An Introduction to Abstract Watercolor

Watercolor is a medium that can be used to produce many styles of art. Some of the properties that are unique to this medium make it particularly suitable for abstract art. Some colors are more transparent than others, some pigments stain the paper to become permanent, and others can be easily lifted from selected areas. Painting wet-on-wet will produce a very different effect than painting wet-on-dry. Good design is as important to abstract watercolor as it is to any other form of art and will greatly influence the appeal of the finished work.

Many styles of art are in some way representational. They are supposed to look like something or someone familiar. A square topped with a triangle looks like a house. An oval perched on top of a long curving line looks like a balloon. Abstract art is different. It isn't necessarily supposed to represent a real-life object. It may somewhat look like something familiar, but the real appeal of abstract art is the way it makes us feel. We may not be able to identify what we are looking at, but abstract art produces strong feelings that are familiar. One painting may feel soothing, another may feel chaotic, and a third might feel darkly intense. This visceral response is not unique to abstract art but is a big part of why this style of art is so strongly appealing.

There are many ways to use the unique properties of watercolor to maximum effect when creating abstract art. The overall transparency of watercolors can produce interesting effects in abstract art. Colors can be layered directly over each other by layering light washes and allowing each to dry before adding the next. Washes of watercolor can also be allowed to run into each other for a completely different look. Colors can be applied then partially lifted of with a sponge or towel. Laying a wash on the paper then sprinkling it with salt is a fun way to create the appearance of texture. Actual texture can be created by using texturing mediums which are built up on heavy watercolor paper, allowed to dry, then painted.

Abstract art may look as though the paint has been randomly tossed around, but the feelings it evokes result from the artist's utilization of knowledge, technique and talent. Combining the many techniques available to a watercolorist with good composition and use of color theory can result in stunning abstract watercolor art.