What Is the History Behind Watercolor as an Art Medium?

Art|Art History

Watercolor has been around for centuries, but it didn’t become an art medium until the 18th century. Watercolor painting was first used by the ancient Egyptians and Chinese as early as 2500 BC. It was used as a means of documenting events like battles and historical moments. This early form of watercolor was made with natural pigments derived from minerals and plants.

In the Middle Ages, watercolor paintings were mainly used in illuminated manuscripts. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that artists began to use watercolors in a more artistic way. The Italian painter, Leonardo da Vinci, is credited with being one of the first to explore its potential. He was also one of the first to use gouache, which is a thicker form of paint made from gum arabic and pigment.

The popularity of watercolor continued to grow in Europe during the 18th century when British painters took it up as an art medium. Artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and JMW Turner were two of its most renowned advocates, using it to capture landscapes in a unique way.

In America, watercolor became popular during the 19th century when artists such as Thomas Cole started using it to paint landscapes and portraits. By this time, synthetic pigments had been developed, making it easier for artists to produce brighter colors than before.

Conclusion:

Watercolor has come a long way since its beginnings in ancient Egypt and China.

It is now an established art medium that is used by many professional artists around the world today. Its popularity continues to grow thanks to advances in technology that make it easier for artists to create vibrant colors with ease.