Comparisons Wiki

Aquarelle vs. Watercolour: Difference and Comparison

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 29, 2023
Aquarelle is a method or artwork created using transparent watercolors, while watercolour refers to the paint itself or the artwork produced with it.
Aquarelle vs. Watercolour

Difference Between Aquarelle and Watercolour

Aquarelle, a term often associated with European art, specifically denotes artworks made using transparent watercolors. It emphasizes the clarity and transparency of the medium. On the other hand, watercolour is a broader term, encompassing both the paint and the artwork created with it.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
While aquarelle lays emphasis on the technique and the resultant transparency, watercolour, as a term, doesn't necessarily indicate transparency. Watercolour paintings can be both transparent and opaque, depending on the artist's intent and the materials used.
Muazma Batool
Sep 29, 2023
In art supplies, when one purchases "watercolours," they're acquiring the pigments suspended in a water-based solution. These can be used in various techniques, including aquarelle. However, aquarelle is a specific approach to using those watercolours, focusing on capturing the luminosity and clarity by avoiding any opaqueness.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
To put it succinctly, all aquarelles are watercolours, but not all watercolours are aquarelles. While aquarelle represents a specific style and technique, watercolour stands for the medium and the broader category of artworks created with it.
Levi
Sep 29, 2023

Aquarelle vs. Watercolour Comparison Chart

Definition

Artwork made using transparent watercolors
Both the paint and the artwork produced with it
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023

Focus

Technique and transparency
Medium itself
Muazma Batool
Sep 29, 2023

Opacity

Transparent only
Can be both transparent and opaque
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023

Scope

Narrower (specific technique)
Broader (encompasses various techniques)
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023

Usage in Art Supplies

Refers to the specific transparent technique
Refers to the paint or any artwork using the paint
Kaitlyn
Sep 29, 2023

Aquarelle vs. Watercolour Definitions

Aquarelle

Aquarelle is artwork created using transparent watercolors.
The gallery showcased an exquisite aquarelle of a serene landscape.
Muazma Batool
Sep 29, 2023

Watercolour

Watercolour is a versatile medium used in various techniques.
The versatility of watercolour makes it popular among artists.
Elijah
Sep 29, 2023

Aquarelle

Aquarelle is a European art style focusing on clear watercolors.
Studying European masters provides insight into aquarelle approaches.
Levi
Sep 29, 2023

Watercolour

Watercolour denotes both the paint and artworks produced with it.
The watercolour painting depicted a vibrant sunset.
Leo
Sep 29, 2023

Aquarelle

Aquarelle denotes a method emphasizing watercolor transparency.
The artist's aquarelle technique was evident in her luminous paintings.
Henry
Sep 29, 2023

Watercolour

Watercolour gives artworks a distinct, fluid appearance.
The fluidity of the watercolour made the seascape come alive.
Henry
Sep 29, 2023

Aquarelle

Aquarelle captures the essence of subjects through transparent hues.
The aquarelle captured the river's fluidity perfectly.
Kaitlyn
Sep 29, 2023

Watercolour

Watercolour refers to pigments suspended in a water-based solution.
She bought a new set of watercolours for her art class.
Henry
Sep 29, 2023

Aquarelle

Aquarelle represents paintings without the use of white or opaque paints.
He preferred the aquarelle method for its purity and luminosity.
William
Sep 29, 2023

Watercolour

Watercolour can be transparent or opaque based on application.
His watercolour portraits often combined transparent and opaque techniques.
Henry
Sep 29, 2023

Aquarelle

A painting done in transparent watercolors.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

(countable) A water-soluble pigment.
Jim's aunt only uses watercolours to paint her pictures.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Aquarelle

A watercolour painting
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

(countable) A painting made by using such pigment.
Jim's aunt paints beautiful watercolours.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Aquarelle

A printed picture coloured by the application of watercolour through stencils, using a different stencil for each colour.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

(uncountable) This kind of painting as a genre.
I'm not a big fan of watercolour; I much prefer oil painting.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Aquarelle

A design or painting in thin transparent water colors; also, the mode of painting in such colors.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

Pertaining to the methods or products of watercolor.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

To paint using watercolour
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

water-soluble pigment
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

a water-base paint (with water-soluble pigments); used by artists
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

a painting produced with watercolors
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Watercolour

paint with watercolors
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Aquarelle vs. Watercolour Frequently Asked Questions

Can you create an aquarelle with any watercolour set?

Yes, aquarelle is about technique, so it's achievable with standard watercolours emphasizing transparency.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023

How is watercolour different from acrylic or oil paints?

Watercolour is water-based, while acrylic and oil paints have different bases and consistencies.
Muazma Batool
Sep 29, 2023

Is watercolour hard to work with?

Watercolour can be challenging due to its fluid nature, but it offers unique artistic possibilities.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023

Are aquarelle paintings valuable?

Like all art, the value of aquarelle paintings varies based on the artist, technique, and demand.
Elijah
Sep 29, 2023

Is aquarelle a French term?

Yes, aquarelle originates from the French word for watercolor.
Kaitlyn
Sep 29, 2023

Are there digital versions of aquarelle and watercolour techniques?

Many digital art programs offer brushes and techniques that mimic traditional aquarelle and watercolour styles.
Olivia
Sep 29, 2023

What is aquarelle in art?

Aquarelle is an artwork or technique emphasizing transparent watercolors.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 29, 2023

Do watercolour paintings fade over time?

Yes, they can fade, especially if exposed to direct sunlight, so it's essential to use UV-protective glass when framing.
Jonathan
Sep 29, 2023

Can watercolours be used on any paper?

Special watercolour paper, which is heavier and textured, is recommended for best results.
William
Sep 29, 2023

Why might an artist choose aquarelle over other watercolour techniques?

An artist might choose aquarelle for its transparent and luminous qualities, capturing the essence of a subject in clear hues.
Lucas
Sep 29, 2023

Content Creators

Written by
Muneeza Rehman
At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma Batool
As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.

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