July is a month filled with vibrant colors, warm sunshine, and a unique artistic celebration known as World Watercolor Month. This global event, which takes place annually, invites artists, enthusiasts, and creative souls from all corners of the world to explore the captivating medium of watercolors. It is a time to embrace the spontaneity, fluidity, and sheer joy that watercolor painting brings. In this blog post, we will delve into the essence of World Watercolor Month, its significance, and the beauty it adds to our lives, along with the opportunities YOU have to explore watercolor painting at our studio!
These are the watercolor paint brushes we use at our studio!
A Brief Overview of World Watercolor Month:
World Watercolor Month was initiated by artist and founder of Doodlewash, Charlie O'Shields, in 2016. The aim of this month-long celebration is to raise awareness and support for arts education and to promote the joy of watercolor painting. Throughout July, artists are encouraged to create and share their watercolor artworks using the hashtag #WorldWatercolorMonth on social media platforms. The event has gained tremendous popularity and has become a global movement, connecting artists of all skill levels and backgrounds.
Embracing the Versatility of Watercolors:
Watercolor painting is an artistic technique that dates back centuries, captivating artists with its unique qualities. The transparent nature of watercolors allows light to pass through the pigment, resulting in luminous and delicate hues. From vibrant landscapes to delicate floral compositions, watercolors have the power to evoke emotions and transport viewers to different worlds.
What makes watercolors truly fascinating is their ability to blend effortlessly on paper, creating stunning gradients and organic textures. Artists can experiment with various techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry-brushing, enabling them to achieve different effects and capture the essence of their subject matter. The unpredictability of watercolors adds an element of surprise and spontaneity to the creative process, often leading to beautiful accidents and unexpected discoveries.
This metallic watercolor kit gets all our students ooh-ing and aah-ing!
Watercolor Painting at our Studio:
Our student artists use watercolor in their own ways to express themselves and their vision of the world around them. Our pink painters will often splatter and mix watercolor paint colors or sprinkle salt on top of wet paint, embracing the paint's loose-ness and organic nature. Amber Artists, Crimson Creators, Blue Brushes, and adult Intro to Art students will take it a step further, learning the difference between loose and defined painting, dry-brush, wet-on-wet, and wet-on-dry techniques, along with using a pen or small paint brush to add definition and details. Our adult students in our Watercolor class will dive into various themes within watercolor, such as landscapes, flowers, animals, or fruit and veggies. No matter the age or skill level in our classes, we always encourage our students to let go of their perfectionism, have fun, and get creative with their painting!
This watercolor set is great for younger artists!
The Importance of World Watercolor Month:
World Watercolor Month goes beyond the celebration of a specific artistic medium. It serves as a platform to support arts education and raise awareness about the significance of creative expression in our lives. The event encourages artists to share their work and inspire others, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. It promotes the belief that art is for everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or background, and encourages individuals to explore their creativity.
Additionally, World Watercolor Month highlights the importance of water conservation and environmental stewardship. Water, as the primary medium in watercolor painting, is a precious resource that is vital for our existence. By participating in this event, artists and enthusiasts have the opportunity to raise awareness about water-related issues and inspire positive change through their artwork.
Joining the World Watercolor Month Celebration:
Participating in World Watercolor Month is as simple as picking up a brush and a palette of watercolors. Whether you are an experienced artist or a novice, this celebration welcomes everyone to explore the world of watercolor painting. You can create a painting every day for the entire month or simply indulge in a few sessions throughout July. Join a Combination class at our studio and dip your toes into the world of watercolor, or join our Watercolor class to really dive into techniques and explore the world of watercolor. No matter which route you take, the key is to embrace the process, let go of perfectionism, and enjoy the journey of self-expression!
This watercolor set is great for older or more experienced artists!
Sharing your artwork on social media platforms using the hashtag #WorldWatercolorMonth allows you to connect with fellow artists from around the globe. You can also join local art groups, attend workshops, or organize painting sessions with friends to further immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of this month-long celebration.
World Watercolor Month is a delightful and inspiring event that brings together artists and enthusiasts to celebrate the beauty and versatility of watercolor painting. By participating in this global movement, we can explore our creativity, share our artistic expressions, and contribute to the promotion of arts education. Let July be a month of embracing spontaneity, discovering the magic of watercolors, and connecting with a vibrant community of artists who share the love for this captivating medium.