Concise History of Watercolor

 Since I am relatively new to the use of watercolors I think it is important to gather some background information on the material. This is a short, personal refresher on the history of watercolor.

Evidently when looking back through history, watercolor paintings weren't highly sought after. In the 1700's, oil paintings were seen as a "more important" material for creating popular paintings. The first major uses of watercolor are most associated with England and the material was mostly used for topographical works. 

During the romantic revolution, the medium began to gain popularity due to its use by J.M.W Turner and Thomas Girtin in the creation of serious and large works. 

Here are some examples of Turner's watercolor paintings:

And an example of Girtin's:

From these few examples it is apparent why watercolor gained traction as a popular medium. These artists encouraged the "Society of Painters in Watercolors" to be formed in 1803. Girtin and Turner were never part of these groups. Notable watercolorists came from this era such as John Sell Cotman, Peter de Wint, and John Fredrick Lewis. Here are some of my favorites by these artists:

Cotman:

de Wint:

Lewis: