What To Know About Abstract Watercolor Painting

By Andrea Davidson


Abstract watercolor painting involves mixing together the watercolor medium with abstract art. This kind of art is not designed to represent that which is recognizable in the external and real world. Instead, it strives to achieve its own visual language through use of shapes, colors, forms and textures. Watercolor is a style of painting that results in a luminous and transparent appearance because pigments are laid down in their pure form with vary little fillers that obscure.

Materials that are required for this kind of artwork are generally inexpensive. The bare essentials include watercolor paints, paper that works with this type of paint, paintbrushes, pencil and some time. Like most art, it can take time and thought to create a piece. All kinds of artists are known to do this kind of painting, including students who are just beginning to learn the craft and seasoned artists who have done these types of works for many years.

One common assumption that people have regarding this work is that anything will go. This is mostly true when speaking on any kind of art, but there are still some methods and techniques that can be taught and learned. Visually, there are numerous components that may be found in these pieces, including pattern, form, color, shape, texture and line.

Abstract is a term that is generally used to signify the removal of reality from the imagery. It can be partial, complete or slight removal, depending on the preference of the artist. The finished piece can usually be turned in any direction or angle and still look like a piece of art.

There are a lot of different techniques that may be utilized with this method. The style is known for being demanding of artists. Unlike acrylic or oil paints, the watercolors do not stay exactly where they are placed. They also take longer to dry and more paint may need to be applied to get the right result, as water is known to dilute pigmentation.

Amateurs sometimes find it trying to predict how water will react when used with the paints. The main objective is to anticipate the paint behavior versus trying to control the behavior. Some common techniques associated with this paint type: glazes and washes, wet in wet, drybrush, minimal palettes, diluting and mixing paints, and paint lightfastness. They are also beneficial for controlling and simplifying this process.

Use of these paints for art date back, even to the cave paintings found in Paleolithic Europe. In the past, Baroque easel artists used these paints for cartoons, copies and sketches. In time, this medium has become more common and popular. In fact, many of the paints employed today are as durable and colorful as the oil and acrylic types. Abstract art in simple linear and geometric forms has existed for centuries as well.

Abstract watercolor painting involves using watercolor as a medium while producing abstract art. People of all painting levels participate in making these kinds of works. In order to get a grasp on the craft, artists should take the time to learn the basics of form and working with these paints. Like most artworks, time and thought go into making these pieces.




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