watercolour

Watercolour is a painting medium in which pigments suspended in a water-soluble binder, typically gum arabic, are applied to paper. It is valued for its translucency, lightness, and the ability to produce luminous color washes. Watercolour works are often executed on specially prepared paper designed to absorb water while remaining strong enough to hold successive layers. Papers vary in weight, texture, and sizing; common options include hot-press (smooth), cold-press (textured), and rough surfaces, usually 190–300 gsm. Cotton fiber papers are preferred for durability.

Colors are typically transparent or semi-transparent and are used in washes, glazes, and subtle tonal gradations. Pigments may be sold as tubes or as dry pans; they are mixed with water to achieve desired intensity. The white of the paper serves as the lightest highlight.

Common techniques include washes (flat or graded), wet-on-wet (color spreads into damp paper), and wet-on-dry (more controlled edges). Lifting (removing pigment with a damp brush or sponge) and masking fluid are used to preserve whites. Dry brush and glazing offer texture and depth. Proper planning and layering are key to avoiding unwanted bleeds and paper buckling.

Historically, watercolour painting evolved strongly in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries, with artists such as Turner and Constable expanding its reach; the medium also has a long-standing tradition in East Asia. Today watercolour is used for studies, sketches, and finished works, with both traditional and modern approaches. The term watercolour is common in British English, while watercolor is the American variant.