Mastering Watercolor Painting:
Part 1 - The History of Watercolor Painting

by Elizabeth Ragona. © 2025 Alabama Art Supply.

Watercolor painting is a dynamic and versatile medium that has been beloved by artists for centuries. Whether you're a beginner exploring the beauty of water-based pigments or an experienced painter refining your techniques, understanding the characteristics of watercolor can enhance your creative journey. This Studio Notes™ Art Blog will guide you through the history, composition, types, tools, surfaces, brands, and techniques that make watercolor painting an expressive and rewarding art form.

Note: Some of the products described in this blog series are available on our website, but nearly all can be found at our Birmingham store. For availability, call us at 205-322-4741 or visit us in person—we’re happy to help you find exactly what you need!

A Brief History of Watercolor

Watercolor painting has been around for thousands of years—dating all the way back to the Paleolithic era. Early “watercolors” varied widely in their makeup, with some using natural vegetable pigments and others relying on ink or soot. But the one thing they all had in common? Water was always the key ingredient for diluting and applying the paint.

The kind of watercolor we recognize today started to take shape in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. However, it was mostly used for preliminary sketches, copies, or scientific studies—often seen as a stepping-stone rather than a final artwork.

By the 18th century, watercolors found their way into more practical applications. Mapmakers and engineers used them to illustrate terrain and architectural plans, while the upper class embraced watercolor painting as a refined hobby—one that signaled a good education and artistic taste.

It was around this time that watercolor truly evolved as a fine art medium. Artists like Paul Sandby, Thomas Girtin, and J.M.W. Turner pioneered new techniques, proving that watercolor wasn’t just for studies—it could stand on its own. Their work helped elevate watercolor painting to a respected and widely admired art form.

The watercolors we use today came about in the early 19th century, made from pigment, gum Arabic (as a binder), and additives like glycerin to adjust the consistency. These paints, when mixed with water, give us the brilliant washes and vibrant layers that make watercolor such a versatile and expressive medium.

Historical Overview

Ancient Uses: Early humans used water-based pigments to create cave paintings, while ancient Egyptians applied watercolor techniques to decorate tombs and papyrus scrolls.

Medieval Manuscripts: Artists used watercolor to add detailed illustrations to religious texts, enriching manuscripts with vivid colors and gold leaf embellishments.

Renaissance and Beyond: Artists like Albrecht Dürer pioneered watercolor as a fine art medium, using it for landscape studies and botanical illustrations.

19th and 20th Centuries: Watercolor societies emerged, and artists such as J.M.W. Turner elevated the medium with expressive landscapes and atmospheric effects.

Modern Watercolor: Today, technological advancements have expanded watercolor's possibilities, including synthetic pigments and innovative new formats.

Famous Watercolor Painters and Their Contributions

Watercolor painting has been embraced by many artists throughout history, with each contributing unique techniques, styles, and innovations to the medium. Here are some of the most influential watercolor painters:

Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528, Germany)

• One of the earliest known European artists to use watercolor as a fine art medium.
• Created highly detailed nature studies, such as Young Hare and The Great Piece of Turf.
• His precise application of washes and transparent layers influenced botanical and scientific illustration.

J.M.W. Turner (1775–1851, England)

• A master of light, atmosphere, and movement, Joseph Mallord William Turner’s watercolors capture dramatic landscapes and seascapes.
• Known for expressive and fluid washes, often blending colors seamlessly.
• Famous works include The Blue Rigi and his many studies of Venice and British coastal scenes.
• His innovative approach elevated watercolor to the level of oil painting in the art world.

John Singer Sargent (1856–1925, United States/England)

• Renowned for both his oil portraits and fluid, energetic watercolor landscapes.
• His watercolors captured exotic locations, from Venice to the Middle East.
• Known for his bold, confident brushstrokes and use of light, particularly in The Bridge of Sighs and Bedouins.

Winslow Homer (1836–1910, United States)

• A leading American realist painter who used watercolors for both landscapes and marine subjects.
• Developed innovative techniques in color layering and dry brush effects.
• Notable paintings include Boys in a Dory and The Gulf Stream.

John James Audubon (1785–1851, United States)

• Renowned for his detailed bird illustrations, Audubon’s The Birds of America (1827–1839) remains one of the most celebrated collections of wildlife art, showcasing his masterful use of watercolor to capture lifelike textures and vibrant plumage.
• Combined scientific accuracy with artistic beauty, using watercolor, gouache, and ink to create dynamic, naturalistic compositions of birds in their habitats—revolutionizing ornithological illustration.
• Pioneered field study sketching, observing birds in the wild and using innovative techniques to portray movement and personality, influencing generations of wildlife artists.

Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986, United States)

• Best known for her large-scale oil paintings of flowers, O’Keeffe also worked extensively in watercolor in her early career.
• Her watercolors, often abstract and expressive, explored color and form with fluidity.
• Early works like Blue No. 1 showcase her innovative approach to color blending.

Andrew Wyeth (1917–2009, United States)

• Known for his detailed realism and subdued color palettes.
• Used watercolor to capture rural landscapes and intimate interior scenes.
• Famous works include Christina’s World and Wind from the Sea.

Charles Burchfield (1893–1967, United States)

• Created expressive and almost mystical watercolor landscapes filled with vibrant, exaggerated colors.
• His work often reflected nature’s emotional and seasonal changes.
• Pieces like December Storm highlight his unique style of capturing atmospheric conditions.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943, England)

• Famous for her children’s book illustrations, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
• Her delicate and detailed watercolors brought animal characters to life.
• Also painted botanical studies with scientific accuracy.

Thomas Moran (1837–1926, United States)

• Known for breathtaking watercolors of the American West, particularly Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.
• His work helped influence the establishment of U.S. National Parks.
• Paintings like Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone showcase his luminous, grand landscapes.

The Lasting Influence of Watercolor Artists

These artists pushed the boundaries of watercolor painting, using it not just for studies but as a legitimate and expressive medium. Their contributions continue to inspire watercolorists today, proving that the medium is as powerful and versatile as oils or acrylics. Whether used for delicate detail, abstract expression, or grand landscapes, watercolor remains an essential part of artistic tradition. Watercolor's ability to capture beauty, emotion, and the ephemeral nature of the world makes it a timeless and enduring art form.

Now that you learned about the history of watercolor painting, read the next part of our series, Mastering Watercolor Painting: Part 2 - Watercolor Paints. Watercolor is available in multiple forms, each offering unique advantages. CLICK HERE to continue reading.

 

Alabama Art Supply is your one-stop shop for all things art! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, we have everything you need to bring your creative vision to life. From paints and brushes to canvases, sketchbooks, custom framing, and more—if you’re looking for art supplies, we’ve got you covered. Don’t see what you need? Just reach out to us at 205-322-4741—we’re happy to help you find exactly what you're looking for!

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