Watercolor History

Purpose:

To become familiar with the history of watercolor;

To become familiar with various watercolor artists throughout time;

To make connections between watercolor purposes and techniques from long ago to its uses today.


On prehistoric cave paintings, temples, and tombs watercolor has been used since the beginning of painting. 
Albrecht Durer, he is from Germany, and mastered the watercolor techniques we know today. In his works he paints what he sees realistically, and does a great job capturing texture.
During the mid 1800’s watercolor was at its prime, and heavily appreciated by people. Also women looked into watercolor as a hobby partly because queen victoria took lessons and started a trend.
Partly because there are bio-friendly watercolor paints, another is that now the paintings can last longer than before. Water soluble oil paints are not coming to popularity.

alpine landscape, 1495

Frances Anne Hopkins, The Lumber Raft, 1870

She was an English artist who created works from the mid 1800’s to the early 1900’s, her family consisted of many famous artists.

Anthony Van Dyck, Landscape, 1632

He was a famous painter with success in Italy and England throughout his life.