aquarelle

An artist paints a delicate aquarelle of a flower garden.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A watercolour painting: "aquarelle" refers to a painting executed in transparent watercolours, typically on paper, where the white of the paper is used to create highlights and light effects.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She exhibited a delicate aquarelle of a flower at the art show. (A watercolour painting of a flower.)
  • The artist preferred working in aquarelle for its luminous quality. (The artist favoured watercolour painting for its light-transmitting effect.)

Advanced Usage

• "aquarelle technique": a method of painting using thin, transparent washes of watercolour.

  • He mastered the aquarelle technique, allowing the paper to show through the pigments. (He became skilled at painting with transparent watercolour layers.)

• "aquarelle paper": specially treated paper designed for watercolour painting.

  • For best results, use aquarelle paper with a rough surface. (Use paper made for watercolours to achieve the desired texture.)

Variants and Related Words

• Aquarellist (n): an artist who practises aquarelle painting.
  • The aquarellist captured the landscape with soft, flowing colours. (The watercolour artist painted the scene.)

Synonyms

• Watercolour: a painting or drawing using water-soluble pigments.
• Wash: a thin, transparent layer of watercolour paint.

Related Idioms

• In aquarelle style: in the manner of watercolour painting.
  • The illustration was done in aquarelle style, with soft edges and transparent layers. (The picture was painted like a watercolour.)