The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up, 1838, J M Turner, 1839, 36x48in (91x122cm)

No matter your skill level, learn the history of watercolour painting and inspire your own creative journey. Behind its gentle brushstrokes lies a rich and fascinating history that spans continents, cultures and centuries.

Ancient Beginnings: Painting with nature

Lascaux, France, discovered in 1940, believed to be over 17,000 years old

The earliest known use of watercolour dates back to prehistoric cave paintings. Natural pigments were mixed with water and applied to stone walls using fingers or basic tools. These primal artworks, like those found in the Lascaux caves of France, were not just expressions of creativity. They were early forms of communication and storytelling.

Water-based paints continued to evolve across ancient civilizations. The Egyptians used water-soluble pigments in papyrus scrolls and tomb decorations. In China, as early as the 4th century AD, artists painted with water-based inks and dyes on silk and rice paper. A tradition that led to the highly refined practice of Chinese brush painting.

The Middle Ages: Illumination and devotion

Medieval manuscript in Palermo, Sicily 2014

During the European Middle Ages, watercolour was an essential tool in the creation of illuminated manuscripts. Monks in monasteries used finely ground pigments mixed with water and gum arabic. This allowed them to illustrate religious texts with brilliant, jewel-toned images. These illustrations, often tiny and intricate, brought sacred stories to life in the margins of parchment and vellum.

This period emphasized control and precision in watercolour techniques. Qualities that still echo in botanical illustration and miniature painting today.

The Renaissance: Science meets art

Young Hare, Albrecht Durer, 1502, Watercolour and bodycolour, 10x9in (25x22.5cm)

The Renaissance (14th–17th centuries) ushered in a renewed curiosity about the natural world. The human experience, and watercolour painting evolved alongside scientific discovery.

Artists like Albrecht Dürer, a German master of the 16th century, used watercolours to great effect. Using this medium to create detailed studies of plants, animals, and landscapes. His paintings, such as “Young Hare” (1502), are some of the earliest examples of watercolour as a fine art medium.

Watercolour also became an essential tool for cartographers, architects, and naturalists. Valued for its portability and quick-drying qualities, watercolour was perfect for field studies and travel sketches.

18th and 19th Centuries: The golden age of watercolour 

The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up, 1838, J M Turner, 1839, 36x48in (91x122cm)

The 18th and 19th centuries are often referred to as the Golden Age of Watercolour. In particular in Britain, where the medium truly flourished. Artists like Thomas Girtin, John Sell Cotman, and J.M.W. Turner revolutionized watercolour painting. Their work elevated watercolour from a tool for studies to a respected art form in its own right.

Turner, especially, pushed the limits of watercolour. He captured atmospheric, light-drenched landscapes and fleeting effects of light and weather with unmatched brilliance. His innovative techniques—wet-on-wet washes, scraping, and layering—paved the way for modern approaches to the medium.

Watercolour societies were formed, notably, the Royal Watercolour Society in 1804. Watercolour exhibitions became popular, helping to solidify its place in the art world.

If you're new to watercolour, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your watercolour skills.

20th Century and Beyond: Breaking the mold

Evening Star No. VI, Georgia O'Keeffe, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, 1915, 9x12in (23x30cm)

In the 20th century, watercolour painting expanded beyond traditional landscapes and botanical subjects. Modern artists began exploring abstraction, expressionism, and mixed media using watercolours. American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, for example, created bold, fluid compositions with vibrant watercolours early in her career.

Watercolour also became popular with hobbyists and students due to its accessibility. Brands developed portable paint sets, and art education programmes began incorporating watercolour as a foundational medium for all ages.

Today, watercolour is experiencing a resurgence in popularity—not just among fine artists, but also illustrators, designers, and crafters. Its versatility, eco-friendliness, and expressive potential make it a favourite in everything from children’s books to fashion sketches and urban sketching.

---