Watercolor is one of the most popular painting mediums. It is a fluid medium that often seems to move on its own. Its transparency is not only unique but also produces a fresh and spontaneous painting. This medium requires the artist to study and acquire challenging techniques and to develop an understanding of how the medium works so that the painting captures the appropriate mood and lighting. Watercolor requires planning and forethought because lighter areas in the painting must be reserved before dark paint is applied. While watercolor mediums are less controllable than thicker paints, it is this unpredictability of fluid that makes them so exciting. Runs and streaks can produce some very unexpected results.

Watercolor is a great medium for either indoor or outdoor painting. It can be equally used for quick sketching or detailed work. Color can be pale or bold. Paint edges can be soft or crisp. It works for all subjects and dries fast. All that is required to produce a watercolor painting is paper, water, watercolor paints, brushes, and your imagination. This watercolor painting guide and directory comprises a broad spectrum of resources that are of interest to watercolor artists around the world.