Modern Techniques
After the Renaissance watercolors techniques took a dramatic change. New styles and colors such as transparent colors along with brushstrokes aloud for a scene which had not been created before. The transparency of the colors and the light brushstrokes aloud for the paint to be on the paper, but to still see the paper. This style is still seen today in most watercolor paintings.
Incoming Tide, Scarboro Maine- Winslow Homer, 1883
In this painting, Winslow Homer depicts a crashing wave against a rocky shore. The dark colors along for the painting to flow and contrast against peak of the wave a the rigid rocks. Even though the colors are dark, the painting still shows a hint of transparency. "The painting gives a soft feeling to the viewer because of its transparency and texture."- Charlotte Gannaway
Fishing Boats, Key West- Winslow Homer, 1903
Sailboats shown with sails down on a calm day show the peacefulness in this painting. The light colors such as blue and white let the figures stand out in the painting because of their contrasting colors. The transparent colors of blue and white allow for a reflection off of the water.
Isles of Shoals, Maine- Childe Hassam, 1890
Smaller and detailed brushstrokes allow for more individualism and color in this painting. This watercolor painting contrasts from flowing watercolor paintings, and takes a more traditional look, almost as if it were an oil painting.