Interested in an Original Painting?
Contact Virgil to inquire.
Interested in fine art prints and
more? Shop Fine Art America
“North Woods No. 1” , Watercolor, 15” X 11”
blog
“Hill Country Last Light, No. 3”, Watercolor, 15’ X 11”
17 April 2025
The title of a watercolor painting may often give insight into the intent of the painter for a given painting. While titles may often seem a simple addition, they can be an insightful key, unlocking layers of meaning and providing an insight into the painter’s intention. Understanding some of the common types of titles can improve our viewing and appreciation with paintings in watercolor.
Among the categories of watercolor paintings are:
1. Descriptive Titles: Perhaps the most common category, these title’s goal is to clearly identify the subject matter of the painting. These titles focus on what is shown in the painting, with titles such as “Hill Country, Last Light”, “Spring Trees” or “Twilight Time”.
2. Evocative, Symbolic or Metaphorical Titles: The goal here is to stir emotions, evoke memories or perhaps create a particular atmosphere. These probe deeper into meaning and may allude to a broader idea, feeling or story. Titles often draw on sensory details and abstract concepts such as “Oh Sweet Lavender”, “Shadows on the Wind” or “Golden Light”
3. Playful or Intriguing Enigma: Where artists choose titles deliberately playful, ironic or intriguing, they can spark curiosity and raise multiple interpretations. Titles such as “I Ain’t Working on Maggie’s Farm No More”, “Suddenly There Was a Banana”, and “Cinnamon Rolls Were Everywhere” can add a layer of wit and engage the viewer’s imagination and encourage a lighthearted or unconventional perspective.
4. Titles with numbers, such as Flowers, No. 6”, or “Study 5” often indicate some key aspects of the artist’s process and intent. These can indicate the painting is part of a larger series of paintings exploring the same or related theme. Such titles may also represent an emphasis of process and exploration.
In conclusion, titles are a deliberate choice of the artist for a painting. They act as point of connection to link the artist, painting and viewer. As such they offer insight into the artist’s intent, mood and concepts behind the painting. Considering the titles, along with the paintings themselves, can deepen our understanding and appreciation for the paintings, its origins and meaning.
Contact Virgil to inquire.
more? Shop Fine Art America
“You Must Go Left or Right” , Watercolor, 30” X 11”