Watercolour painting has a long and revered history, but in recent years, contemporary artists have been pushing the boundaries of this versatile medium. We learned this the hard way… From bold, abstract expressions to delicate, nature-inspired illustrations, the modern watercolour palette is a testament to the creative potential of this fluid, unpredictable, and luminous paint.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Redefining the Watercolour Tradition
Watercolour has often been pigeonholed as a medium for traditional landscape paintings or architectural sketches. However, today’s artists are using it to create striking, avant-garde works that challenge preconceptions about the medium. Barbara Nicholls, for instance, employs watercolour to portray the intricate geological formations and stratification of the natural world, allowing the paint to pool and find its own edges on the paper.
Other artists, like Stephanie Tuckwell, are drawn to the spontaneous, responsive nature of watercolour, using it to explore the “edges of landscape” and the interplay between land, sea, and air. “My work is a response to the edges of landscape, the meeting of land and sea, where mass meets fluids,” Tuckwell explains. “My working methods lie in the area between the intentional and incidental, the fluidity and immediacy of watercolour which allow me to explore these concerns in an intuitive manner.”
Similarly, Alf Löhr embraces the unpredictable qualities of watercolour, pouring, dripping, and throwing the paint onto the paper to capture its fluid movements. “As watercolour is a liquid I pour or drip it. Or I throw it in the air to catch when it comes down!” he says. This incautious, experimental approach allows Löhr to relinquish control and let the medium guide the creative process.
Mastering the Watercolour Essentials
While these contemporary artists are pushing the boundaries of what watercolour can achieve, it’s essential for emerging artists to first develop a strong foundation in the medium’s fundamental techniques. Some of the most versatile and useful watercolour methods include:
Flat Wash: This simple technique involves painting a large, even patch of a single colour to create a flat base for your composition. It’s a great way for beginners to practice control and brush handling.
Graded Wash: Similar to the flat wash, the graded wash involves gradually transitioning from a stronger concentration of pigment to a more diluted application, creating a soft, subtle gradient.
Dry Brush: Using a drier brush with less water-to-paint ratio, you can create a textured, scratchy effect on the paper, adding visual interest to your work.
Wet-on-Wet: Also known as “blooming,” this technique involves applying wet paint to a damp surface, allowing the colours to bleed and blend organically on the paper.
Salt Technique: Sprinkling salt onto a wet watercolour wash can create interesting patterned effects as the salt absorbs the pigment.
Sponging: Using a sponge to apply and manipulate watercolour paint can result in unique, organic textures.
Splattering: Flicking, tapping, or spraying watercolour onto the paper can produce a dynamic, energetic effect.
Mastering these fundamental techniques will provide a solid foundation for exploring more advanced watercolour methods, such as the use of alcohol, masking fluid, and sgraffito (scratching into the paint).
Finding Creative Inspiration
Beyond the technical mastery of watercolour, modern artists are also drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, from the natural world to conceptual explorations. Ana Victoria Calderón, for example, is known for her whimsical, nature-inspired illustrations, which she creates using a combination of watercolour, acrylic, and mixed media.
“Can you imagine creating new universes with watercolor?” Calderón says. “Experiment and surprise yourself with the infinite possibilities that this technique offers.”
Calderón’s work is “intimately related to nature and full of organic elements and symbolism,” reflecting her fascination with the mysticism and wonder of the natural world. By combining traditional watercolour techniques with contemporary approaches, she creates visually striking and imaginative compositions that transport the viewer to enchanting realms.
Other artists, such as Peter Haslam-Fox, are drawn to the inherent challenges and unpredictability of the watercolour medium, using it to capture highly detailed, large-scale paintings. “Watercolour by its very nature is unforgiving,” he explains. “The kind of focus needed to be brave with your subject and get it right first time is exhilarating. I find this especially true of working on a larger scale.”
Whether it’s Haslam-Fox’s meticulous approach or Calderón’s whimsical explorations, today’s watercolour artists are finding inspiration in a wide range of sources, from the natural world to conceptual abstraction. By embracing the unique properties of the medium and pushing its boundaries, they are redefining what it means to work in watercolour.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Artists
For those eager to dive into the world of modern watercolour, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
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Experiment with Materials: Explore a variety of watercolour paints, papers, and tools, such as sponges, salt, and alcohol, to discover the unique effects and textures they can produce.
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Embrace Spontaneity: Watercolour is a medium that thrives on unexpected moments and happy accidents. Lean into the unpredictable nature of the paint, and let it guide your creative process.
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Develop Observational Skills: Drawing inspiration from nature, whether through plein air sketching or detailed studies, can help you develop a deeper understanding of colour, form, and composition.
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Combine Techniques: Don’t be afraid to mix traditional watercolour methods with more contemporary approaches, such as incorporating acrylic, collage, or mixed media elements.
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Practice, Practice, Practice: Consistent practice is key to mastering the medium. Set aside dedicated time to explore new techniques, experiment with various subjects, and refine your skills.
By embracing the fluidity and spontaneity of watercolour, while also honing your technical abilities, you can unlock the full creative potential of this versatile medium. So pick up your brushes, dive into the vibrant world of modern watercolour, and let your imagination soar.
Example: Pencil Portrait Challenge 2024