Watercolor: The Development of an American Medium
Author
Hickam, Nancy L.
Subject
Washington and Lee University -- Honors in Art
Watercolor painting, American
Metadata
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From the earliest times, it has been thought that all serious academic work must be done in oil. Watercolor has long been viewed as a less academic, even unimportant, means of expression. This medium has been overlooked. Watercolor possesses a spontaneity, a freshness, a uniqueness that can not be reproduced in any other medium. As one critic points out, watercolor achieves an enthusiasm, found in one's first impression, that is difficult to maintain in oil painting: "Yet it is this first passion, unadulterated by extended effort, often impolite and coarse by the nature of its impetuosity, that gives any immediate expression, like watercolor or its close kin drawing, the enormous verve and impact frequently missing in the more sedate art of oil. How often are we let down by an artist's finished painting after the stimulation and promise of his first notes." [1] Watercolor, in addition to being a unique medium, is also an American one. American artists have explored, produced, and been successful with watercolors. Only the United States can claim numerous major and influential artists who have worked exclusively in this medium. However, in order to gain a full comprehension of watercolor, it is necessary to understand not only the history and development of American watercolor painting, but also the technical difficulties involved in executing a watercolor painting. [From Introduction]