Watercolour painting has a long and storied history, with roots stretching back centuries. In our 15 years installing… Yet this versatile medium continues to evolve, as contemporary artists push the boundaries of what’s possible. From bold experimentation to a renewed appreciation for traditional techniques, the modern watercolour landscape is a vibrant and ever-changing realm, brimming with creative potential.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Embracing the Unexpected
One of the hallmarks of modern watercolour is a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of the medium. Rather than fight against the inherent fluidity and spontaneity of watercolours, many artists are learning to harness these qualities for their own artistic expression.
As artist Stephanie Tuckwell explains, “My work is a response to the edges of landscape, the meeting of land and sea, where mass meets fluids. My inspiration lies at the edges of the air, land and sea, 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.”
This openness to the medium’s unique properties can lead to serendipitous and captivating results. Artist Barbara Nicholls, for instance, creates watercolour paintings that mimic the layered, geological formations of the natural world. “I start by creating puddles of water on large sheets of paper. I apply the watercolour to this water and wait for the pigment to find the edge of the water. This creates a line of colour. I am interested in this line; it has a quality that I could not otherwise achieve.”
Pushing the Boundaries
Contemporary watercolourists are also expanding the boundaries of the medium, using it in ways that defy traditional expectations. Artist Alf Löhr, for example, embraces the uncontrolled nature of watercolour, pouring and dripping the pigments onto the paper to achieve unexpected effects.
“Water plus pigment plus light: neither greasy nor plastic like acrylics… As watercolour is a liquid I pour or drip it. Or I throw it in the air to catch when it comes down!” Löhr explains, highlighting the inherent freedom and spontaneity of this approach.
Even larger-scale watercolour paintings, once considered a rarity, are becoming more commonplace. As Peter Haslam-Fox notes, “Watercolour by its very nature is unforgiving. 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.”
Embracing Watercolour’s Unique Properties
While some artists are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with watercolour, others are finding new ways to celebrate the medium’s inherent qualities. The luminous, transparent nature of watercolour, for instance, is a key appeal for many contemporary artists.
“Watercolour can have a particular luminous quality achieved by applying transparent paint to white paper,” the Winsor & Newton blog notes. “Once applied, watercolours are hard to move, and artists respond in different ways to this challenge.”
This interplay between the medium’s inherent properties and the artist’s creative vision is what gives modern watercolour painting its distinctive character. By embracing the fluidity, transparency, and spontaneity of watercolours, artists are discovering new avenues for self-expression and artistic exploration.
Practical Techniques for Aspiring Watercolourists
For those looking to delve into the world of modern watercolour painting, there are a wealth of techniques to explore. From fundamental washes to more experimental approaches, mastering the medium takes time and practice.
One of the simplest yet most effective watercolour techniques is the flat wash. This involves painting a large, even patch of a single colour to create a flat base for your composition. While seemingly straightforward, perfecting the flat wash requires patience and control.
Another versatile technique is the watercolour wash, where you apply a wet wash of colour to the paper and then paint on top with a wet brush, allowing the base colour to show through. This creates a lovely, feathery effect that can add depth and interest to your paintings.
For those looking to explore more textural approaches, the dry brush technique can be a game-changer. By applying paint with a dry brush, you’ll create a distinctive scratchy, almost calligraphic effect on the paper. This method pairs well with other techniques, such as wet-on-wet (where you apply wet paint to a damp surface) and blooming (where colours blend and bleed into one another).
Aspiring watercolourists shouldn’t be afraid to experiment with more unorthodox techniques, either. Splattering, salt, and sponging can all be used to add unexpected and dynamic elements to your paintings. And don’t forget the versatility of masking fluid and tape, which allow you to reserve areas of the paper for later application of paint.
Harnessing Creativity and Inspiration
Ultimately, the success of any watercolour painting lies not just in technical mastery, but in the artist’s ability to harness their creativity and draw inspiration from their surroundings. Whether it’s the fluidity of the ocean, the patterns of nature, or the energy of the urban landscape, watercolour painters can find endless sources of inspiration to fuel their artistic expression.
As you explore the world of modern watercolour, don’t be afraid to experiment, take risks, and embrace the unexpected. By tapping into the unique properties of this medium and allowing your creativity to flow, you’ll unlock a realm of artistic possibilities that will continue to evolve and surprise you.
For more watercolour tutorials, creative inspiration, and artistic insights, be sure to visit Pencil and Paint Muse – your go-to resource for all things art and design.
Tip: Experiment with different media to discover your unique style