Thursday, September 11, 2014

Discover The Beauty Of Abstract Watercolor Painting

By Kerri Stout


Watercolor paints have unique qualities and painters have used them successfully to create realistic images over the years. However, abstract watercolor painting has become increasingly popular as artists begin to appreciate the fluidity of this medium. They are pushing the limits and experimenting with colors, forms and lines creating works in many different styles.

The subject matter is also as varied as the artists. Ideas and thoughts are just as important as concrete realities. Colors, forms and lines have more importance than create exact replicas of what is seen. Emotions are evoked in the viewer by the ways in which these elements are used.

There are many famous artists of the past who embraced abstraction. These artists all had a passion to communicate something that could not be expressed by traditional means. An early pioneer, Kandinsky, experimented with shapes, symbols and colors. He was followed much later by Mark Rothko and Jason Pollock with their huge canvases. Abstract artists usually begin with a subject, concept or idea in their minds and they ways in which they express these defy strict definition.

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.

This understanding only comes with experience and experimentation. Artists have often studied under teachers with years of experience. They provide them with valuable guidance, critiquing their work and giving them tips on how to improve. Others are self taught with the help of lessons they find on the internet or in books. Any art enthusiast can practice the basic skills required and indulge their passion.

However, at the same time, there are many talented artists coming to the fore and many of them are displaying their work online. This makes it possible for many art lovers to purchase work that appeals to them. The great variety available means that most people can find something to suit their taste without necessarily having to spend a fortune.

The popularity of watercolors has grown steadily over the years and this trend is not likely to change. More and more artists, particularly those who are producing abstract paintings, are choosing to work with them. They offer the opportunity to experiment with many different techniques, papers, colors and styles. Their fluidity and the way they capture light offer many creative options.




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