There’s something so peaceful about watercolor. Whether you’re the one creating the work, or the one pondering the framed final piece on the wall, it evokes a feeling of calm. The watery pigments are loose, fluid, and forgiving in such a delightful way. It rewards spontaneity over perfection, with “mistakes” simply adding character.
‘Eight Studies of Wild Flowers’, Albrecht Dürer (1510-20)
Watercolor painting has deep roots and is one of the oldest forms of art, stretching back thousands of years! As noted in this article by the Fine Art Restoration Company in London, “The mixing of a dry pigment with water to achieve a desired image can be dated back as far as the palaeolithic period. However, their use as a key component of western art history is at the dawn of the renaissance with Albrecht Dürer.” Dürer traveled through Europe with his sketchbook and pigments, making incredibly detailed nature studies on his adventures.
‘The Tuft of Grass Minor’, Albrecht Dürer (1471–1521)
Though Dürer and thousands of iconic artists create breathtaking works, watercolor doesn’t have to be reserved only for the greats. As you may have seen on the last page in our Coastal Reverie issue of ELEVATE by KBAA, we encourage everyone to try their hand at watercolor painting. KBAA Art Advisor and watercolor artist Aynsley Wille shows an easy step-by-step process for painting sardines. We love that watercolor offers a practical and inexpensive intro to art requiring only a small palette, single paintbrush, and some watercolor-friendly paper. When you have these three items, the only other thing you need is water! You can grab a cup at a cafe, paint to relax in between work-from home Zoom calls, or even scoop up some ocean water and paint what you see on a beach day.
We’re so inspired by emerging artists who aim to make watercolor accessible to anyone. One of our favorites is Emily Lex who is known for her themed watercolor workbooks that make it super easy to get started with no experience. From florals to seaside scenes, each book is an invitation to unwind and reconnect with your creativity.
Recently, our team gathered virtually for an art event led by Anysley, who walked us through watercolor basics using Emily Lex’s charming seaside workbook. We painted sailboats and shared laughs as we allowed the water to be our guide. It was a small, but joyful, reminder that art is made for connection (not perfection!)
“Watercolor is a perfectly imperfect medium where the point is to relax! The beauty in watercolor is that it flows. You kind of have to release yourself to the medium.” – Aynsley Wille
If you’ve ever wanted to try painting, let this be your encouragement to start! Let go of any rules, embrace the messiness, and enjoy the experience. Follow us on Instagram and tag us in your watercolor art!
