Saturday, December 15, 2012

Water Color Artists One Should Know About

By Celia Hall


Water color artists are noted for their skill because they use methods that are difficult. Colors that are dissolved in water are applied to paper or some other surface such as vellum, fabric or wood. The pigments dry quite quickly and are usually inexpensive. However, considerable skill is required in applying them to good effect. This means that the final works are the products of admirable skill.

Although the term 'water color' was not used in the Orient until quite recently painting with brush strokes on finer paper or silk resulted in some of the world's most exquisite art works. Calligraphy influenced Eastern art and some of the techniques focus on the importance of brush strokes, especially in ink and wash works. Paintings on silk or paper still survive from antiquity and are quite marvelous.

Traditionally Chinese works tend to be more flat. In the West greater use is made of perspective. Contemporary Eastern painters in the twenty-first century adapt easily to water color techniques from the West. As techniques evolve some are tending to introduce more perspective into their works, drawing from western traditions but retaining the precision and calligraphic effects of the East.

A famous landscape painter who worked in water colors in the eighteen century is Thomas Gainsborough. He worked quickly and was fashionable in his time, much in demand for portraits although he preferred landscapes. One of his most famous landscapes is 'The Watering Place' in which his light brush strokes are evident. The demands of the time were for portraits, since photographs were not available. Gainsborough painted portraits out of necessity but his passion was for landscapes and this is evident in his work.

Between 1775 and 1851 J. M. W Turner lived and contributed hundreds of great paintings, earning himself an important place in the world history of art. A prolific artists, he produced works which form important parts of many great collections. He worked in oils and water colors. He is said to have laid the way open for Impressionism through his skillful use of light.

Turner enjoyed steady support from his family and important figures in the art world. This enabled him to develop from an early age. An important work, 'A view of the Archbishop's Palace at Lambeth was exhibited Royal Academy in 1790 when the artist was only fifteen. Later he travelled widely and as his work evolved he seemed to become more fascinated by the power of natural forces. The sun seems to explode onto the scene in many of his works.

As he developed Turner was able to extend his use of light. He often painted violent events such as storms and shipwrecks. His landscapes often illustrate the destructive power of nature through shimmering light effects. During his time the environment was not thought of as being benign and vulnerable but as powerful and threatening. Despite this his works evoke a sense of admiration rather than fear of natural forces.

Water color artists are vitally important in the art world of the twenty-first century. Exponents of the method such as Cheng-Khee Chee demonstrate elements of style drawn from both East and West, melded into significant contemporary works. They are exhibited in galleries around the world and are also available online.




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