Water colors are the oldest
form of paints. They’re milled
from pigment, gum arabic (binder).
Water is added as the vehicle. Modern water colors were invented by William Winsor and Henry Newton in
1832. Winsor & Newton
developed the world’s first moist water colour pan, utilizing glycerine to ensure
that the colour would remain easily soluble and ready for immediate use. The product revolutionized how artists
use water colour.
The finest gum Arabic, offering the greatest clarity and stability, comes
from acacia trees in a small region in Africa. Transparent Water color, in which the white of the paper or surface
below shows through the color for maximum brilliance, is the most popular.
Gouache (or opaque water color) is used for maximum
density. Water colors dry very rapidly, and don’t easily lift from the paper
surface. Water colors can be used to create broad, flowing washes of color, or to
create tight detail. Specialty mediums (like those from Winsor & Newton (can be added
for special effects, like: iridescent, granulating and lifting. Masking fluid can be used to protect an area of paper from the
color. When dry, the masking
fluid can be rubbed from the paper, revealing the pristine paper surface
below. Water color is not water proof when dry, and requires protection from
spills. Water colors should be framed under glass for exhibition and
protection.
The
"92 Incredible Things to Know About Art Materials" Guide was
developed in cooperation with Winsor & Newton and with Liquitex Artists'
Acrylics. Reprinted with
permission. | |
