I've never been a huge fan of watercolor. I associate it with mostly pastel colors, and — let's face it — a lot of cheesy beach scenes. That all changed after seeing this wallpaper by Black Crow Studios for the first time.
For me, the bold, abstract design of this wallpaper takes it into modern day. The layered, swirled washes of color are just stunning and, one year later, I am still in love.
Now that it's summer, watercolor's light touch holds particular appeal. As the temperature heats up, I'm drawn towards similar semi-translucent brushstrokes and bright colors, like in this painting by Tobias Tovera. Here are some other recently found patterns, fabric, artwork and decor that feel confident and fresh.
TOP ROW:
1. Original watercolor from Etsy
2. Original watercolor from Etsy
3. Watercolor Peony wallpaper from Anthropologie
4. Watercolor pillow from ABC Carpet & Home
5. Print from Emily Green
BOTTOM ROW:
6. Original watercolor from Etsy
7. Original watercolor from Etsy
8. Watercolor by Callen Thompson
9. Wallpaper by Sanderson
10. Watercolor feathers print from Etsy
(Images: as linked above.)
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Oooooh! I like this!
Have you seen much of Walter Anderson's work? It might change your mind about watercolor.
Cheesy beach scenes? Are you hanging out at the Target art section? Ever hear of O'Keefe or Wyeth? They are brilliant watercolorists.
That BCS wallpaper is remarkable. I wish I had an appropriate room for something like that.
I agree that the snarky comment about cheesy beach scenes was a bit much.
@MuddyMudSkipper, thanks for the info - he is great. It looks like a lot of his work is dry brush.
I think its beautiful. Great post!
@Duane Hill - I have a limited edition (1of100) replica of his 'Deciduous magnolia' painting and it hangs on my wall all year long even though it appears that the leaves are 'turning in the fall'. The color combination and form transcends seasonality to me.
Your choices are outstanding! Especially like the wavy sea watercolor by Tobias Tovera.
Stephen Quiller is an amazing watercolour (and acrylic) artist who uses bold colours and a loose style that I love. No light pastel colours here.
http://www.quillergallery.com/gallery-paintings/gallery-paintings.html
Dale Laitinen uses some beautiful bold colours as well in his watercolour work. - Amazing!
http://dalelaitinen.com/index.php/category/paintings/
Catherine Gill works with Watercolour and also does a mix of Watercolour and Pastel together which produces beautiful luminous watercolours.
http://www.catherinegill.com/portfolio.php?album=Paintings
Sterline Edwards also does some beautiful watercolour landscapes and some really interesting watercolour abstracts/abstract landscapes
http://www.sterlingedwards.com/portfolio/index.html
These are really interesting. I'm ready for less text/design wall art these days.
I love watercolors.
I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to actually purchase the wallpaper. I went to the Black Crow Studio's website, but I can't find the wallpaper shown. They have wallpaper for sale, and they have watercolors for sale, but no watercolor wallpapers. Thoughts?