I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity and immediacy of watercolor. It fits so naturally into my way of drawing—looking closely at life, blocking in shapes of shadow and light, and working loose and expressive rather than precise or perfect.
But somewhere along the way, I got curious: when was watercolor invented? I wanted to understand how this medium I rely on so much actually came to be.
The answer surprised me. Watercolor feels modern in its looseness and flexibility, but it’s been around far longer than I expected. In fact, its roots stretch back to ancient cave paintings and evolved through manuscript illustration, scientific observation, and even war documentation.
It’s a medium that’s always been about seeing and recording the world—something I connect with deeply.
When Was Watercolor Invented? A Surprising History
Watercolor, as a painting medium, wasn't invented in one neat moment. It slowly developed across centuries, evolving through many different cultures.
Some of the earliest examples come from Paleolithic cave paintings, where pigment was mixed with water and applied to stone walls. But it wasn’t until medieval monks began illuminating manuscripts that watercolor started to take on a form we’d recognize today.
These illuminated manuscripts weren’t just decorative—they were often scientific, medical, or botanical texts meant to preserve and share knowledge. Artists used thin, transparent pigments over vellum, which helped ideas come to life in a visual way. That purpose—of observation and explanation—has always felt tied to how I use watercolor myself.
By the 15th and 16th centuries, artists began using watercolor more deliberately. It showed up especially in botanical illustrations, scientific diagrams, and travel studies. Albrecht Dürer, in the early 1500s, is one of the earliest known masters of watercolor painting. His loose and vivid studies of animals and plants still feel fresh and alive. When I first saw his hare painting, I realized that watercolor could be both delicate and powerful.
The 18th and 19th centuries are really when watercolor flourished as an independent art form. It was portable, fast-drying, and affordable—perfect for travel, military campaigns, and spontaneous painting in the field.
Artists like J.M.W. Turner and John Singer Sargent elevated it from field sketching to finished work. And that practicality? It’s still what I love about it today.
Key Points
- Watercolor evolved gradually, with early uses dating back to cave paintings and illuminated manuscripts.
- It became a major artistic medium in the 18th century due to its portability and speed.
- Albrecht Dürer is considered a pivotal figure in watercolor's development.
Watercolor Suits an Observational Mindset
When I draw or paint, I start by looking—not by following a formula. I focus on how light falls, how shapes emerge from shadow, and how to translate that into quick marks. Watercolor is one of the few mediums that lets me stay responsive like that. There’s no time to overthink.
I don’t build up watercolor in flat layers or try to “finish” things. Instead, I go after the energy of a scene. Whether I’m working in my everyday watercolor sketchbook or experimenting with ink and wash watercolor combos, I treat each brushstroke like a note in a journal.
If you approach drawing the same way—observing rather than inventing—you might find watercolor fits right into your practice. You don’t need to be a master of formulas to make something honest and beautiful. I find it’s more about building confidence with simple tools than trying to master every rule.
Choosing the Right Materials for Watercolor
Getting started with watercolor isn’t complicated, but your experience can be made a lot easier by choosing the right tools. I’ve gone through my share of trial and error, so here’s what I’ve found helpful.
Paper Makes the Biggest Difference
Paper is one of the most important factors. If you're new, understanding the different types of watercolor paper can save a lot of frustration.
I lean toward cold press most days because of the tooth—it helps control wet washes and gives texture to dry brushwork. But I also keep a hot press watercolor sketchbook when I want smoother lines or to combine ink and watercolor. The feel of the paper affects how your brush behaves, and that changes everything.
If you’re wondering what to paint on besides loose sheets, I put together a guide about painting on watercolor paper that walks through surfaces, blocks, and journals.
What Brushes to Start With
You really don’t need a full set. In fact, too many brushes can slow you down. A few quality watercolor brushes for beginners will give you more control and confidence than a cluttered setup.
Personally, I started with a size 6 round, a flat wash brush, and a rigger for detail. That kept things simple enough that I could focus on what I was seeing instead of what tool to use. I also put together a list of what watercolor brushes to start with if you're overwhelmed by all the options.
Extras That Make a Difference
Some tools aren’t essential—but they do make life easier. I always recommend using the best tape for watercolor paper to avoid tearing and warping.
And if your paintings buckle after drying, here’s my process for how to flatten a watercolor painting. These small fixes can make your experience much smoother.
I also care about watercolor storage—especially since I paint while traveling. If your paints are organized, you’ll use them more.
Mixing Color With Intuition
One thing that’s made a huge difference in how I paint is learning to mix color by feel. I rarely chase exact color matches—I look for relationships.
When I'm figuring out how to make grey in watercolor or experimenting with how to make watercolor skin tone that feels believable, it always comes down to watching how pigments react on the page. That’s way more helpful than memorizing recipes.
Creating a personal color mixing chart for watercolor has helped me understand how my paints interact, especially when working fast or out in nature.
It’s not about knowing everything—just building trust with the materials over time.
Watercolor Isn’t Just Paint on Paper
Watercolor is more versatile than most people realize. I treat it more like a mindset than a medium. I’ll often combine it with other tools like watercolor pastels or water-soluble wax pastel when I want something more textured or expressive.
There are tons of fun watercolor techniques that can shake things up—salt, dry brushing, layering opacity. A lot of them come from play, not planning.
Even when I finish a piece, I often go back and adjust. I might need to flatten a painting that buckled or rearrange pages in my travel watercolor book to tell a more cohesive story.
If you’re curious about using watercolor on alternative surfaces, you can also explore how watercolor can be used on canvas. It behaves differently but opens up a lot of creative opportunities.
Studying the Past to Paint the Present
I studied animation at CalArts, where drawing was all about observing life in motion. That training stays with me every time I pull out a brush.
Watercolor has always been used to observe, record, and express something fleeting—whether in the Middle Ages or on a sketch crawl. That’s why it still feels relevant.
Today I still work loose, starting with big shapes and moving toward detail as the piece develops. It’s how I teach myself and others to draw and paint—not from formulas, but from presence.
If you're curious to explore watercolor more deeply, I’ve put together a growing collection of posts, demos, and resources inside my watercolor collection. It’s where I document everything I’ve learned—and everything I’m still figuring out.