Summary:
The purpose of this paper is to explore the development and prospect of the formal language of watercolor painting. First, the historical development and evolution of watercolor painting is reviewed, from ancient times to contemporary times, and its status and evolution in the art world are outlined. Secondly, the new trend of the formal language of contemporary watercolor painting is analyzed, including the changes in personalized innovation and diversified subject matter.
I. Introduction
Watercolor painting, as an art form, has attracted countless artists and audiences with its unique charm. Its transparent and fresh characteristics and flowing water charm make it unique in the art world and become one of the important ways of artistic expression. Watercolor painting uses water and paint as a medium, showing a unique beauty and artistic charm on the picture. The uniqueness of watercolor painting lies in its ability to capture subtle changes in light and color, presenting a fresh, transparent, flowing effect that gives people a light, natural feeling. The blend of water and color shown in the watercolor painting is just like the magic of nature, which makes people fall in love with it.
II. The transparent and fresh character of watercolor
A. Visual effects of transparency
The unique transparency of watercolor painting gives a unique visual experience. Through the superposition of transparent pigments and water, the watercolor painting presents a transparent effect, making the picture look clearer and brighter. The visual effect of transparency makes watercolor different from other painting mediums, it is able to better express the effect of light penetration and reflection, making the picture look more vivid and realistic.
B. Fresh and light visual experience
The fresh and light visual experience presented by watercolor painting is an important embodiment of its unique charm. Since watercolors use relatively few pigments, the colors on the picture are purer and clearer, giving people a feeling of freshness. At the same time, the lightness of watercolor painting makes the picture look more ethereal and elegant, giving people a relaxed and happy mood. This fresh and light visual sensation has made watercolor a favorite form of painting for many artists and audiences.
C. The fluidity and variability of watercolor painting
Watercolor painting has a unique fluidity and variability, which is determined by the special properties of water combined with pigments. In the process of creating watercolor paintings, artists can use the fluidity of water to express a variety of rich and diverse effects, such as rippling water, clouds and mist, etc. At the same time, the pigments of watercolor paintings undergo various changes during the drying process, forming unique textures and color effects, giving each work a unique personality and charm. This fluidity and variability make the watercolor works more vibrant, full of vitality and movement.
III. The relationship between formal language and the expression of the work
A. The Concept and Meaning of Formal Language
Formal language is an important part of artistic creation, and it is the carrier used by artists to express thoughts, emotions and artistic conceptions. Formal language constructs works of art with aesthetic significance through the combination and use of various formal elements. The significance of formal language lies in the fact that it can help artists transform abstract thoughts and emotions into concrete art forms, so that the audience can feel the artist's inner world and creative intentions through the works.
B. The use of formal language in watercolor painting
In watercolor painting, the use of formal language has a unique character and charm. First of all, the pigments and water used in watercolor painting have fluidity and transparency, and artists can express a variety of different formal effects by controlling the flow and transparency of the pigments. Secondly, the use of colors in watercolor painting is very rich and diverse, and the artist can express the emotion and artistic conception of the work by mixing different colors and tones. In addition, the lines and composition of watercolor painting are also an important part of the formal language, and the artist can express the structure and dynamics of the work through the thickness and straightness of the lines and the layout of the composition.
C. The interrelationship between formal language and the expression of the work
There is a close correlation between the formal language and the expression of the work. Through the use of formal language, the artist shapes the formal structure and visual effect of the work, so as to achieve the purpose of expressing his thoughts and emotions. The precise use of formal language can make the work more vivid and powerful to convey the artist's creative intention, so that the audience can better understand and feel the connotation of the work. At the same time, the expressive effect of the work also affects the use of formal language, and the artist will adjust the use of formal language according to the expressive needs of the work to achieve the best artistic effect.
IV. Elements and Construction of Formal Languages
A. Use and expression of color
The use of color in watercolor painting is one of the important means for artists to express emotions and artistic conceptions. The choice and use of color directly affects the overall atmosphere and viewing effect of the work. In watercolor, the artist can achieve a rich color effect by adjusting the consistency of the pigment, mixing different colors, and using warm and cold tones.
For example, warm colors can create a warm, joyful atmosphere, while cool colors are often used to convey calm, contemplative emotions. In addition, the color hierarchy and contrast in watercolor painting is also one of the important means of expression of formal language, and the artist can make the work more three-dimensional and layered by processing the layering and contrast of color, and enhance the visual enjoyment of the viewer.
B. Characteristics of lines and strokes
Lines and brushstrokes play an important role in shaping images and expressing emotions in watercolors. The characteristics of a line can be expressed by its thickness, straightness, continuity, and discontinuity. In watercolor paintings, artists often use light and smooth lines to express soft forms and movements, but also bold and powerful lines to express strong emotions and atmospheres.
The characteristics of brushstrokes are manifested in the application and use of color, and artists can achieve a variety of expressive effects through different brushstroke techniques, such as wet brush, dry brush, wet topping, dry extension and other techniques. The use of these lines and brushstrokes makes the watercolor works more vivid and expressive.
C. Spatial construction and perspective relationship
Spatial construction and perspective relationship are important means of expression in watercolor painting, which can help artists create a three-dimensional sense of space on a flat picture. In watercolor, the artist can construct a picture with depth and three-dimensionality through the use of the principles of size, position, overlap and perspective of objects.
The processing of perspective relationship can make the picture more distant and layered, and enhance the viewer's spatial perception. At the same time, the spatial construction can also enhance the three-dimensional sense and form of the picture through the processing of light, shadow and shadow, so that the work has a more three-dimensional sense and layering.
V. The meaning and function of formal language
A. The influence of formal language on the viewer
Formal language has a direct and profound influence on watercolor painting, which can lead the viewer to generate a variety of emotions and feelings. First of all, the choice and use of color can directly affect the viewer's mood and psychological state. For example, bright colors often lead to pleasure and excitement, while dull tones can provoke introspection and contemplation. Through the use of color, the artist can guide the viewer to move between emotions such as joy, melancholy, and calm, enriching the viewer's emotional experience.
Secondly, the characteristics of the lines and brushstrokes also have a direct impact on the viewer. Smooth lines and soft brushstrokes will give a feeling of comfort and pleasure, while bold lines and powerful brushstrokes may inspire courage and determination in the viewer. The characteristics of these lines and brushstrokes not only shape the image of the work, but also convey the artist's emotions and attitudes, so that the viewer can empathize with them when viewing the work.
B. The relationship between formal language and thematic expression
Formal language and thematic expression are inextricably linked, they are intertwined and mutually reinforcing. The artist uses formal language to convey the themes and emotions that the work wants to express. For example, when an artist wants to express the theme of a warm family, he can use warm colors and soft lines to create a warm atmosphere, and when he wants to express natural scenery, he can express the magnificence and grandeur of nature through the layering and contrast of colors. The choice and use of formal language directly affect the expression effect of the theme, making the work more expressive and appealing.
C. The role and significance of formal language in artistic creation
Formal language plays a crucial role in artistic creation, and it is an important tool for artists to express emotions, explore themes, and convey ideas. First of all, formal language provides artists with a rich and diverse means of expression, allowing them to express their creativity and imagination in their works. Whether it is color, line or space construction, it is an important carrier for artists to express their emotions and artistic conceptions.
Secondly, formal language is the bridge between the viewer and the work, which can guide the viewer into the world of the work, resonate with and interact with it. Through the interpretation and understanding of the formal language, the viewer can more deeply understand the emotions and themes to be expressed in the work, and enhance the sense of participation and experience of viewing the work.
VI. Conclusion
With the development of the times and the advancement of technology, the formal language of contemporary watercolor painting has shown a diverse and avant-garde nature. First of all, modern watercolorists pay more attention to individuality and innovation, they are no longer bound by traditional techniques, and boldly experiment with various new materials and expressions, such as mixed media techniques that combine watercolor with other materials, and digital watercolor painting. Secondly, the subject matter of contemporary watercolor paintings is also more diverse, no longer limited to landscapes, figures or still lifes, but covers a wider range of themes and contents, such as social reality, abstract expression, psychological exploration, etc. These new trends have made the formal language of watercolor painting more rich and diverse.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Smith, Ray. "The Watercolor Bible: A Painter's Complete Guide." Chartwell Books, 2018.
Mothes, Auguste. "Watercolor Painting: A Comprehensive Approach to Mastering the Medium." Watson-Guptill, 2018.
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