Aquarelle vs. Watercolour: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 9, 2023
Aquarelle refers specifically to a transparent watercolor painting technique, while Watercolour encompasses the broader category of painting with pigmented water-based solutions.
Key Differences
Aquarelle and Watercolour are terms used in the realm of art, often interchanged but with subtle distinctions. Aquarelle is a French word directly translating to "watercolor." However, in English, it refers more specifically to a transparent watercolor technique or the artwork created using this technique. On the other hand, Watercolour, an English term, broadly describes the medium of water-based, transparent paints as well as the artwork made with them.
Aquarelle emphasizes purity and clarity in the art, where the white of the paper shines through the paint layers. This contrasts with some Watercolour techniques where the paint might be made more opaque or mixed with other mediums.
The term Aquarelle might be seen as a subset within the larger Watercolour category. That is, all Aquarelle works are Watercolours, but not all Watercolours are necessarily created using the Aquarelle technique.
Brushes, papers, and paints used for both may largely overlap. However, an artist claiming to use the Aquarelle technique would likely prioritize transparency and the use of untouched paper for highlights. Meanwhile, a Watercolour artist might use a broader range of techniques, including layering, glazing, or even adding gouache (an opaque watercolor paint) to the mix.
While both Aquarelle and Watercolour enjoy widespread popularity, recognizing the distinction can enhance appreciation for the technique, transparency, and intention behind each piece of art.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
French in origin
Generic English term
Scope
Specific transparent watercolor technique
Broad category of water-based paints & art
Transparency
Prioritizes pure transparency
Can range from transparent to somewhat opaque
Technique
Emphasizes untouched paper for highlights
Can use varied techniques, including layering and glazing
Artistic Intention
Highlights the clarity of water-based paints on paper
Emphasizes the broad spectrum of effects with water-based paints
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Aquarelle and Watercolour Definitions
Aquarelle
An artwork created using transparent watercolor.
She admired the Aquarelle for its luminous quality.
Watercolour
Can be made more opaque with mixing mediums.
She added gouache to her Watercolour to achieve a denser look.
Aquarelle
The use of untouched paper for highlights in watercolor art.
Watercolour
Transparent or semi-transparent art medium.
The Watercolour paints allowed for layering and blending of colors.
Aquarelle
A transparent watercolor painting technique.
The artist's use of Aquarelle allowed the paper's brightness to shine through.
Watercolour
Artworks created using water-based solutions.
The gallery had an exclusive Watercolour exhibition.
Aquarelle
Emphasizing purity and clarity in watercolor painting.
The Aquarelle technique demands precision and patience from the artist.
Watercolour
A painting method using water-soluble pigments.
The Watercolour landscape captured the light beautifully.
Aquarelle
French term referring specifically to watercolor.
In France, the term Aquarelle is synonymous with watercolor painting.
Watercolour
A broad category of water-based paint techniques.
He experimented with various Watercolour techniques in his notebook.
Aquarelle
A painting done in transparent watercolors.
Watercolour
(countable) A water-soluble pigment.
Jim's aunt only uses watercolours to paint her pictures.
Aquarelle
A watercolour painting
Watercolour
(countable) A painting made by using such pigment.
Jim's aunt paints beautiful watercolours.
Aquarelle
A printed picture coloured by the application of watercolour through stencils, using a different stencil for each colour.
Watercolour
(uncountable) This kind of painting as a genre.
I'm not a big fan of watercolour; I much prefer oil painting.
Aquarelle
A design or painting in thin transparent water colors; also, the mode of painting in such colors.
Watercolour
Pertaining to the methods or products of watercolor.
Watercolour
To paint using watercolour
Watercolour
Water-soluble pigment
Watercolour
A water-base paint (with water-soluble pigments); used by artists
Watercolour
A painting produced with watercolors
Watercolour
Paint with watercolors
FAQs
Emphasizing purity and clarity in watercolor painting.
The Aquarelle technique demands precision and patience from the artist.
An artwork created using transparent watercolor.
She admired the Aquarelle for its luminous quality.
A transparent watercolor painting technique.
The artist's use of Aquarelle allowed the paper's brightness to shine through.
Artworks created using water-based solutions.
The gallery had an exclusive Watercolour exhibition.
French term referring specifically to watercolor.
In France, the term "Aquarelle" is synonymous with watercolor painting.
The use of untouched paper for highlights in watercolor art.
The Aquarelle approach lets the artist utilize natural paper whiteness for bright areas.
A painting method using water-soluble pigments.
The Watercolour landscape captured the light beautifully.
A broad category of water-based paint techniques.
He experimented with various Watercolour techniques in his notebook.
Is Aquarelle a French term?
Yes, Aquarelle is French for "watercolor."
Are the materials for Aquarelle and Watercolour similar?
Yes, brushes, papers, and paints often overlap, though techniques and intentions can differ.
What is the key characteristic of Aquarelle?
Aquarelle emphasizes purity, clarity, and the use of untouched paper for highlights.
Can I call any Watercolour painting an Aquarelle?
Not necessarily. While all Aquarelles are Watercolours, the reverse isn't true due to the transparency associated with Aquarelle.
Transparent or semi-transparent art medium.
The Watercolour paints allowed for layering and blending of colors.
What is Aquarelle in the context of art?
Aquarelle is a transparent watercolor painting technique or the artwork created using this method.
How does Watercolour differ from Aquarelle?
Watercolour is a broader term for water-based painting, while Aquarelle specifies a transparent technique within this category.
Why might an artist choose Aquarelle over other Watercolour techniques?
For its transparent qualities, allowing the paper's brightness to shine through.
Is Aquarelle more challenging than regular Watercolour?
Both have their challenges, but Aquarelle requires precision due to its transparency.
Can I use gouache in Aquarelle?
While gouache can be used in Watercolour, it might detract from the pure transparency associated with Aquarelle.
Do Watercolour paints vary in transparency?
Yes, Watercolours can range from transparent to somewhat opaque depending on composition and technique.
Which is more popular, Aquarelle or Watercolour?
Watercolour as a broader category is more widely recognized, but Aquarelle has its dedicated followers for its specific technique.
Can Watercolour be opaque?
While traditionally transparent, Watercolours can be made more opaque, especially when mixed with mediums like gouache.
Is there a specific paper for Aquarelle?
While specific papers might be preferred, most quality Watercolour papers work well for Aquarelle.
How did Aquarelle come to represent a specific technique in English?
The term was borrowed from French and became associated with transparent watercolor techniques.
Can Aquarelle be mixed with other painting techniques?
While possible, mixing might compromise the transparency and purity characteristic of Aquarelle.
Is Watercolour always done on paper?
Mostly, but there are variations, like Watercolour canvas, that allow for this medium.
How can I differentiate an Aquarelle from other Watercolours?
Look for the transparent quality and use of untouched paper for highlights as hallmarks of Aquarelle.
Can an artwork be both Aquarelle and Watercolour?
Yes, all Aquarelles are Watercolours, but not all Watercolours are Aquarelles.
Can be made more opaque with mixing mediums.
She added gouache to her Watercolour to achieve a denser look.
Are Aquarelle paintings always transparent?
Aquarelle as a technique prioritizes transparency, using the paper itself for bright areas.
How does the term Watercolour vary globally?
The term and its spelling can vary, but its core meaning remains consistent as a water-based paint technique.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
