Flicking through art magazines and books I have come to notice that watercolour looks particularly good when it depicts certain subject matter. Watercolour portrays these things in a way that opague media, such as acrylics or oils, just can’t achieve. This is because of the material, and in the case of shadows immaterial, nature of these subjects. Certain things seem to be particularly suited to the glowing, fluid, multilayered effects that only watercolour can achieve.
Below, various types of subject matter are grouped according to the underlying quality watercolour portrays so well. These are: transparency, glow, movement and atmospheric effects
Below, various types of subject matter are grouped according to the underlying quality watercolour portrays so well. These are: transparency, glow, movement and atmospheric effects
Transparency
Glow
Movement
Atmospheric effects
| Shadows, such as these cast by the trees in 'Sempach in Snow', look great in the transparent media of watercolour. This is because you can see the ground through them. This image 'Campfire' has a layer of Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange and Alizarin Crimson beneath the Ultramarine night sky. The 'Glow' effect is at it's most intense in the fire, but is also adding depth and interest to the surrounding sky. In 'Red Swirl' movement is created by the combination of 'Wet in Wet' areas which are loosely defined, similar to a long exposure photo, and fast curved lines which lead the eye to the focal point. The soft atmospheric effect in this image of 'San Marco Sunset' was achieved through placing the clouds in the sky wet in wet and finishing the painting off with a thin glaze of Permanent Rose. |
The unique beauty and subtlety of watercolour is particularly evident in certain subject matter- so make the most of it. You may like to use one of the subjects suggested above for your next painting. Alternatively, you may be inspired by your own subject matter that exploits the qualities of transparency, glow, movement and atmosphere.