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Water is a powerful element of nature and one of the vital sources of life. Not just as an element in different art styles, but its presence is essential for the entire ecosystem on our planet. Even in art, it plays a crucial role in its creation as well as a part of the subject. We have seen it in its various forms and each of them carries a symbolism in art that changes according to the demographics, culture, and beliefs of the people.
If you are also someone who finds the use of water in visual arts intriguing, this blog will help you understand its different uses and the role it plays in it.
Different Symbolisms of Water
The use of water, especially in landscape art is quite common. Artists over time have depicted water in its various forms, but what makes it interesting is the fact that each depiction can carry a meaning that is entirely different from any other water painting. Here are some of the most popular water symbolisms used in art.
1. Peace and Purity
The calm water shown in artworks is often associated with tranquility and peace. The use of water, especially in the paintings of deities from the Renaissance period traces its symbolism to purity, serenity, and blessings.
2. Danger and Destruction
Water is not just a life source, but also a majestic and dangerous element in its mighty form. Water paintings that show frantic water bodies, or high waves are a symbol of death, danger, and the immense depth a water body can carry. It is also a reminder of the mortality of the mankind.
3. Reflection and Cleansing
You can look at your reflection in the water and thus it is also a symbol of self-reflection. Another reference is the cleansing property of water which is also a metaphorical depiction of emotional and spiritual cleansing.
Famous Water Paintings
Here are some of the most famous paintings revolving around the theme of water that you must know about.
1. A Bigger Splash - David Hockney
It is no news that artist David Hockney was obsessed with swimming pools and has created several paintings with it as the subject. A bigger splash, however, is one of his most famous works that depicts the two fronts of water in the same frame. While the splash in the pool denotes the turbulence and the depth of water, the rest of the pool is tranquil. It reflects the depth, turmoil, and serenity at the same time.
2. Birth of Venus - Sandro Botticelli
The painting is packed with various meanings and interpretations from mythological aspects as well as religion and purity. However, if you look at the meanings of water, it has been depicted as a symbol of baptism, and the source of life because according to the mythologies, Venus was born out of the sea.
3. The Scattering - Tim Storrier
The painting is a vast canvas depicting an ocean with some flowers scattered over the surface. It is a contrast between the majestic water body and the fragile human life which can't be compared to an ocean. It is the purest form of nature and is also a touch of sorrow in utmost peace and calm.
Use of Water in Mixing Colors
Another common yet very important role of water in the creation of art is its use in mixing colors. The end result, especially in watercolor paintings, is highly dependent on the amount of water used in the mixing of the color. You need to increase the proportion of water to add more luminosity to your work whereas for a more opaque finish, do the opposite. The amount of water can alter the texture of every layer of paint and also plays a pivotal role in altering the shade of the color; the more water you add, the lighter it becomes.
Use of Water in Water Paintings
Apart from being a focal point in an artwork, water also helps in determining the final outcome of an artwork depending on how it has been used.
Water is often used as a point of attraction to bring the attention of the spectator to a particular part of the painting.
The color of the water body and the form of its depiction can completely flip the mood of a painting.
If you follow the rule of thirds, the location of your water element can help you create more than one point of interest.
Water is an Irreplaceable Element in Art
Throughout history and even in present times, water has successfully managed to mesmerize artists across different times. It has vividly been used in their artworks and artists in times to come will continue using it to create metaphorical artworks carrying different symbologies, emotions, moods, and meanings.
If you are an artist who loves to experiment with water in your artwork, TERAVARNA would be glad to invite you to take part in our water competition and mesmerize us with your depiction of water in your art.