while there was a wane in its popularity, although nowadays it is possible to find art classes anywhere in the country.
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 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.
It is true that many have yet to reach such heights, but anything that can inspire an individual to paint what they can see in their mind's eye, or heart, can not be a bad thing. The medium can even be used to create abstract works, although many do prefer to stick with the realism that many water color artists were known for. It really is a medium for all, as the equipment required is relatively inexpensive. Often amounting to a collection of brushes, a tin of paint blocks, some paper and a bottle of water.
Its one of the most commonly practiced art forms, but very difficult to master. Many will remember sitting at the kitchen table as a youngster with a paint set, a painting book, a brush and a jar of water. That is all the equipment that is required, and it doesn't really change much no matter what level of painting is being carried out.
This might go a long way to explain why this medium still endures. Even the monks in their abbeys would use the same principles as they created their impressive illustrated manuscripts. Also the acclaimed Old Masters will have also explored and used this art form.
It really has a global reach, but it is a simple matter to spot the regional variations. No-one will be able to mistake the paintings of Asian influence with those from Europe. For a while there was a wane in its popularity, although nowadays it is possible to find art classes anywhere in the country.
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 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.
It is true that many have yet to reach such heights, but anything that can inspire an individual to paint what they can see in their mind's eye, or heart, can not be a bad thing. The medium can even be used to create abstract works, although many do prefer to stick with the realism that many water color artists were known for. It really is a medium for all, as the equipment required is relatively inexpensive. Often amounting to a collection of brushes, a tin of paint blocks, some paper and a bottle of water.
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