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Watercolour is a painting technique which uses paint that is made of colourants suspended or dissolved in water. Watercolours are usually painted onto paper and canvas.

Popularity
The most universally popular of all forms of art using color. Surly all of us have been given a paint box at some time in our lives.

Location
As popular an outdoor activity as it is an indoor activity. Many artists take their watercolour materials and spend an afternoon painting in some glorious location on a sunny afternoon.

Age
Suitable for artists of all ages and abilities, so if you're young or old, able to work outdoors or just happy working from photos, it is a rewarding hobby.

Ability
The more you practice the better you will get, just don't expect instant results. It is better to start with just a few colours. You should also only use paper specifically made for watercolours.

Description
Watercolor painting began with the invention of paper in China shortly after 100 AD. Traditionally, watercolour paint is applied with brushes, but it may also be applied with other implements or mixed with other materials. The term watercolour most often to refers to traditional transparent watercolour or gouache (type of paint consisting of pigment suspended in water) which has a higher pigment to water ratio and thus produces more vibrant colours.

Dedication
To begin painting in watercolour all you need is a few tubes or pans of paint, a brush and a sheet of paper. Compared to many other media, the process is relatively simple i.e. 'just add water'. This simplicity can lead you to believe that painting in watercolour should be relatively easy, but many people find it a difficult medium to get to grips with. Rather than being a relaxing, creative pastime, the learning process can be full of frustration.

Potential
The only qualification needed to paint and draw is enthusiasm and a desire to enjoy it. You may never be recognised by the art world but if you take pleasure in it, then the finished result is immaterial, but practice and experience bring improvement

Closely Related Activities
sketching 22, oil painting 20, drawing 22,

Cost
Paper and a basic set of coloured paints can be purchased for a few pounds, are all that are needed. As you become more dedicated an easel and mixing pallet may be useful, these can be obtained from thirty pounds.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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