The art of painting dates back to prehistoric times, with the finger being used as a brush on the canvas of cave walls. When it comes to painting, artists have many mediums to choose from: acrylics, oils, gouaches, frescoes and watercolors. Watercolor is one of the most difficult mediums to achieve, its transparent streaks almost impossible to conceal and its various techniques prestigious and precise, yet satisfying once achieved. The incentive for a watercolorist to enjoy perfecting his talents is impeccable; therefore, the pursuit of perfection can only be accomplished with understanding the history of watercolor, using the tools of the trade, practicing the techniques, and observing the approaches of ancient artists. Scenes of Stone Age people hunting animals are some of the earliest examples of watercolor paintings (Mules). Although it is unclear whether gums or oils were used in cave paintings, gum arabic was first used in prehistoric times, where humans quickly recognized the potential of natural materials ( Robinson). When paper was invented in China in 105 AD, 1,000 years before its production in Europe, Chinese artists were far more advanced in watercolor than European artists. Far Eastern traditions differ greatly from those of Western painting: instead of expressing their feelings and capturing their inner spirit like Chinese and Japanese artists, Western painters depicted their surroundings and outward appearance. (Mules)In the 18th century, Reeves Art Company founder William Reeves produced the first ready-made watercolors in cake form, changing the practice of watercolor painting (Steel). This initiative sparked the watercolor movement; William Winsor and Henry Newton, both chemists and...... middle of paper ......b. November 2, 2013. Lovett, John. "Watercolor - Technique." Web log publication. Watercolor technique. Np, and Web. November 2, 2013.McArdle, Thaneeya. “Watercolor Painting Supplies”. Art is fun. Thaneeya LLC, nd Web. November 5, 2013.Mules, Helen. "Watercolor." The new book of knowledge. Np: np, nd N. pag. Scholastic, helping children around the world read and learn. School press. Internet. November 1, 2013.Robinson, Paul. “History of watercolors”. Winsor Newton. Winsor & Newton, nd Web. November 1, 2013. Steel, Erik. “What is watercolor painting?” So you want. Ask Media, 2010. Web. November 4, 2013. Tour, Ben. Animal collages. Nd Watercolor on paper. Collective for life, Color Magazine 10.3. Freight collective. Internet. November 4, 2013.Waterlow, Ernest E., sir. In From the Hills. 1890. Watercolor on paper. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.