Painting with watercolor

Watercolors are pigments that are bound with water-soluble gum arabic. Dissolving the pigment and applying it in a transparent wash onto the paper.  The whites and light come from the paper underneath, which contributes to the brilliance of the effect. Painting in transparent washes are called "aquarelles" to distinguish then from  paintings which the paint is applied  thickly and is more opaque.
The accessibility and democratic nature of watercolor may explain why so many artist from Homer, Prendergast, Wyeth, Hopper and Sargent  were attracted to the medium.

10 x 7 Watercolor