Acuarela
Watercolour: Popular Questions from Artists
What is Watercolour?
Watercolour 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, watercolour allows artists to create luminous washes and delicate details.
Watercolour is also available in different formats from traditional watercolour paints. These include pencils (sometimes called ‘aquarelle pencils’), inks, sticks, and markers. These mediums enable artists to explore a wide range of techniques, making watercolour a popular choice for both beginners and professionals.
Artists choose watercolour for its fluidity and the transparency it brings to their work. This medium allows for layered colours to build depth and create luminous effects. The softness of watercolour results in gentle transitions and gradients, contributing to a softer appearance in artworks.
Additionally, watercolour 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 watercolour 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 watercolour. 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 - Watercolour Painter, Teacher, and Co-presenter of the Ask an Artist Podcast.
The use of water-based colour dates back to ancient times, with evidence of water-based paints in Egyptian tombs and other early civilisations. In Europe, watercolour gained prominence during the Renaissance, particularly for manuscripts and botanical illustrations.
Renowned artists like J.M.W. Turner, Albrecht Dürer, and William Blake utilised watercolour in their masterpieces. Over the centuries, the medium has evolved. Today, artists have access to various forms of watercolour, 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 watercolour art supplies at competitive prices. Our extensive selection includes high quality watercolour 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 watercolour 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 Watercolour Paint and Sets
Ready to get started with watercolour? Browse our collection of watercolour art supplies, from beginner sets to professional quality watercolours. 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 watercolour paints for you.
What Makes Watercolour Paint ‘Artist-Grade’?
Artist quality watercolour paints contain higher concentrations of pigments, resulting in more vibrant, rich colours and superior transparency. These paints offer greater permanence and lightfastness, ensuring your artwork stands the test of time.
In contrast, student quality watercolours contain more fillers and less pigment, making them a more affordable option suitable for practice and learning.
How Can I Control the Transparency of Watercolour Paint?
The transparency of watercolour 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 colours.
What Are the Best Brushes for Painting with Watercolour?
Watercolour brushes typically have shorter handles for control and precision. They are made from various types of hair, including different grades of synthetic fibres 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 Watercolour Mediums Available?
Yes, mediums can be used with watercolour 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.
Watercolour 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 Watercolour Paper Better Than Regular Paper?
Watercolour 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 watercolour painting.
Why Do Some Artists Use Masking Fluid When Using Watercolour?
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 Watercolour Be Used for Mixed Media?
Absolutely. Watercolour is a versatile medium that blends well with various other materials. Artists often combine watercolours with pastels, inks, and watercolour 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 watercolour 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 Watercolour Art Sets?
Yes, we offer a wide range of watercolour 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 watercolour practice.
How Can I Find Out More About Watercolour?
For a comprehensive guide on watercolour techniques, materials, and tips, visit our Guide to Watercolour.
You can also learn more about watercolour 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 watercolourists.