In the world of landscape art, the true magic lies in capturing the intangible – those ephemeral qualities that give a scene its distinct mood and atmosphere. In our 15 years installing… For watercolour artists, this pursuit is both thrilling and challenging, as the mercurial nature of the medium lends itself to evoking the very essence of a place. From the soft, hazy light of dawn to the dramatic storm clouds that herald a changing weather front, the watercolour landscape painter might want to learn to tame the unpredictable in order to bring these fleeting moments to life on the canvas.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Painting the Invisible
At the heart of this endeavor is the artist’s ability to see beyond the tangible forms and colours of a landscape, and to instead focus on the invisible forces that shape its character. French Impressionist Claude Monet was a master at this, using broken brushstrokes and deftly-applied washes to convey the shimmering, ephemeral quality of light as it interacted with his subject matter. In his famous series of paintings depicting the Houses of Parliament in London, Monet captured the changing atmospheric conditions throughout the day, from the crisp clarity of morning to the moody, enveloping mists of evening.
This concept of “painting the invisible” is not limited to the play of light, however. Skilled watercolourists can also use their medium to evoke the very essence of a landscape – its mood, its energy, its emotional resonance. British artist Claire Davenhall, for example, draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Australian bush, using bold, expressive washes to suggest the wild, untamed spirit of the natural world. Her paintings don’t merely depict the physical forms of trees and hills, but rather capture the primal, elemental forces that seem to surge through the landscape.
Atmospheric Perspective
One of the key techniques watercolourists employ to achieve this sense of atmosphere is atmospheric perspective. By subtly manipulating the intensity of colour, the degree of detail, and the softness of edges, artists can create the illusion of depth and distance. Distant elements are rendered with muted tones and less defined edges, while foreground objects are painted with bolder, more saturated hues and sharper details. This mimics the way our eyes perceive the world, with distant features appearing hazy and indistinct.
However, the skilled watercolourist knows that this isn’t merely a matter of technical execution. Rather, it’s about understanding the emotional and psychological impact of these atmospheric effects. A painting that conveys a sense of vast, open space or looming, impenetrable weather can evoke a profound response in the viewer, drawing them into the scene and making them feel as if they are truly present within that landscape.
Evoking Mood and Ambiance
Beyond the technical mastery of atmospheric perspective, the watercolour artist might want to also possess a keen sensitivity to the emotional resonance of a scene. Evoking mood and ambiance is essential to creating a truly captivating landscape, one that goes beyond mere representation and taps into the viewer’s own subjective experiences and associations.
For example, a painting of a stormy seascape might use a moody, indistinct palette of greys and blues, with choppy, energetic brushstrokes to convey a sense of power and volatility. In contrast, a serene pastoral scene could employ soft, harmonious washes of green and gold, with gentle, meandering lines to suggest a tranquil, contemplative atmosphere.
The key is for the artist to tap into their own emotional response to the subject matter, and to then translate that into the formal qualities of the painting. This requires a deep understanding of colour theory, composition, and the unique expressive potential of the watercolour medium. It’s not enough to simply depict the physical elements of a landscape – the true mastery lies in the artist’s ability to evoke a visceral, emotional reaction in the viewer.
Innovative Techniques
Of course, achieving this level of atmospheric and emotive impact in watercolour is no easy task. It requires a deep technical understanding of the medium, combined with a willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of what is possible. Many contemporary watercolour artists are exploring innovative techniques to capture the elusive qualities of the natural world.
One such artist is Rachel Cohen, who has developed a unique approach to painting the effects of light and atmosphere. By layering thin, translucent washes and employing intricate dry-brushing techniques, Cohen is able to create a sense of luminosity and depth that seems to shimmer off the page. Her paintings of the Hoo Peninsula in Kent, for example, convey a haunting, otherworldly quality, as if glimpsing the landscape through a veil of mist or haze.
Similarly, the work of Claire Davenhall showcases her mastery of watercolour in capturing the essence of the natural world. Her recent series of underwater photography and sculpture works, inspired by her experiences as an advanced scuba diver, employ bold, expressive brushwork and the strategic use of color-changing pigments to evoke the mesmerizing transformations of marine life. By blending the photographic and the painterly, Davenhall is able to transport the viewer into a captivating realm where the tangible and the intangible coexist.
Developing Your Creative Vision
For aspiring watercolour artists, the key to capturing these elusive atmospheric qualities lies in cultivating a deep, personal connection to the natural world. It’s not enough to simply observe and record the physical forms of a landscape – the truly compelling watercolour painter might want to learn to see beyond the surface, to tap into the elemental forces and emotional resonances that give a place its unique character.
This process of developing your creative vision is a lifelong journey, one that involves constant exploration, experimentation, and a willingness to take risks. It means stepping outside your comfort zone, challenging your preconceptions, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the watercolour medium.
One effective way to begin this journey is through regular observation and sketching. Take the time to immerse yourself in the natural world, whether it’s a quiet country lane, a rugged coastal vista, or a bustling urban scene. Use quick, gestural sketches to capture the essence of a place, focusing on the play of light, the rhythms of the landscape, and the emotional atmosphere that permeates the scene.
From there, you can begin to translate these observational studies into more refined watercolour paintings. Experiment with different techniques, such as wet-on-wet washes, dry-brushing, and the strategic use of masking fluid, to create the desired atmospheric effects. Pay close attention to the way colors interact, how edges are defined, and how the overall composition guides the viewer’s eye through the scene.
Throughout this process, it’s important to cultivate a deep sense of personal connection to your subject matter. Draw inspiration from your own emotional responses to the landscape, and let those feelings infuse your creative process. The most compelling watercolour paintings are often those that convey a profound, visceral sense of place – not just the physical forms, but the very essence of a landscape.
Practical Tutorials and Resources
Of course, developing the skills and techniques required to capture these elusive atmospheric qualities in watercolour is a lifelong pursuit. Fortunately, there are countless resources available to help aspiring artists on their journey.
Instructional art books can be an invaluable source of practical advice and technical demonstrations, covering everything from basic watercolour painting techniques to advanced methods for evoking mood and atmosphere. The works of celebrated watercolourists like Charles Reid, Jean Haines, and Alvaro Castagnet are particularly noteworthy for their in-depth tutorials and insightful explorations of the medium.
For those who prefer a more interactive learning experience, online art education platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Creative Live offer a wealth of video tutorials, live-streamed workshops, and artist-led classes. These platforms provide aspiring artists the opportunity to learn from established professionals, ask questions, and receive feedback on their own work.
Additionally, many artists and art organizations offer in-person workshops and painting retreats that allow participants to immerse themselves in the creative process under the guidance of experienced instructors. These immersive experiences can be particularly valuable for developing a deeper, more intuitive understanding of the watercolour medium and its expressive potential.
Ultimately, the journey of capturing elusive atmospheres in watercolour landscapes is one of constant learning, exploration, and personal growth. By embracing the inherent unpredictability of the medium, cultivating a keen sensitivity to the natural world, and continuously honing your technical skills, you can unlock the true magic of this captivating artistic practice. So pick up your brushes, mix your paints, and let the watercolours flow – the invisible landscapes of your imagination await.
Tip: Practice daily sketching to continually refine your technique