watercolours

, ''Crayfishing'', watercolor, 1897]]Watercolor is a painting technique using paint made of colorants suspended or dissolved in water. Although the grounds used in watercolor painting vary, the most common is paper. Others include papyrus, bark papers, plastics, leather, fabric, wood, and canvas.

History of watercolor painting - Watercolor painting began with the invention of paper in China shortly after 100 AD. In the 12th century the conquering Moors introduced papermaking to Spain and the technology spread to Italy decades later. Some of the oldest paper manufactures include Fabriano, Italy, opened in 1276, and Arches, France, opened in 1492. , ''A Young Hare'', 1502, Watercolor]]The forerunner of watercolor painting in Europe was Frescobuon fresco painting — wall-painting using pigments in a water medium on wet plaster. One well-known example of buon fresco is the Sistine Chapel, begun in 1508 and completed in 1514. The earliest known use of European watercolor painting is by ItalyItalian Renaissance painter Raffaello Santi (1483-1520), who painted full-scale cartoons as precursors for tapestry designs.In Germany, Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) painted watercolors in the 15th century. The first school of watercolor painting in Europe was led by Hans Bol (1534-1593) and was much influenced by Dürer's creations.Other famous artists have used watercolor painting to supplement their work with oil paint, including van Dyck (1599-1641), Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788), and John Constable (1776-1837).In 18th century Britain, Paul Sandby (1725–1809) was called the father of British watercolor.

Watercolor paint - , ''Ridens'', (c. 1929), gouache and watercolor on cardboard, 104 x 74 cm, private collection.]]The broader term for water-based painting media is ''watermedia''. The term ''watercolor'' most often to refers to traditional transparent watercolor or gouache (an opaque form of the same paint).Watercolor paint is made of finely-ground pigment or dye mixed with gum arabic for body, and glycerin or honey for viscosity and to bond the colorant to the painting surface. Unpigmented filler is added to gouache to lend opacity to the paint. cloveOil of clove is used to prevent mold.

Techniques - Traditionally, watercolor paint is applied with brushes, but it may be applied with other implements in experimental approaches or mixed with other materials (usually Polymethyl methacrylateacrylic or collage).The paint is thinned before application to allow for lighter areas within the painting. This transparency provides watercolor its characteristics of brightness, ''sparkle'', freshness, and clarity of color since light has passed through the film of paint and is reflected back to the viewer through the film. According to a tradition, dating from at least the early 20th century, the white of the paper is the only white used in transparent watercolor. Opaque paint is seldom used for whites or to ''overpaint''. Watercolor techniques have the reputation of being quite demanding, although they are actually no more demanding than those used with other media. Maintaining a high quality of value differences and color clarity are typically the most difficult properties to achieve and maintain. , ''The Christmas Eve'', watercolor, (1904-1905).]]The medium is effective in portraiture, Figure paintingfigurative art, photorealism, and abstract artabstract work, both objective and non-objective. (Wassily KandinskyKandinsky produced the first non-objective abstract paintings in transparent watercolor around 1913).Watercolor proponents prize it as a studio medium for its lack of odor and ease of cleanup, and also as a en plein airplein air medium for its portability and quick drying.Fingerpainting originated in China with watercolor paints.

External links - CommonsWatercolor painting

handprint.com - Handmade watercolor paint

rolandlee.com - glossary and articles on techniqueCategory:Painting techniquesCategory:Painting !materialsca:Aquarel·lade:Aqua relles:Acuarelafr:Aquarellegl: Acuarelako:수채화it:Acquere llolt:AkvarelÄ—nl:Aquarelja:æ° ´å½©pl:Akwarelapt:Aguarelafi:A kvarellisv:Akvarellzh:æ°´å½©ç” » DEBUG REDIRECT (watercolor painting)

Studio Arts Crafts and Gallery
Materials for arts, crafts, graphics from Daler Rowney, Winsor and Newton, Pro Arte, DO Crafts, Conte, Pebeo, Staedtler, Rotring, Faber Castell for technical drawing equipment
http://www.studioarts.co.uk

Ink Watercolor
the ink watercolor project is a free art gallery showcasing ink and watercolor paintings, for private and non commercial use only, feel free to use any of the drawings on the site if you are a private individual and your use is not commercial
http://www.inkwatercolor.com/

Under Watercolours
Offers design and photography services.
http://www.underwatercolours.com/

Watercolours Cottages
One and two bedroom waterfront vacation rental cottages with private, deep water dock.
http://www.watercolourscottages.com

English Watercolours
History, workshop, three galleries of rural landscapes, coastal and marine paintings, and online sales.
http://www.english-watercolours.com/

Martin Goode Watercolours
Framed prints of local scenes of Britains cities, towns, villages and famous landmarks. Mainly the work of watercolour artist Martin Goode.
http://www.martingoode.co.uk/

Water Colours Fair
Provides information on the exhibitors, location and times along with a feedback form for this event being held in 2002 in central London.
http://www.watercoloursfair.com

Amazon.com
Departments include books, music, videos, home and garden, electronics, and toys.
http://www.amazon.com/