World Watercolor Month is Here

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World Watercolor Month


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.
 

Go With the Flow Painting

by
Ohn Win

Learn how to paint lush, flowing, expressive flowers, still life, travel motifs, food and drink, and animals with watercolor or pen and ink, using easy and fun techniques that are perfect for beginners and beyond.

Botanical Watercolor Painting for Beginners

by
Cara Olsen

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

by
Emma Block

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

by
Camilla Damsbo Brix

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.

How to Make Art for Joy's Sake

by
Kristy Rice

Kristy Rice's joy-focused approach to watercolor art has won the hearts of fans worldwide. She teaches the basics of painting, infusing the learning process with wit, wisdom, and laughter. Rice shows all levels of painters how to make "art for joy's sake."

Watercolor Success in Four Steps

by
Marina Bakasova

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.

15-minute Watercolor Masterpieces

by
Anna Koliadych

This collection of easy, step-by-step instructions, helps unlock your creativity with watercolor. Follow along as Anna Koliadych, founder of DearAnnArt, guides you through painting your own watercolor masterpieces in just 15 minutes.

Watercolor Painting Step-by-Step

by
Jackie Barass

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

by
James Gurney

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.

Chinese Watercolor Techniques

by
Lian Quan Zhen

Learn come of the traditional Chinese watercolor techniques.

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.

Simply Painting: Introduction to Watercolors and Paint Boxes

by
Frank Clarke

The simple techniques in this DVD make learning the fundamentals of painting easy and non intimidating. Perfect for parents or teachers that want to assist their children learn at a relaxed pace.

Description adapted from publisher
By Brad on July 12, 2023