Watercolours

A painting method that employs pigment suspended in a water-based solution, usually applied onto paper.

Though its earliest origins are thought to be prehistoric, its history is usually dated from the Renaissance, when it was used by artists such as Albrecht Durer.

While it may be used as for the creation of preparatory studies, it is also an art form in its own right, and is a technique used for botanical illustration, wildlife illustration and topographical painting as well as traditional genres, particularly landscape.


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Miniatures move on from niche

28 August 2026

Demand for the distinctive portraits is rising among new and younger collectors, says specialist

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‘Face painting well performed’

28 August 2026

Among the major dealers in portrait miniatures are Elle Shushan and Philip Mould & Company.

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Keep your eye out for a fascinating look at the history

28 August 2026

For all their diminutive scale, the term ‘portrait miniature’ originally had nothing to do with size.

Portrait miniature of Anne Lefroy

Jane Austen’s House buys portrait miniature of writer’s friend and mentor at auction

21 August 2026

A portrait miniature of Anne Lefroy, a writer who was close friends and a mentor of Jane Austen, has been acquired by Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire.

Toasting the Bride by Louis Wain

Louis Wain wedding scene is toast of Gillingham auction

21 August 2026

Hugely popular in the Edwardian era, Louis Wain’s (1869-1939) anthropomorphic cats continue to charm a 21st century audience.

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Welsh ceramics designer Weston Young lived a life full of creativity and chaos

21 August 2026

Archive and avian template for porcelain designs reflect the life of a remarkable 19th century polymath

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Original Wedgwood Makeig-Jones watercolour design wows buyer

21 August 2026

A Wedgwood Fairyland lustre rarity – an original work on paper design by Daisy Makeig-Jones (1881-1945) – featured among the top lots in the July 12 auction at Lion and Unicorn (28% buyer’s premium).

Port Talbot at Night by Valerie Ganz

Cardiff auction indicates increasing American interest in Welsh art

17 August 2026

A notable feature of the latest Welsh sale at Rogers Jones (24% buyer’s premium) in Cardiff was the level of interest from the US.

The Tent Family by David Bomberg

Demand for ‘Tents’ reflects rising prices for Bomberg

14 August 2026

Underlining the growing demand for David Bomberg (1890-1957) over recent years, a work on paper titled ‘The Tent Family’ recently appeared at auction for the third time in 10 years, selling for a greater amount on each occasion.

In The Orchard by Alfred Parsons

Healthy harvest: Alfred Parsons bucolic views bring bidding at separate salerooms

12 August 2026

Large views of the British countryside, garden paintings and botanical studies are the most popular works when it comes to Somerset-born Alfred Parsons (1847-1920).

John Singer Sargent watercolour

Why the John Singer Sargent market remains a trans-Atlantic affair

24 July 2026

Artistically and commercially, John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) is a giant that straddles the Atlantic.

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EH Shepard with wind in his sails not Winnie

24 July 2026

While Winnie-the-Pooh works by the renowned illustrator generate most demand, others for Grahame books are also very desirable

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Second Classic Art London wins praise for ‘busy and buzzy’ feel

24 July 2026

Dealers in St James’s and Mayfair welcome another chance to stage selling exhibitions across one event

Watercolour drawings by William Weston Young

Watercolour album of British birds by Welsh porcelain painter emerges in Cardiff sale

17 July 2026

A rare 1804 album of 41 watercolours of British birds by William Weston Young (1776-1847) will be offered at Rogers Jones in Cardiff on July 27.

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Eyewitness view of an Arctic expedition

17 July 2026

Joseph Sherer entered the Royal Navy in 1811 aboard the Defiance. In 1819 he joined Hecla under Captain George Frederick Lyon taking part in Sir William Parry’s Arctic expeditions.

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Bidders drawn to extensive single-owner offering of vintage carriages and kit

10 July 2026

After moving to a farm at Cropton, North Yorkshire, over the next 25 years Ian David Smith assembled an extensive private collection of horse-drawn vehicles and associated items.

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Miniature work but a massive result at Treasure House Fair

03 July 2026

Just a few hours after the Treasure House Fair opened to the public, London jeweller Wartski announced the sale of a major highlight from its stand.

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A whisker away from destruction: Louis Wain works emerge from a skip

03 July 2026

While cats might occasionally be seen prowling round a skip, it’s much rarer to spot a painting in such a location by, yes you guessed it, the feline fan’s favourite Louis Wain (1860-1939).

Ismael Israel Mengs

Mengs self-portrait emerges ready for Classic Art London

19 June 2026

A rediscovered self-portrait by a famed Saxon Court enamel miniaturist will be on display for the first time since 1912 at Classic Art London.

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Montague Dawson breezes in for watercolour record

19 June 2026

A Montague Dawson (1890-1973) watercolour, 'With the Wind', hammered for $44,000 (£32,700) at New Orleans Auction Galleries (25% buyer’s premium) against a guide of $3000-5000.

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