Art at the Library: Techniques: Watercolor Painting

This is the first in a four part series to appear monthly focusing on artistic techniques. The focus will be on which artists that used the technique and resources that can be checked out from the Port Jefferson Free Library to help anyone reach their artistic potential!

Watercolor paint is one of the world’s oldest mediums. Its use can be traced back to Ancient Egypt. It became a widely used painterly medium during the Renaissance when artists used it for sketches and preparatory drawings.
It wasn’t until the nineteenth century that watercolor painting became an art form in its own right. One of the most famous artists who worked in watercolor at that time was Joseph Mallord William Turner. Turner was known for his incredible landscapes and seascapes that depicted both the beauty and the power of nature. Later works explored the consequences and developments of the Industrial Revolution. Some of Turner’s most well known works are his oil paintings, but many of his watercolors survive and are masterpieces in their own right. For more on Turner please check out: Turner in His Time by Andrew Wilton.

Another well known user of watercolors was John James Audubon. He used watercolors when he created his famous illustrations of birds which would become Birds of America, what some call his magnum opus. For more information about Audubon and his work please check out: The Art of Audubon: The Complete Birds and Mammals.

Let the Library collection help you learn how to paint and create some beautiful watercolor paintings of your own! Let these great books help you get started  on your artistic journey:

Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner by Mark and Mary Willenbrink

With a title that highlights “absolute beginner” this book is a great starting point. It explores the types of paint (not all watercolors are created equal), papers, and brushes. What makes this book fun is that all of its illustrations are watercolors themselves painted by the authors. There is an emphasis on basic drawing skills, color theory, and composition. One nice section allows users to begin to practise and refine their skills.  There are some actual projects that are broken down into easily doable steps. A nice place to start!

Watercolor Essentials by Birgit O’Connor

This book starts with an exploration of basic supplies. It does go into more detail about brushes, and how the paint looks when it is applied with a variety of brush shaped.  There is a emphasis on experimenting with techniques and not as many projects. The book comes with a DVD that users can watch while practising the techniques.

The Watercolor Bible by Joe Garcia

For those who are more seriously committed, they will find this book a helpful reference to keep in the studio. Information on tips, tricks, and techniques are included.

Step by Step Watercolor Painting by the Alexander Brothers

This volume will interest those who are familiar with basic techniques and have a good grasp of composition and want to start painting actual works of art. The authors offer well written step by step instructions. Each project corresponds to a particular skill.

Want to get some hands on experience? The Library is hosting a watercolor class: Watercolor Basics on March 21, 2013 at 7 p.m. We’ll hope you would be able to join us. Please call and ask to speak to the Reference Desk to sign up!

It is important to note that while beautiful, watercolors are extremely delicate. To preserve their beauty they must be kept away from direct sunlight and artificial light like fluorescents. UV protective glass frames helps in retaining their original colors so they can be passed down to subsequent generations.

For more information please call the Library and ask to speak to the Reference Librarian. They will be happy to help you get in touch with your artistic side!