In my continuing research through the media of watercolors, here is the second journal entry concerning this subject. So many words come into the art language, and several that are specific to the watercolorist. I have unraveled those words and pull away some of the mystery of the language of this wonderful media.

If there is a definition that you feel could be clearer, just reply to this journal or note me, and I will address it as best I can. Is there a word you are looking for a definition for and isn't here, let me know what it is and I'll get a handy, real-world wording for you.

If anyone is interested, please feel free to take this resource and post it in another language. If you message me, I would love to see it.

---Paint Related---

binder - An additive to paint that holds the pigment and other elements in the paint together and work as a watercolor. Gum arabic is one of the main binders in watercolors.

fugitive - A paint characteristic. A paint that fades or breaks down easily in direct sunlight, humid conditions or other environmental stresses. If a paint has a low lightfastness or permanance rating, it is a fugitive color.

granulation - A paint characteristic. A paint that once it dries, has a visual texture of lighter and darker areas. A texture similar to sand. The rougher the surface quality of a paper is, the more granulation appears.

gum arabic - An additive to paint that gives watercolor their transparency. It also helps move the pigment of the paint smoothly across the paper.

lightfastness A paint characteristic. A paint that does not fade when exposed to natural light, also refers to the durability of the color to resist fading. Related to permanance.

mediums - A material added to paints to adjust the thickness, flow or other characteristics of a paint.

opaque - A paint characteristic. Describes a paint that when applied moderately, blocks out most of the white of the paper or other paint layers behind it.

permanance - A paint characteristic. A paint that does not fade when exposed to environmental elements, such as humidity, sunlight, etc. Related to lightfastness.

pigment - The ingredient in paint that gives a particular paint its color and characteristics.

paint - Created from mixed together from specific blends of pigments, binders and fillers. Allows for conveinent color application for an artist onto a desired surface. In watercolors, paint can be made in a tube, pan, or liquid form.

staining - A paint characteristic. A paint that does not lift easily off the paper after wetting it.

low-staining - A paint characteristic. A paint that mostly lifts off the paper after wetting it, but a small amount of color remains on the paper.

non-staining - A paint characteristic. A paint that almost completely lifts off the paper after wetting it.

transparent - A paint characteristic. Describes a paint that the white of the paper is visible through the paint, even after a moderate coverage.

semi-transparent - A paint characteristic. Describes a paint that some of the white of the paper is visible through the paint, even after a moderate coverage.


---Paper Related---

hot-pressed - Describes the texture of a paper. Very smooth surface paper.

cold-pressed (or NOT) - Describes the texture of a paper. A medium textured surface paper. A standard paper surface used by most watercolor artists.

rough (or key) - Describes the texture of a paper. The roughest textured paper.

paper weight A number on the front of the pad of paper you buy. It refers to how heavy a ream (500 sheets) of paper is. Measured in grams or pounds, the higher the number, the thicker, more durable, and more expensive the paper is.

sizing - A chemical treatment is applied to a paper to ensure the strength and integrity of the paper. Materials like glue, flour, varnish or resins are popular sizing elements.


---Other Materials Related---

aquapasto - A medium that makes watercolor thicker and reduces the flow of the paint. Watercolor takes on quality of aryclic paints.

gum arabic - Also used in making a paint. A medium that makes the paint stay wetter longer, increases the transparency of the paint and also a higher gloss to the dry paint.

liquid latex (or frisket or masking fluid) - A medium applied to dry paper. Once the latex dries, that area will resist water and watercolor. Once the paper is dry, you can remove the latex and reveal the untouched surface.

ox gall - A medium that increases the flow, or spread of color on the paper.


---Technique Related---

dry-on-dry - Dry brush on dry paper. Your brush has paint on it, but it is not very wet, and you put this on dry paper. this allows for maximum control of the color.

dry-on-wet - Dry brush on wet paper. Your brush has paint on it, but it is not very wet, and you put this on wet paper. The color will spread a little into the wet areas of the paper.

runback (or bleeds or water blossoms or water spots) - When there is a partially dry area of watercolor, you take a brush with water in it and place it into this partially dry area. The water from the brush pushes into the drier area. It also pushes some of the paint around. It dries and the paint has dried differently than intended. Learning to use and not use runbacks in situations is very key to control watercolors.

wet-on-dry - Wet brush on dry paper. Your brush has paint on it, and it is very wet, and you put this on dry paper. You have good control of color, and it looks wet.

wet-on-wet - Wet brush on wet paper. Your brush has paint on it, and it is very wet, and you put this on wet paper. You have the least control of the paint, though this allows the watercolor to move around in the wetness and show off some of its qualities.

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