Akvarellfärg

Akvarellfärg, or watercolor paint, is a painting medium that uses water-soluble pigments suspended in a binder, typically gum arabic. When water is added, the pigments become fluid and can be applied to a surface, most commonly paper. The transparency of watercolor is a defining characteristic, allowing light to reflect off the white of the paper, creating a luminous effect. This transparency means that lighter tones are achieved by diluting the paint with more water, rather than by adding white pigment, although opaque watercolors, sometimes called gouache, also exist.

The history of watercolor painting can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was used for illuminating manuscripts. It gained significant popularity in Europe during the Renaissance, particularly for preparatory sketches and studies. In the 18th and 19th centuries, watercolor became a recognized fine art medium, with artists like J.M.W. Turner and John Singer Sargent achieving international acclaim for their work in the medium.

Watercolor paints are available in tubes or pans. Tube watercolors are typically more concentrated and are easily mixed with water. Pan watercolors are solid cakes of paint that require wetting with a brush before use. The choice of paper is crucial for watercolor painting. Papers designed for watercolor are usually heavier and have a texture that can hold the water and pigment effectively, preventing the paper from buckling. Common paper surfaces include hot-pressed (smooth), cold-pressed (medium texture), and rough (highly textured). Watercolor techniques vary widely, including washes, glazing, dry brush, and wet-on-wet, each producing distinct visual effects.