Thursday, September 18, 2014

The Increasing Popularity Of Abstract Watercolor Painting

By Kerri Stout


The medium of watercolor is traditionally used to paint realistic images. However, its fluidity and luminescent qualities have encouraged many artists to create abstracts too. Abstract watercolor painting allows creativity to be stretched to its limits and experimentation is often part of the process. Expression ranges from the fluid to the more geometric and and figurative abstractions are also depicted and it is quite hard to define as so many different styles fall under this umbrella.

The subject matter is also as varied as the artists. Ideas and thoughts are just as important as concrete realities. Colors, forms and lines have more importance than create exact replicas of what is seen. Emotions are evoked in the viewer by the ways in which these elements are used.

Historically, there are a many famous artists who have experimented with abstraction. Kandinsky, a Russian, is thought to have been one of the first. He was later followed by many others. Picasso, Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock are just a few others who developed their own unique ways of abstract painting, whether this involved painting cubes, squares or spattering drips on huge canvases.

This type of art is often used to express human emotions. These may be captured with the use of color and form. A chaotic confusion of blacks and reds is often used to express rage. Circles of blues and greens may be used to create an impression of peace and serenity. Colors are also used in unexpected ways. What many cynics do not understand is that this type of art is not produced randomly. Every use of color and brush stroke is usually deliberate.

It is important for artists using watercolors to understand their medium. They have to understand how the water, paint and paper work together. Just as one cannot compose music without knowing the notes, certain basic techniques have to be mastered before composing paintings. Techniques like layering and working with washes are just two techniques that are important.

Many new artists are coming up today due to easy access to classes and online courses. People can teach themselves and practice the basic skills they need to get started. Others appreciate the input of teachers with years of experience who can critique their work and help them to progress. Whatever means is chosen to learn, the fact remains that without understanding basic techniques, the attempts will be very amateurish at best.

Having an abundance of new and often talented artists means that there are a huge variety of paintings available, particularly from online sources. Taste is always subjective and there are those to appeal to most tastes and budgets. Of course, those painted by professionals with years of experience will obviously be more expensive.

The popularity of watercolors has grown steadily over the years and this trend is not likely to change. More and more artists, particularly those who are producing abstract paintings, are choosing to work with them. They offer the opportunity to experiment with many different techniques, papers, colors and styles. Their fluidity and the way they capture light offer many creative options.




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