Русская акварель в собрании Государственного Эрмитажа. Ленинград / Russian Water-colour in the Collection of the Hermitage, Leningrad

Russian watercolor as an independent field of fine art has been studied much less than painting or printed graphics. Meanwhile, its study makes it possible to expand and deepen the history of Russian fine art: to present it in a living variety of forms, to more fully characterize the work of individual artists, to introduce new names of graphic artists into the history of art. Watercolor is more intimate, less labor-intensive than oil painting, and therefore responds more quickly and more actively to the trends of the time.

Watercolor artists paint on paper or cardboard with water-based, usually transparent and easily washable paints. Methods for applying this technique can vary. Sometimes watercolor is used in its pure form: the contours of the drawing are applied with transparent paint, the shape is modeled, and shadows are developed. The transparency of the colors and the translucency of white paper make it possible to achieve lightness and airiness of color. This technique requires maximum fidelity of the eye, precision of the hand, knowledge of form, and a subtle sense of color. Therefore, despite its apparent accessibility, only significant masters make watercolor a true art.