The Beauty Of Watercolor (If oil paint is a dog, then watercolor is a cat)

After venturing into the world of watercolor, oil painter Winslow Homer said, “I want to live my life in watercolor”. Many artists have discovered the beauty of watercolor as well as the challenges it presents. It requires a planning process and layer sequencing where there is no going back. When John Singer Sargent painted with watercolor…. he “groaned, swore, and shouted in triumph” when his painting was finally complete. Despite watercolor’s challenges, general artistic principles apply… such as composition, perspective, values, color harmony etc. . Unlike opaque media, there is a focus on maintaining light and transparency. Timing and pigment concentration are crucial….. so the watercolorist monitors water content and evaporation on paper and palette.

“It is the kiss of water on paper that allows pigment to flow into a world of creativity” and sometimes the swirl of color can be a pleasant surprise to the artists. It is the art of letting go and embracing the flow. And by admission of many artists, oil painters secretly want to become watercolorist. The lifecycle of an artist often begins with the child’s watercolor set, and then moves to an opaque art form, and ends in watercolor. Switching from one medium to another helps one become a better artist, much like learning a new language, helps you better understand your own language and helps you become a better communicator.

I am often asked to describe my experience as an oil painter trying my hand at watercolor. I think of this analogy. If oil paint is a dog, then watercolor is a cat. Oil paint sits and stays where you want (…mostly). Watercolor has a mind of its own and it requires a bit of coaxing and just the right touch. You can’t be too forceful with watercolor…. or you may end up with scratches. Oil paint clean-up is like cleaning after a muddy dog running through the house. It often requires an apron and gloves and smelly fluids. Watercolor is almost self cleaning.

Still, we love our cats and dogs. When oil painting works, it can be a loyal companion; your best friend at your side. Finishing a pleasing watercolor painting is like petting a sleepy cat purring on your lap.