Painting with watercolor can be a relaxing activity. According to a study done at Drexel University, making art can significantly reduce stress-related hormones, like cortisol, in the body. So why not take a minute, pull out a sheet of paper and some brushes, and paint your stress away?
July is World Watercolor Month. This month, artists are asked to paint a different watercolor every day to help raise awareness for arts education. According to the event's website, they hope to "bring artists together to paint the world with beautiful watercolor." This is a charitable event, with any proceeds going to arts education. Event organizers ask artists to post a new watercolor painting every day on social media.
The history of watercolor painting stretches far back. Some of the earliest known paintings were done with watercolors. Primitive humans used water-based pigments mixed with their fingers or stick to paint on cave walls. Later, Egyptians used watercolor paints to adorn the walls of tombs and temples. Chinese and Japanese artists made watercolor paintings in mass with the advent of hand-made papers around 100 A.D. In the Middle Ages, European monks would use watercolor paints to decorate books ornately. But, it was in the early 1500s that the most famous watercolor painting ever made was created. In 1512, the famous artist Michelangelo completed the Sistine Chapel. This work is a fresco. A fresco is a form of watercolor painting.
Take the month of July and try creating some watercolor paintings yourself. We created a list of books and DVDs that could help get you started.
Also, take a look at last year's World Watercolor Month blog for more information.
Botanical Watercolor Painting for Beginners
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Unleash your creativity with beautiful watercolor blooms. From delicate magnolias and zinnias to exotic hibiscus and tiger lilies, you'll be ready to paint an entire garden with 25 breathtaking projects. Renowned watercolor instructor Cara Rosalie Olsen covers everything you need to know to get started. Learn how to select art supplies, blend colors, prepare a palette, master different brush techniques and so much more. Each project provides detailed step-by-step instructions along with helpful illustrations so you can confidently create elegant botanical masterpieces
Watercolor Life
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Discover the joy and versatility of watercolors with forty gorgeously illustrated lessons for any skill level. Watercolor artist and instructor Emma Block focuses on techniques, materials, and lessons to help you explore new watercolor techniques, build creative confidence, and discover your unique style of painting. She'll show you how to paint everything from people, plants, and animals perfect for framing to patterns and washes perfect for stationery and housewares.
Ink & Wash Florals
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Immerse yourself in the world of ink and wash with these dazzling floral projects that will have you falling in love with both mediums. With Camilla Damsbo Brix's expert guidance, you'll learn the fundamentals of each art form, from layering washes of color to capturing ideas in loose but evocative ink drawings. You'll marry both mediums in 17 radiant compositions that highlight the immense versatilities of both art forms, as well as each flower's unique beauty.
Watercolor Success in Four Steps
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Grab your practice book and paint brushes then discover the beautiful art of watercolor. This book will show you how to easily paint 150 animals and objects, from flamingos and penguins to cakes and donuts. Every four-step project offers a completed sketch and a selection of colors to get you started, as well as step-by-step visual instructions with concise captions on how to paint each design.
Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step
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A comprehensive resource for all watercolor enthusiasts. From beginners to experienced artists, this practical manual offers advice on materials, from how to shop for them and what quality factors are important, to technical issues such as color and composition. Then discuss watercolor techniques, such as composition, perspective, and tone.
Watercolor in the Wild
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James Gurney takes you on six plein-air painting adventures using a portable rig that includes watercolors, water brushes, and water-soluble colored pencils. He explains all the materials and then demonstrates techniques that bridge the gap between drawing and painting. Each of the six examples is thoroughly documented with a variety of camera angles and with thoughtful commentary at every stage.
Basic Watercolor Techniques
The initial steps and essential procedures for creating a watercolor are presented in this live-action program which can make anyone an artist.