September 16, 2013

A Brief Guide To 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.

This is possibly why it has proved to be such an enduring medium. Just consider the monks as they created their illustrated manuscripts, these were made using the same medium. Even most of those who people consider to be the old masters of the art world have also used and explored this medium.

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.

The methods of teaching are many and varied, some use CDs and books which removes the need to actually use a teacher. Others try to learn from programs on the Internet. By this means they can study the techniques over and over again until they understand them. It all seems so different to 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 feel that it was the English during the 18th Century who raised the form to a new level. It has to be said that the style was certainly more popular within the British Isles than on the continent. There are various names put forward as being the spark that lit the fire of popularity within the British Isles. Some will say that it started with a man called Sandby, others will indicate that it was Turner.

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.




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