Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Watercolor is a painting medium that uses pigments suspended in water-based solutions. It is known for its transparency and delicate, flowing effects when applied to paper.
Related terms
Wash: A wash is a technique in watercolor where diluted paint is applied in broad strokes, creating a transparent layer of color.
Wet-on-dry: Wet-on-dry refers to applying wet paint onto dry paper, allowing for more controlled brushwork and crisp edges.
Masking fluid: Masking fluid is a liquid used by artists to protect specific areas of the paper from being painted over with watercolor.