I saw this post on threads:
and it got me thinking:
There is SoOOOOoooOoOooOOoooOo much people don’t know about watercolor.
AND while there are a LOT of reasons watercolor is my favorite paint medium —
it’s color and appealing whimsy
the way the water moves the color
the fickle and unpredictable nature of ir
…
As a 34-year-old millennial who juggles minimalism, maximalism, traditional vibes, and a secret love affair with coastal grandmother style—
WATERCOLOR is the way I see the world, and it’s one of the most underrated mediums, and also arguably the MOST difficult to understand and execute beautifully.
Let’s demystify the oh-so-cool yet misunderstood medium of watercolor.
Beyond Fragility Stereotypes
Ya’ll there’s a HUGE misconception that watercolor artworks are as delicate as your grandma’s fine china collection. When treated with more care than your succulents (yes, they’re still alive), and framed with archival materials that scream “I’m important,” these pieces defy fragility, standing tall like your collection of artisanal avocado toast photos.
Watercolor Art: Precision and Control
Think of watercolor artists as the DJs of the art world, mixing intricate details with sweeping washes like they’re dropping the beat at Coachella.
From meticulous precision to controlled chaos, watercolor is more versatile than your Spotify playlist.
It’s an art that even your cat would pause its laser-pointer chase to admire.
Preserving Color Brilliance Over Time
Concerned about color fading? FeAR NOT!
Watercolor’s vibrant longevity is like finding that forgotten avocado at the back of your fridge—unexpectedly brilliant, and the perfect gift to your morning toast (or your painting, for watercolor!).
High-quality pigments and archival materials ensure these artworks age better than your vintage Nintendo console.
Elevating Watercolor as a Collectible Art Form
I overhear this at EVERY SINGLE WEDDING where I paint guests, “OMG I CAN’T WAIT TO FRAME THIS!!!!”
Watercolor isn’t just a beginner’s paint-by-numbers game. It’s arguably the easiest medium to dabble with but the hardest to master and execute beautifully. It takes purpose, practice, and finesse.
Go ahead and @ me. This is a hill I’ll die on.
I’d say watercolor is the sophisticated older sibling of the art family, sipping artisanal coffee while discussing the latest indie films.
Watercolor as the artful addition your collection craves, like a minimalist succulent in a maximalist pot.
The Creative Resilience of Watercolor Artists
I talk a LOT about how watercolor artists *really* can’t make mistakes. They have to know what they’re doing and be able to manipulate the water and color to *fix* anything that happens in real time.
For example, with other mediums like oil, you can wipe the mistake out. With acrylic, you simply let it dry and paint over it. With watercolor? You have to completely start over.
But mistakes aren’t all bad if you know what you’re doing. Mistakes in watercolor aren’t disasters; they’re opportunities for a Bob Ross-level happy accident.
Artists turn blunders into masterpieces, making you rethink every questionable life choice. There’s always *that moment* where others see the piece and they’re not really sure if the painting is going to be good or bad.
But practicing makes better, especially in watercolor. And watercolor artists are consistently resiliant in the face of artistic adversity—now that’s a story even your cat would binge-watch on Netflix.
A Vast Artistic Spectrum for Collectors
Watercolor isn’t confined to a single aesthetic; it’s a style chameleon, adapting like the latest THE ROW drop or Zimmermann launch. Watercolor artists don’t have to stick with one single style or one single subject — the best ones have diverse styles from others (my signature style is impressionistic and whimsical, my clients call it *art that looks like art*), and have different subjects that cater to different eclectic tastes, from minimalism to coastal grandmother chic. It’s the art world’s way of saying, “You do you.”
My own work does this — while it’s all in my signature style. I’ve gone through *blue periods,* *colorful periods,* and *neutral periods,” moments where I want to capture the people and moments where I want to capture still lifes– but one thing remains the same — my style of painting and the feeling of the paintings.
Appreciating the Artistic Complexity
Watercolor isn’t a quick doodle; it’s a Michelangelo-level masterpiece in liquid form. This section unfolds the artistic complexity, akin to deciphering your grandma’s secret recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookies. Nuanced, layered, and totally worth the effort.
Watercolor isn’t just art; it’s an experience. It’s like finding a vintage mint condition Chanel bag in a thrift store—unexpectedly cool and timeless.
With watercolor artwork you an make your spaces as vibrant as your Instagram stories.
If you found this helpful, leave a comment! And if you need some watercolor art in your home? Shop here or inquire about signature commissions.
