As an experienced art writer and creative consultant, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring a wide range of artistic techniques and mediums. One that has consistently captivated me is the elusive art of capturing atmosphere in watercolour painting. Watercolour, with its fluid, luminous qualities, holds a unique power to evoke mood, emotion, and a sense of the intangible.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the nuances of translating the invisible into vibrant, atmospheric paintings. From uncovering creative inspiration to mastering technical approaches, we’ll equip you with the tools to bring ethereal sensations to life on the canvas.
The Art of Atmosphere
Capturing Mood and Emotion
At the heart of atmospheric painting lies the ability to convey mood and emotion. Watercolour, with its inherent transparency and spontaneity, lends itself beautifully to this task. By harnessing the medium’s unique properties, artists can imbue their works with a palpable sense of atmosphere.
One artist who has truly elevated this practice is Claire Davenhall, whose underwater photography and sculptural works explore the elusive beauty of the marine world. Davenhall’s artistic journey has led her to become an advanced adventure diver, fueling a series of watercolour paintings and macro photography that capture the mesmerizing transformations seen beneath the waves.
“Watercolour painting allows me to translate the ethereal qualities of the ocean into tangible artworks,” Davenhall explains. “From bioluminescent corals to the shifting hues of cuttlefish, I strive to convey the sense of wonder and mystery that permeates the underwater realm.”
By harnessing the medium’s inherent fluidity and luminosity, Davenhall is able to evoke the ever-changing, ephemeral nature of the marine environment. Her paintings possess a captivating sense of atmosphere, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the scene and feel the ebb and flow of the tides.
Evoking Atmosphere in Painting
Achieving a compelling sense of atmosphere in watercolour painting requires a nuanced understanding of the medium’s unique characteristics. The interplay of transparent washes, subtle gradients, and the controlled manipulation of water and pigment can all contribute to the creation of atmospheric effects.
One of the key techniques in Davenhall’s arsenal is the wet-on-wet approach, where she applies pigment to a damp surface, allowing the paint to bleed and mingle organically. This technique can produce soft, hazy effects that mimic the ever-changing play of light and shadow in natural environments.
“Watercolour’s inherent unpredictability is both a challenge and a gift,” Davenhall reflects. “By embracing the medium’s fluidity and allowing for serendipitous occurrences, I can capture the essence of the moment, evoking a sense of atmosphere that goes beyond the purely representational.”
In addition to the wet-on-wet method, Davenhall also employs glazing, where she builds up translucent layers of paint to create depth and luminosity. This technique allows her to subtly modulate the intensity of colours, infusing her paintings with a sense of atmosphere that is both ethereal and grounded.
Depicting Intangible Qualities
Watercolour’s capacity to convey the intangible is a key aspect of its atmospheric quality. The medium’s ability to capture the ephemeral and the elusive has long inspired artists to push the boundaries of what can be expressed on the canvas.
In Davenhall’s case, her underwater explorations have led her to develop a deep fascination with the concept of visual synesthesia. “As I’ve delved deeper into the marine environment, I’ve been captivated by the way certain creatures can shift form, change colour, and even glow in response to their surroundings,” she explains. “This interplay of senses – the visual, the tactile, the almost mystical – has become a central focus in my artistic practice.”
Davenhall’s watercolour paintings often incorporate colour-changing pigments that mirror these mesmerizing transformations, allowing the viewer to experience a sense of the invisible forces at play. By blending traditional painting techniques with innovative materials, she creates artworks that transcend the merely visual, inviting the audience to engage with the work on a multisensory level.
“I strive to translate the intangible qualities of the underwater world – the swirling currents, the elusive patterns of bioluminescence, the uncanny ability of certain creatures to shift and adapt,” Davenhall says. “My aim is to create paintings that not only depict the visible but also evoke the underlying sensations and energies that shape these environments.”
Translating Sensory Experiences
Capturing the essence of a sensory experience is a hallmark of atmospheric painting, and watercolour proves to be an exceptionally versatile medium for this pursuit. By evoking the tactile, the auditory, and the olfactory, watercolour artists can transport the viewer into the heart of the scene.
One approach that Davenhall employs is the incorporation of textural elements in her paintings. “I’ll sometimes integrate found objects or materials into my watercolour works, such as fragments of coral, driftwood, or even discarded fishing line,” she explains. “These tactile elements not only add visual interest but also trigger a more visceral response from the viewer, inviting them to engage with the work on a deeper level.”
In her series exploring the migrant experience, Davenhall has incorporated sound installations that synchronize with the audience’s breath, creating an immersive, embodied experience. “The sound element is designed to evoke the rhythm of the sea, the pulsing of the tides, and the unsettling yet mesmerizing quality of the unknown,” she elaborates. “By engaging multiple senses, I aim to transport the viewer into the realm of the work, blurring the boundaries between observation and participation.”
The use of unconventional media, such as bioluminescent pigments or colour-changing dyes, further enhances Davenhall’s ability to capture the sensory essence of her subjects. “These materials allow me to imbue my paintings with a sense of the mystical, the ever-changing, and the inherently unpredictable – qualities that are so integral to the natural world,” she says.
By weaving together diverse sensory elements, Davenhall’s watercolour works invite the viewer to step beyond the confines of the canvas and into a realm of immersive, atmospheric experience. This multisensory approach is a testament to the medium’s capacity to transcend the purely visual, opening up new avenues for artistic expression and connection.
Mastering the Watercolour Technique
Achieving a compelling sense of atmosphere in watercolour painting requires a deep understanding of the medium’s unique properties and a willingness to embrace its inherent unpredictability. Developing a mastery of core watercolour techniques is essential for any artist seeking to capture the elusive and the intangible.
Wet-on-Wet Techniques
The wet-on-wet approach, also known as the alla prima technique, is a foundational method in atmospheric watercolour painting. By applying pigment to a damp or wet surface, artists can create soft, blurred edges, gradients, and unexpected colour blends that evoke a sense of atmosphere.
To execute a successful wet-on-wet painting, Davenhall emphasizes the importance of carefully controlling the moisture level of the paper and the pigment. “It’s a delicate balance – you want enough water to allow the paint to flow and mingle, but not so much that you lose control of the composition,” she explains.
Davenhall often begins her paintings by priming the paper with a light wash, allowing the surface to reach the ideal moisture level before starting to layer in the main subject matter. “This initial wash serves as a foundation, setting the tone for the overall atmosphere of the piece,” she notes.
As the painting progresses, Davenhall masterfully manipulates the flow of water and pigment, using tilting, blotting, and spraying techniques to create the desired effects. “I’m constantly responding to the unexpected results that emerge, adjusting my approach to amplify the atmospheric quality of the work,” she says.
Glazing and Layering
In addition to the wet-on-wet method, glazing is another essential technique for building depth and luminosity in watercolour paintings. By applying thin, transparent layers of paint, artists can create a sense of depth and atmosphere that goes beyond the purely representational.
Davenhall’s approach to glazing involves carefully controlling the opacity and intensity of each layer, ensuring that the underlying washes and textures remain visible. “The key is to create a sense of depth and atmosphere without overwhelming the viewer,” she explains. “It’s a delicate balance of revealing and concealing, of allowing the paint to breathe and interact with the surface.”
Through the process of layering and glazing, Davenhall is able to infuse her paintings with a palpable sense of atmosphere. “Each layer adds a new dimension, a new depth of meaning,” she says. “It’s like peeling back the veil, revealing the underlying currents and energies that shape the scene.”
Unconventional Tools and Techniques
Watercolour painting is a medium that lends itself to experimentation and the exploration of unconventional techniques. By incorporating unexpected tools and materials, artists can push the boundaries of what is possible within the medium, further enhancing the atmospheric quality of their work.
In her practice, Davenhall has embraced a range of innovative approaches, from the use of colour-changing pigments to the integration of found objects and sculptural elements. “I’m always seeking new ways to translate the sensory experiences of the natural world into my paintings,” she explains. “Whether it’s the way light interacts with a coral or the mesmerizing patterns of bioluminescence, I’m constantly exploring how to capture those elusive, ephemeral qualities.”
One of Davenhall’s signature techniques involves the use of mixed media, blending traditional watercolour with acrylic mediums, resin, and even 3D-printed elements. “By combining these diverse materials, I can create a sense of depth and dimensionality that goes beyond the flat surface of the canvas,” she says. “It’s about finding ways to engage the viewer’s senses and to convey the underlying energy and dynamism of the subject matter.”
Through her exploration of unconventional tools and techniques, Davenhall aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in watercolour painting, and to create artworks that captivate and transport the viewer. “Atmospheric painting is not just about the visual,” she reflects. “It’s about tapping into the unseen, the intangible, and the deeply felt – and using the unique properties of the medium to bring those sensations to life.”
Conclusion
The art of capturing atmosphere in watercolour painting is a nuanced and captivating pursuit, one that requires a deep understanding of the medium’s inherent qualities and a willingness to embrace its unpredictability. Through the skillful application of techniques like wet-on-wet, glazing, and the incorporation of unconventional materials, artists like Claire Davenhall are able to translate the ephemeral, the elusive, and the intangible into vibrant, atmospheric works of art.
By harnessing the fluid, luminous nature of watercolour, these artists are able to evoke mood, emotion, and a profound sense of connection to the natural world. Their paintings invite the viewer to step beyond the confines of the canvas and to engage with the work on a multisensory level, immersing themselves in the ebb and flow of the tides, the shifting hues of the deep, and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.
As you continue to explore the world of watercolour painting, I encourage you to embrace the medium’s capacity for atmospheric expression. Experiment with diverse techniques, be open to unexpected outcomes, and allow your work to capture the essence of the intangible. In doing so, you’ll unlock new realms of artistic possibility and create paintings that resonate with the very depths of the human experience.
Tip: Practice daily sketching to continually refine your technique