Vesivärejä

Vesivärejä, commonly known as watercolors in English, are a painting medium consisting of pigment suspended in a water-soluble vehicle. The binder is typically gum arabic, although other substances like glycerin or honey may be added to modify its properties. When mixed with water, the pigment becomes fluid and can be applied to a surface, most commonly paper. As the water evaporates, the binder fixes the pigment to the surface, creating the final image.

Watercolors are known for their transparency, allowing light to reflect off the white surface of the paper, which contributes to the luminous quality of watercolor paintings. This transparency also means that lighter colors are typically applied before darker colors, and the white of the paper is often used to represent highlights. Techniques such as washes, glazing, and dry brush are characteristic of watercolor painting.

The history of watercolor painting dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence found in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings and Chinese art. It gained significant popularity in Europe during the Renaissance and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in England. Today, watercolor remains a popular medium for artists worldwide, used for everything from fine art landscapes and portraits to illustration and design. The portability and relatively quick drying time of watercolors make them suitable for plein air painting and sketching.