Watermedia

Watermedia is a category of painting media in which water serves as the primary solvent or carrier for pigment. It includes traditional watercolors and gouache, as well as other water-based media such as casein, water-based inks, and most acrylic paints when thinned with water. It also encompasses water-soluble pencils, markers, and dyes that allow the artist to manipulate pigment with moisture.

Core characteristics: Depending on binder and pigment, watermedia can be transparent (watercolor) or opaque (gouache); it is generally reworkable while damp and liftable when wet. Common effects include washes, glazing, soft gradients, and granulation. The surface absorbs moisture and pigment differently, influencing bloom and edge quality.

Typical supports are papers designed for water media, often 100% cotton, with hot-press, cold-press, or rough textures. Other supports include illustration boards, prepared paper, and, for acrylics and casein, primed canvases or panels. Tools include natural and synthetic brushes, pens, and sponges.

Usage: Watermedia has a long history, from traditional East Asian ink washes to European watercolor drawing and landscape painting. In the modern era it is taught in schools, used by illustrators, and pursued as fine art. The medium supports rapid development and experimentation, with attention to moisture management and layering.

Care: To preserve paintings, mount to appropriate supports to minimize buckling, frame suitably, and use archival, acid-free materials. Some pigments may fade with light exposure; proper storage and framing reduce risk.