Watercolors have a long and rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. The earliest known examples of watercolor painting can be traced back to the Egyptian tomb paintings from around the 4th millennium BC. These early paintings were created using a form of watercolor made from natural pigments mixed with water and gum arabic, a binding agent.
[Stela of a man called Aafenmut (detail), ca. 924–889 B.C. From Egypt. Wood, paint, gesso, 9 1/16 x 7 3/16 x 1 3/8 in. (23 x 18.2 x 3.5 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Rogers Fund, 1928 (28.3.35)]
Watercolor painting as we know it today first emerged during the Renaissance in Europe. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer used watercolors to create detailed drawings and sketches. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that watercolor painting began to be considered a legitimate art form.
One of the first artists to elevate watercolor painting to an art form was J.M.W. Turner. He was a master of the medium and used it to create some of the most vibrant and striking landscape paintings of his time. His use of light and color in his watercolor paintings was particularly innovative, and he is considered to be one of the greatest watercolorists of all time.
[Painter's Palette Inscribed with the Name of King Amenhotep III, ca. 1390-1353 B.C. From Egypt. Ivory, pigment, 6 7/8 x 1 3/4 x 3/8 in. (17.5 x 4.4 x .9 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926 (26.7.1294)]
In the 19th century, watercolor painting continued to evolve with the development of new techniques and materials. Artists such as John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer used new, more transparent pigments to create more delicate and nuanced paintings.
Watercolor painting experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 20th century, with many artists turning to the medium as a way to create more spontaneous and expressive paintings. The American Watercolor Society, founded in 1866, is one of the oldest art societies in the United States and continues to promote the medium today.
John Singer Seargents watercolor artwork: Venice (early 1880s)
Today, watercolor painting is still a popular and respected art form, with many contemporary artists continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with the medium. From its humble beginnings as a tool for recording history and documenting the world around us, watercolor painting has evolved into a vibrant and dynamic art form that continues to inspire and delight artists and art lovers alike.