Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Watercolor

Purpose:
To become familiar with the history of watercolor;
To become familiar with various watercolor artists throughout time;
To make connections between watercolor purposes and techniques from long ago to its uses today.


The first watercolor painting was used in a prehistoric (approximately 15,000 BCE) cave painting in current-day Lascaux, France, but the Egyptians and ancient Chinese also used forms of watercolor. Albrecht Durer was considered one of the first “watercolor masters,” producing most of his work in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Durer exhibited mastery of the wash technique, which allowed him to create forms through and atmospheric space. Durer was also famous for using incredible detail with watercolors. Two other noteworthy artists were Anthony Van Dyck and Claude Lorraine. Van Dyck was popular for his detailed and skillful watercolor landscapes which were utilized as studies and backgrounds for his oil paintings. Van Dyke was also praised as a pioneer of the use of translucent watercolor washes. Claude Lorraine painted many large Roman landscapes which were commissioned by kings and clergy. Lorraine was said to be “the best landscape artist in the world,” mastering the use of shadow and light. Watercolor was at its peak in the 1800s, when watercolor was starting to be appreciated by the British monied elite, leading to the spread of watercolor popularity. National academies of watercolor artists were established in most western nations. Women also became involved in watercolor by the late 1700s. It became a popular hobby for women to paint over black and white prints. By the early 1800s upper-class women were being tutored on watercoloring techniques; the Queen even took lessons, inspiring many women to do the same. Watercolor regained popularity in the 1970s and 80s due to a renewed interest in late 19th century art. This renewed interest led to more and more people wanting to be instructed, subsequently leading to more watercolors being produced. While there are many types of watercolor being used today, some of the most popular are environmentally safe types of paint. Fade-resistant and water soluble paints are also popular.


Albrecht Durer, Wing of a Roller, 1512


Anthony Van Dyck, Landscape, 1632










Claude Lorraine, View of the Tiber at Rome, 1635
























Works Cited
Batten, Anthony J. "HISTORY OF WATERCOLOUR." CSPWC English History of the Medium. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2014.
"History-Overview." Watercolor Watercolor Painting Watermedia History Contemporary Exhibitions. Watercolor.net, 2012. Web. 15 May 2014.

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