Monday, September 9, 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.

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.

As an art form it has spanned the globe, although it is easy to see the different regional influences. Just consider the differences between the European styles and those from Asia. For a while it was not as popular as it is now, with classes being held throughout 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 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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