Watercolor Paints

Words like glowing, luminous, brilliant, clean, clear, flowing, freedom and uninhibited expressiveness are all used to explain the visual impact of a watercolor painting. The beauty of transparent watercolor is that it allows the white of watercolor paper to shine through (or reflect light), creating a unique glow or luminous quality. Washes or glazing techniques create depth and effects not possible with opaque mediums.

A wash is a very thin, fluid layer of color applied with a wide brush or large sponge. Glazing is done by layering thin washes of different colors after each layer has dried. Delicate tones, subtle shades and airy colors are blended rather than blocked out. Because of transparency, errors are not easily covered or painted over with watercolor. Transparent watercolor is one of the most challenging mediums to master, but when the artist learns how to manipulate it the results are extremely rewarding – and addictive.

Gouache
The Italian term “guazzo” was used for a method of painting using opaque color. From guazzo we got to gouache, the term used for opaque watercolor. Gouache dries with a universally smooth, matte finish. Some colors may lighten when dry.

Transparent watercolor and gouache can be mixed together then applied. The results will depend on what is mixed with what. The opacity of gouache can overtake transparent watercolor, but watercolor can be used to tint white gouache for pastel effects. Whether in a mixture or alone, gouache may be used when artists want opacity, or need to block out areas.

Tempera
Tempera is also an opaque water-based paint. It is sold in tube, cake, ready-to-use bottles, or dry powder to which water is added. It dries matte, and may be brittle if applied too thickly. Today it is primarily used for elementary studies when volume and economics are more of an issue than permanency. Back in the old days, before vinyl lettering and computers, everything was hand-lettered. Tempera was once called showcard color, and was used by sign writers (showcard artists) on (poster) showcard board. Tempera is a popular product for short term, quickie signs and seasonal window decoration. Gouache and tempera are both hygroscopic meaning they can be liquefied after they are dry.

How to Protect A Watercolor
The best protection for a watercolor and/or gouache painting is to matte it and frame behind glass. Even a child’s tempera painting is best protected this way. Portfolio sleeves, Mylar or acetate cover sheets, or shrink-wrap protect paintings from fingerprints, grime and spontaneous sneezes.