Sunday, September 14, 2014

The Increasing Popularity Of Abstract Watercolor Painting

By Kerri Stout


The medium of watercolor is traditionally used to paint realistic images. However, its fluidity and luminescent qualities have encouraged many artists to create abstracts too. Abstract watercolor painting allows creativity to be stretched to its limits and experimentation is often part of the process. Expression ranges from the fluid to the more geometric and and figurative abstractions are also depicted and it is quite hard to define as so many different styles fall under this umbrella.

Classical artists were required to faithfully represent their subject matter. However, abstract art almost defies definition. It is sometimes defined as the exact opposite of exact representation or realism. Subject matter varies considerably and includes concepts, ideas and the workings of the subconscious mind. It is more important to use colors, lines and forms to express a subject than to represent it realistically.

Historically, there have been many notable artists that experimented with abstraction. Kandinsky is accredited as being one of the first. He painted a picture in 1910 where any recognizable subject matter was hard to discern, just as he had intended. Picasso is well known for his cubism, Jackson Pollock for his drip paintings and Mark Rothko for his squares. These artists usually had a thought, idea or subject in mind and then sought to express it in their own way.

This type of art is often used to express human emotions. These may be captured with the use of color and form. A chaotic confusion of blacks and reds is often used to express rage. Circles of blues and greens may be used to create an impression of peace and serenity. Colors are also used in unexpected ways. What many cynics do not understand is that this type of art is not produced randomly. Every use of color and brush stroke is usually deliberate.

The qualities of watercolors have to be understood in order to create the different effects. There are basic techniques that have to be mastered such as using washes, working wet on dry and wet in wet. Learning how the water, paint and paper reacts together is essential. Layering of colors to make them more or less intense is another important technique.

Many new artists are coming up today due to easy access to classes and online courses. People can teach themselves and practice the basic skills they need to get started. Others appreciate the input of teachers with years of experience who can critique their work and help them to progress. Whatever means is chosen to learn, the fact remains that without understanding basic techniques, the attempts will be very amateurish at best.

Having an abundance of new and often talented artists means that there are a huge variety of paintings available, particularly from online sources. Taste is always subjective and there are those to appeal to most tastes and budgets. Of course, those painted by professionals with years of experience will obviously be more expensive.

Watercolors have seen a steady rise in popularity. They give artists freedom to experiment with forms, colors and textures on many kinds of paper. They convey dreams, emotions and more in their own particular style. Abstract art has a unique place and is is likely to become even more popular in years to come.




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