Watercolor throughout history

Watercolor is a painting technique that uses pigments mixed with water to create effects of transparency and luminosity. The technique dates back centuries; the earliest known examples of watercolor painting date back to the time of ancient Egypt, where artists used the technique to paint illustrations on papyrus. It was later used in Asia, particularly in China and Japan, where it was used for calligraphy and landscape painting. In the Middle Ages in Europe, watercolor was used to create illuminated manuscripts, it was used to add color to ink drawings.

However, it was in the 18th century that watercolor became an art technique in its own right. Indeed, it became particularly popular for depicting botanical illustrations and landscapes, largely due to British watercolorists such as John Robert Cozens and Paul Sandby. Watercolors were often used as sketches for oil paintings, as they were more convenient to transport and quicker to produce.

In the 19th century, watercolor enjoyed a revival in France with the Impressionists, who began using the technique to create independent works of art rather than sketches. Thus, artists such as Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne created works that helped expand the boundaries of this painting technique by capturing the light and effects of nature.

Watercolor became a common technique for illustrations, portraits and scenes of everyday life. For this, artists began to use thicker papers and finer pigments to create more subtle effects and vibrant colors. Artists such as Eugene Delacroix, J.M.W. Turner and William Blake also helped popularize watercolor as a stand-alone art form.

In the 20th century, artists such as Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Edward Hopper continued to develop and experiment with the watercolor technique, creating innovative works of art.

Today, watercolor is still a popular technique for landscapes, portraits, illustrations, and abstract art for both professional and amateur artists. It offers great artistic freedom and allows for a variety of techniques, textures and colors. Many contemporary artists, such as David Hockney, continue to explore and experiment with this fascinating technique.

In sum, watercolor is a painting technique that has had a rich and varied history, from its use in calligraphy and medieval manuscripts to its use by Impressionists and contemporary artists.