Why Watercolour is the Best Medium to Paint With
Watercolour allows for vibrant, transparent layers that make each feather of this Macaw come alive with a luminous, natural glow.
Welcome, dear readers, to a splashing good time, where we dive into the vibrant, fluid, and wonderfully unpredictable world of watercolour! If you’ve ever wondered why so many artists are drawn to this medium like ducks to water, then you’re in for a treat.
While oil, acrylic, and watercolour paint each have unique characteristics and applications, watercolour stands out for its delicacy and unique results. Whether you’re a brush-wielding wizard or a colour-curious newbie, watercolour offers a cascade of benefits that will make you want to dip your toes (and brushes) into its watery wonders.
So, let’s wade into the reasons why watercolour is the reigning champion of the art world, and discover how it can make your artistic journey anything but watered down!
It’s Like Herding Cats
Trying to control watercolour is like trying to herd cats – you think you’re in charge, but really, it’s doing its own thing. Ever tried to make water stay in one place? Good luck! Unlike acrylic painting, which offers more control and predictability, watercolour will teach you that the path of least resistance is often the most beautiful, even if it’s not where you intended to go. Embrace the chaos and watch your art come to life in ways you never imagined.
Built-In Excuse for Mistakes
One of the greatest perks of watercolour? Every “mistake” can be passed off as an artistic decision. Smudge? Intentional atmospheric effect. Drip? A touch of spontaneity. The freedom to turn mishaps into masterpieces is a liberating experience. Next time someone asks about that odd blotch, just smile and say, “Oh, you wouldn’t get it.”
Blooms are no longer mistakes. They add beautiful expressive qualities to a watercolour painting.
Instant Drama with Minimal Effort
Feeling lazy? Just add water.
Voilà! Instant masterpiece.
A single drop can transform a simple wash into a dramatic sky or a flowing river. Try doing that with oils! Unlike the ease of creating dramatic effects with watercolour, oil requires more labor-intensive techniques. Watercolour is perfect for those days when you want maximum impact with minimal effort. It’s the lazy artist’s dream come true.
The Ultimate Flex on Your Friends
Mastering watercolour means you can say, “I paint with water,” and watch their jaws drop. Oil painters have their solvents, acrylic artists have their mediums, but us watercolourists? We just use good old H2O. We’re basically alchemists, turning water into art with a swish and flick of our wrists. It’s the ultimate flex.
Glow with the Flow: The Magic of Transparency and Opacity
The biggest downside to painting in watercolour is? ................I can't think of any 🤔.
Watercolours have a unique luminosity and versatility that other mediums can’t match, thanks to their ability to be both transparent and opaque. This is largely due to gum arabic, the primary binder in watercolour paints, which allows for this magical see-through sorcery. When applied in thin washes, watercolours let light pass through the pigment layers, creating an ethereal, glowing effect that makes your paintings look as if they’re lit from within. This transparency adds a touch of fairy-tale sparkle to your artwork, as if each brushstroke bottles a bit of sunshine.
On the other hand, you can achieve opacity by applying the paint more thickly or using certain pigments known for their solid coverage. This dual capability allows you to create a wide range of effects, from soft, delicate glows to bold, vibrant colours. It’s like having two mediums in one, offering endless possibilities for your artistic expression and ensuring your masterpieces shine with both subtlety and intensity.
Who knew you could paint with light itself and create such rich, diverse textures?
Art on the Go
With just a small palette and a bit of water, you can paint anywhere – from your kitchen table to the top of a mountain. Watercolours are incredibly versatile and portable, making them perfect for plein air painting and travel. No need for bulky equipment or toxic solvents. Just pack your brushes, and you’re ready to create wherever inspiration strikes.
Speedy Strokes
Unlike oils, which can take days (or even weeks!) to dry, watercolours are the sprinters of the art world, letting you complete a painting in a single session. Perfect for those of us who are a bit brush-happy! This quick drying time also means you can layer colours faster than you can say “Bob Ross,” achieving beautiful, complex textures in a fraction of the time. It’s like having a fast-forward button for your creativity – no more waiting around for paint to dry. Who’s got time for that?
Green and Clean
Watercolour is the eco-warrior of the art world. Unlike oil paint, which requires toxic solvents and can generate significant waste, watercolour uses no toxic solvents and produces minimal waste – just good old H2O and pigment. Painting with a clear conscience has never been easier! Plus, clean-up is a piece of cake. Just rinse your brushes, and you’re done – it’s practically a rinse-and-repeat routine. It’s good for the planet and your peace of mind. Who knew saving the Earth could be so art-fully easy?
Watercolor vs oil painting - you only need water when you paint with watercolour - no smelly solvents needed.
Watercolour Painting: Among the Greats
Jumping into the world of watercolour means you’re in some seriously good company – we’re talking art royalty here! Masters like J.M.W. Turner and John Singer Sargent created jaw-dropping works with watercolour, leaving a splash-tastic legacy that continues to inspire artists today. When you paint with watercolour, you’re diving into a rich, vibrant tradition. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the art world’s hall of fame. So grab your brushes and start making history – one watery masterpiece at a time!
John Singer Sargent - Cairo, c. 1891
Flexibility in Style
Watercolour is the yoga of the painting world – it can be as loose or as detailed as you want it to be. Stretch your creativity with free-flowing, expressive washes or flex those artistic muscles with intricate, precise details. Whether you’re feeling zen or zany, watercolour bends to your will. It’s the ultimate artistic workout, keeping your creativity limber and ready to flow with whatever mood strikes you. Namaste, paint lovers!
Water: The Magic Ingredient
Water is the secret sauce that makes watercolour so special. It can turn the boldest pigments into the subtlest shades, blend colours seamlessly, and create textures that are nothing short of magical. It’s like having a genie in a bottle – just add water and watch your artistic wishes come true on paper. Abraca-dab-rah! It’s pure liquid magic, transforming your brushstrokes into enchanting masterpieces.
Layer Up, Buttercup!
Watercolours are perfect for layering. You can build up colours gradually, creating depth and dimension that gives your paintings a lifelike quality. It’s like making a lasagna – each layer adds more flavour, making the final piece a feast for the eyes.
Art practice without breaking the Bank
Let’s face it, art supplies can cost an arm and a brush, but watercolour is often kinder to your wallet. A little paint goes a long way, and you don’t need a million brushes or canvases. Just a few tubes of colour, some good watercolour paper, and you’re set. And the best part? With watercolour, you hardly ever waste paint. The little that’s left on your palette can be easily reused or dried for future sessions. It’s a no-fuss way to make every drop count. It’s the budget-friendly way to unleash your inner artist without making your bank account cry. Painting on a dime? Watercolour’s got your back!
Watercolour paint is still useable - even after it has hardened on the palette.
Mixing Colours
Mixing colours with watercolour is a breeze compared to other mediums. You can effortlessly blend and adjust hues directly on your paper, creating stunning effects that are hard to achieve with other mediums. With just a few tubes of paint and some water, you can explore endless colour possibilities and layer colours to build beautiful gradients and complex shades. The transparent nature of watercolour allows for a unique interplay of colours and light, while minimising waste—just a bit of experimentation and you’ll quickly find your perfect palette! It’s all about making colour mixing fun and efficient, without breaking the bank.
Watercolour Paints: The Social Butterfly
Watercolour painting is a great way to connect with other artists. From local art groups to online communities, watercolour enthusiasts are everywhere. Join a workshop or a social media group, and you’ll find a welcoming community ready to share tips, techniques, and encouragement. It’s like having a built-in support group that also appreciates a good splatter and chatter.
Like a Spa for Your Brushes
Unlike acrylics or oils, watercolour is like a spa day for your brushes. With mostly water in the mix, your brushes stay in better condition for longer. No harsh chemicals, just a gentle rinse and they’re good to go. Treat your brushes to some TLC – they’ll be bristle-y happy and ready for your next masterpiece!
Colour Alchemy
Mixing colours with watercolours is a breeze. The transparency of the pigments makes it easy to see exactly what hue you’re creating. It’s like being a mad scientist, but with less risk of blowing up your lab. Just a dab of this, a splash of that, and you’ve got the perfect shade.
Perfect for Sketchbooks
Watercolours are the perfect sidekick for your sketchbooks. The lightweight, portable nature of watercolour supplies makes it a breeze to take your art on the go. There are different types of watercolour paint, such as pans and tubes, which are especially suitable for portable use. Whether you’re at a café, a park, or globetrotting around the world, you can capture the moment with just a few strokes. It’s like keeping a vibrant diary that you can flip through and relive your adventures. Your sketchbook just got a splash of awesome!
The Element of Play
Watercolour is the ultimate invitation to play. With its flowing nature and unpredictable outcomes, it beckons you to experiment and have fun. Try splattering, dripping, or using unconventional tools to create wild textures. It’s like being a kid again, where every mark is a discovery and every painting is an adventure. Ready to make a splash? Dive into the playful world of watercolour and let your inner child run wild!
Stress Relief in a Palette
There’s something incredibly soothing about painting with watercolours. The gentle flow of water, the soft blending of colours, and the meditative process of brushstrokes can be incredibly calming. It’s like a mini vacation for your mind, right at your easel. Take a deep breath, dip your brush, and let the stress melt away.
Think Outside the Paper
Gone are the days when watercolour paintings had to be hidden behind glass to protect their delicate nature.
Modern watercolour artists now have more versatile options. You can paint on panels or stretch watercolour paper just like a canvas, giving you the freedom to work on larger, more durable surfaces. Once your masterpiece is complete, you can protect it with varnish, eliminating the need for glass entirely. This not only makes displaying your work easier and more contemporary but also allows your vibrant colours and intricate details to shine without any barriers.
It’s another way watercolour has evolved, making it even more accessible and enjoyable for artists today.
You don't have to paint on watercolour paper. You can paint on Aquabord or you can glue watercolour paper to a cradled board.
Always a Surprise
With watercolour, you never quite know what you’re going to get – and that’s half the fun. Each painting session is an adventure, full of surprises and happy accidents. It’s like unwrapping a present every time you pick up your brush. Who doesn’t love a good surprise?
Watercolour simply is the best medium because it’s versatile, portable, quick-drying, eco-friendly, and steeped in history. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of the art world – ready to tackle any creative challenge with grace and ease. With a magical blend of unpredictability and control, every brushstroke is an exhilarating adventure, a dance between artist and medium. So, pick up your brushes and dive into the wonderful world of watercolour. Let your creativity flow freely, because with watercolour, you never know where the currents will carry you. Embrace the splash, and let your artistic journey begin!
What do you love about being a watercolour artist?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out my other posts on specific watercolour techniques to hone your skills and unleash your creativity.
Happy painting!
If you are interested in learning to paint in watercolour, I have over 200 online, voiced over watercolour tutorials for all skill levels.
