Watercolor is a unique and challenging medium that has been used by artists for centuries to create beautiful, luminous works of art. Here's 9 watercolor artists that inspire me. So let's dive in and explore the world of watercolor through the eyes of these great masters!
- Joseph Mallord William Turner (UK, 1775-1851) known for his landscapes and seascapes. His watercolor paintings are noted for their luminous, atmospheric quality and their sense of movement and light.
- John Singer Sargent (USA, 1856-1925) known for his portraits of high society figures, as well as his landscapes and murals. His watercolor paintings are characterized by their loose, fluid brushwork and vibrant colors.
- Andrew Wyeth (USA, 1917-2009) known for his realist paintings of rural landscapes and the people who lived there. His watercolor paintings are noted for their subtle, muted colors and their sense of mystery and atmosphere.
- Georgia O'Keeffe (USA, 1887-1986) known for her abstract paintings of flowers, landscapes, and cityscapes. Her watercolor paintings are characterized by their bold, vibrant colors and their expressive, gestural brushwork.
- Albrecht Dürer (Germany, 1471-1528) - Renaissance artist known for his precise and detailed watercolor studies of nature and animals.
- Beatrix Potter (UK, 1866-1943) - author, illustrator, and naturalist best known for her beloved children's books, including "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and "The Tale of Benjamin Bunny". Despite societal expectations for women of her time, Potter pursued her passion for art and storytelling, using her illustrations to bring her stories to life. In 1902, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" was published, launching Potter's career as a children's author and illustrator.
- Rollin Pickford (USA, 1912-2010) - known for his stylized landscapes inspired by his home in Fresno and coastal scenes of the Monterey Peninsula. His watercolor paintings have an expressive and impressionistic quality.
- Gary Bukovnik (USA, 1947) - painter and printmaker known for his large-scale, vibrant watercolor paintings of flowers, plants, and trees. His work is characterized by bold colors and loose brushstrokes.
- Tony Smibert (Australia, 1956). He incorporates elements of traditional Chinese and Japanese art in his work. Known for his evocative landscapes and portraits created with calligraphic brushstrokes and a limited color palette.
From the delicate botanical illustrations to the vibrant landscapes, watercolor has been used to capture a wide range of subjects and styles. Whether you're an artist looking for inspiration or simply a lover of art, these 9 watercolor artists are sure to fascinate and inspire you with their incredible talent and creativity.
If you're not sure where to start with watercolors, I shared my tips and tricks along with a shopping list for a different skill level.