10 Awesome Watercolor Masterpieces You Have to Know

by A Kladov

Watercolor, or water painting, is an age-old painting technique that involves mixing pigments with water to create delicate, translucent artworks. It has been used by artists for centuries to capture the beauty of landscapes, portraits, and still lifes with its unique luminosity and fluidity. The magic of watercolors lies in their ability to create ethereal, flowing, and luminous artworks with subtle layers of color and transparency. Knowing the best works in watercolor allows one to appreciate the mastery of this challenging medium and the stunning effects that can be achieved with it. Discover the captivating world of watercolors with these 10 must-know paintings!

1. André Roland Brudieux, “Landscape” (1960)

Watercolor Painted By André Roland, Landscape, 1960

A beautiful artwork realized by Roland Brudieux, painted in 1960, is one of the few watercolors he painted during his career as a painter. This 42 by 32.5 centimeter painting depicts an unknown landscape. Brudieux was a sensitive artist who was part of the last group of the Surrealists around André Breton and participated in exhibitions with the surrealist group in 1950. He began to also work in woodcut in 1997. Brudieux’s imagery became more classic as he matured and he also became known as a writer who participated in all the great Parisian salons.

2. Paul Sandby, “Cathedral of Llandaff” (1778)

Paul Sandby, Llandaff Cathedral, 1778

Because of his groundbreaking work in popularizing watercolor painting in eighteenth-century Britain, Paul Sandby is frequently recognized as the father of the medium. Paul Sandby's painting "Cathedral of Llandaff" is a remarkable example of his skillful depiction of landscapes. Through delicate brushwork and precise detail, Sandby captures the grandeur and serenity of the cathedral against the backdrop of the surrounding natural scenery. The painting exudes a sense of tranquility and reverence, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of both the architectural marvel and the picturesque landscape. Sandby's meticulous attention to light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the composition, enhancing the overall atmospheric quality of the scene.

3. Nadéra Benmansour, “Place de Diaghilev” (2016)

Nadéra Benmansour, Place De Diaghilev, 2016

Nadéra Benmansour's painting "Place de Diaghilev" captures the essence of a bustling urban square. With vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes, Benmansour brings to life the energy and movement of the scene, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the place. The artist's skillful use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the composition, enhancing the sense of realism and capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life in the city.

4. Joseph Mallord William Turner, “Lake Geneva” (1840)

Watercolor Painted By William Turner, Lake Geneva, 1840

One of the forerunners of Impressionism, Joseph Mallord William Turner, was a London watercolorist born in 1775. Joseph Mallord William Turner's painting "Lake Geneva" is a mesmerizing portrayal of the picturesque Swiss landscape. With masterful use of light and color, Turner captures the serene beauty of Lake Geneva, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight. Through his evocative interpretation of nature, Turner showcases his profound understanding of the interplay between light, water, and sky, leaving a lasting impression of the sublime majesty of the natural world.

5. Liu Yi, “Ballet dancers” (1958)

Liu Yi, “ballet Dancers” (1958)

Watercolor painter Liu Yi is a highly skilled artist from China. Both in China and abroad, his works are highly regarded. Without using white paint in his palette, the artist developed his own unique technique for working with watercolors. He wets watercolor paper from two sides for portraits and dance genre scenes, while he writes only on dry paper for landscape images. Working with a minimum of brushes, the maestro employs tubes of watercolor.

6. Roger Hirsch, “The Marie Dieu doubling the point of Kerro’ch” (2018)

Roger Hirsch, La Marie Dieu Doubling The Point Of Kerro’ch, 2018

Since childhood, Roger Hirsch has harbored a deep passion for drawing, which later evolved into a dedicated focus on painting, particularly in watercolors. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, he excels in reproducing landscapes with remarkable precision. In 2018, he unveiled "La Marie Dieu", a stunning depiction of Paimpol that intricately captures the essence of the coastal scenery, including the flawless reflection of a boat on the water's surface, doubling the tip of Kerro’ch.

7. Winslow Homer, “The Bather” (1899)

Winslow Homer, The Bather

Winslow Homer, a prominent figure in 19th-century American art, is celebrated as one of the pioneers of American realism. Winslow Homer's "The Bather" captures a serene moment by the shoreline with striking realism and emotional depth. The painting, created in 1899, showcases Homer's mastery of capturing light and shadow, as well as his ability to convey the tranquility of the seaside environment.

8. Franck Le Boulicaut, “Rue de l’hôtel Colbert à Paris” (2018)

Franck Le Boulicaut, Rue De L’hôtel Colbert À Paris, 2018

In his 2018 painting "Rue de l'hôtel Colbert à Paris," Franck Le Boulicaut offers a captivating glimpse into the streets of Paris. Through his use of color and light, Le Boulicaut beautifully portrays the charm and character of this iconic cityscape, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the bustling energy of the French capital.

9. Antonio Guidotti, “Piazza San Marco” (1920)

Watercolor Painted By Antonio Guidotti, Piazza San Marco, 1920

During the 20th century, Antonio Guidotti created sculptures and watercolor paintings. The most common thing he does in his paintings is to reproduce Venice's scenery. Antonio Guidotti captured the essence of Venice's iconic Piazza San Marco in his painting dated 1920. With meticulous attention to detail and vibrant colors, Guidotti brings to life the bustling atmosphere of the famous square, immortalizing its timeless charm for generations to come.

10. Konstantinos Sofianopoulos, “Sailboats on a Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea” (1972)

Konstantinos Sofianopoulos, Sailboats On A Cycladic Island In The Aegean Sea, 1972

Konstantinos Sofianopoulos, a prominent Greek painter of the 20th century, draws inspiration from the tranquil beauty of seascapes for his artworks. Specializing in watercolors, one of his notable pieces is "Sailboats on a Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea," created in 1972. This masterpiece, characterized by its soft, light tones, evokes a sense of painting a mist-filled landscape, showcasing artist’s mastery in capturing ethereal atmospheres.

And these are just the beginning. With countless more watercolor wonders awaiting discovery, the journey into the world of art continues. Dive deeper into the world of watercolors and explore an endless array of captivating artworks on the Trend Gallery website!