Watercolor
Watercolor is fine pigment suspended in a binder, which can be thinned with water. Works can be gentle, washy and light, or bold and full of color. Watercolor dries quickly and is easy to apply using various techniques.
A wide variety of watercolor paints for artists of all levels. Watercolor can be thinned with water and dries quickly.
Made of pure dry watercolor paint in a stick format. Apply wet with a brush or use the stick directly as a drawing implement.
Watersoluble pencils that behave just like watercolor. Achieve sharp lines and watercolor washes all with a single pencil.
Masking fluid and applicator tools for protecting the white of the paper when applying watercolor washes.
Brilliant, saturated, transparent watercolor in a versatile marker pen. Ideal for quick sketching and precision detail.
Concentrated, transparent watercolor inks. Apply with a brush, airbrush, calligraphy pen, and more.
Accessories for watercolor painting, including varnishes, boxes, palettes, fixatives, and erasers.
A versatile and durable surface that allows watercolor to appear at its most luminous. Available in a range of sizes and formats.
Brushes ideal for watercolor, including the finest Kolinsky sables, travel brushes, and the latest technology in synthetic brushes.
Explore our wide variety of watercolor gift ideas for artists, and catering for all budgets.
Learn more about watercolor painting. We have hundreds of titles to inspire and motivate.
Alter the drying time, sheen, texture, or transparency of your paint with a medium, without undermining its structure.
Watercolor: Popular Questions from Artists
What is Watercolor?
Watercolor is a medium made by mixing finely ground pigments with a water-soluble binder, typically gum arabic. Known for its transparency, softness, and quick-drying properties, watercolor allows artists to create luminous washes and delicate details.
Watercolor is also available in different formats from traditional watercolor paints. These include pencils (sometimes called ‘aquarelle pencils’), inks, sticks, and markers. These mediums enable artists to explore a wide range of techniques, making watercolor a popular choice for both beginners and professionals.
Artists choose watercolor for its fluidity and the transparency it brings to their work. This medium allows for layered colors to build depth and create luminous effects. The softness of watercolor results in gentle transitions and gradients, contributing to a softer appearance in artworks.
Additionally, watercolor mediums like pencils, inks, and sticks offer different application methods while maintaining the medium's characteristic transparency and fluidity. This provides artists with even more creative possibilities.
‘What I love about watercolor is that it often dictates the pace of a painting. You get ready to paint, you start painting, and that’s it. Then you’re on the roller coaster of watercolor. You’ve got to roll with it while it’s wet.
Then it gets to the point where you can’t do anymore. The medium says stop, and that’s it. You can’t really just keep piling on paint to make it better like you can with so many other mediums. I really like that roller coaster and the rhythm of a painting.’ — Tom Shepperd - Watercolor Painter, Teacher, and Co-presenter of the Ask an Artist Podcast.
The use of water-based color dates back to ancient times, with evidence of water-based paints in Egyptian tombs and other early civilizations. In Europe, watercolor gained prominence during the Renaissance, particularly for manuscripts and botanical illustrations.
Renowned artists like J.M.W. Turner, Albrecht Dürer, and William Blake utilised watercolor in their masterpieces. Over the centuries, the medium has evolved. Today, artists have access to various forms of watercolor, including pencils, sticks, and inks, expanding the ways in which this timeless medium can be used.
At Jackson's Art Supplies, we are committed to providing artists with the finest watercolor art supplies at competitive prices. Our extensive selection includes high quality watercolor paints, pencils, inks, and sticks from leading brands, ensuring that you have access to the best materials for your creative projects.
- Trusted Quality: We collaborate with top brands to offer premium watercolor supplies
- Customer Satisfaction: Our 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot reflects our dedication to excellent service
By choosing Jackson's, you're not only purchasing top-tier products but also joining a community that values quality, expertise, and artistic innovation.
Shop for Watercolor Paint and Sets
Ready to get started with watercolor? Browse our collection of watercolor art supplies, from beginner sets to professional quality watercolors. Start your order online today and bring your artistic visions to life.
Need more help? Visit Contact Us and Help & Advice pages for guidance on choosing the watercolor paints for you.
What Makes Watercolor Paint ‘Artist-Grade’?
Artist quality watercolor paints contain higher concentrations of pigments, resulting in more vibrant, rich colors and superior transparency. These paints offer greater permanence and lightfastness, ensuring your artwork stands the test of time.
In contrast, student quality watercolors contain more fillers and less pigment, making them a more affordable option suitable for practice and learning.
How Can I Control the Transparency of Watercolor Paint?
The transparency of watercolor paint is primarily controlled by the amount of water you mix with the pigment. Additionally, choosing pigments known for their opacity or transparency can help you achieve the desired effect.
Generally, adding more water increases transparency, allowing for lighter washes and subtle layers. Using less water results in more opaque, saturated colors.
What Are the Best Brushes for Painting with Watercolor?
Watercolor brushes typically have shorter handles for control and precision. They are made from various types of hair, including different grades of synthetic fibers and natural hair like sable and squirrel.
Each type offers different qualities in terms of water retention and flexibility. Brushes come in various shapes and sizes - such as round, flat, and mop - to facilitate different techniques, from detailed line work to broad washes.
Are There Different Watercolor Mediums Available?
Yes, mediums can be used with watercolor to modify its properties and expand your creative possibilities. Gum arabic, for example, increases the gloss and transparency of the paint while slowing drying time.
Watercolor mediums like ox gall improve flow and spreadability. Other mediums can add granulation or iridescence, allowing you to achieve unique effects in your artwork.
Why Is Watercolor Paper Better Than Regular Paper?
Watercolor paper is designed to handle the demands of water-based paints. Its thickness and composition provide superior absorbency, preventing the paper from buckling or warping. Its weight and durability enable it to withstand wash and lifting techniques common in watercolor painting.
Why Do Some Artists Use Masking Fluid When Using Watercolor?
Masking fluid is a solution applied to paper to preserve white areas or protect specific sections from paint. It allows artists to maintain highlights and intricate details without worrying about accidental overpainting.
Once your painting is dry, the masking fluid can be gently removed, revealing untouched paper beneath and adding contrast to your artwork.
Can Watercolor Be Used for Mixed Media?
Absolutely. Watercolor is a versatile medium that blends well with various other materials. Artists often combine watercolurs with pastels, inks, and watercolor pencils to add different effects.
These combinations can enhance your artwork, allowing for innovative approaches and unique results in mixed media projects. It should be noted that watercolor cannot be mixed with oil-based mediums, because they have different bases. Water and oil do not mix, causing separation and preventing a smooth, cohesive application.
Do You Sell Watercolor Art Sets?
Yes, we offer a wide range of watercolor sets, suitable for beginners and professionals alike. Our range includes a curated selection of paint sets, plus brush sets and accessories. These provide everything you need to start or expand your watercolor practice.
How Can I Find Out More About Watercolor?
For a comprehensive guide on watercolor techniques, materials, and tips, visit our Guide to Watercolor.
You can also learn more about watercolor on Jackson’s Art Blog. It's an invaluable resource for artists at all levels looking to deepen their understanding of this diverse medium. There are also a wide variety of Books and Magazines available for watercolorists.