Remember the palettes of watercolor paints we were given to use in grade school? Fun memories of learning to express artistic ideas.
To the sincere artist though, watercolor painting is a unique and difficult challenge. Tame the flow, or go with the flow: that is the question. As wonderful as oil paintings can be, watercolor paintings bring a sensuality to the image and design that inspires a different kind of awe from the beholder.
Ancient manuscripts were illuminated with this method, but I want to begin with the 16th century German renaissance work of Albrecht Durer (1471-1528). He was an illustrator, but his botanical and animal studies were stunningly beautiful in their detail. Shown here is his Young Hare from 1502.
American wildlife and botanical illustrator John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a cultural superstar in his time. He traveled with an entourage of shooters and taxidermists on his expeditions to enable him to capture the details of his subjects so precisely. Here is his depiction of an American Crow.
Thomas Eakins (1844-1916) flourished in the art of watercolor painting. Here are his John Biglin in a Single Scull (1873), and Baseball Players Practicing (1875).
One of my all-time favorites, Winslow Homer (1836-1910) presented us with The Red Canoe in 1889.
John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) excelled in capturing portraits in watercolors, such as A Tramp (1904-06), and Man with Red Drapery (after 1900).
Another of my personal favorite painters, Edward Hopper (1882-1967) produced this image of Pemaquid Lighthouse in 1929.
Beloved American artist, Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) gave us this scene called Border Patrol.
And today the art of watercolor painting is thriving in Sonoma County:
Fig Season by Barbara Ware
Fire and Ice by Jeanne Lamar
Mum's the Word by Jeanne Koelle
Beetle Pattern by Susan MacMillan
Peace, and Boat Shadows by Mara Farnworth
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