Meet Matthew Timothy Natale: Innovator of the Dry Then Wet Watercolor Technique

Introducing Matthew Timothy Natale, an emerging watercolor artist from Okeechobee, Florida, who is challenging the field with his unique "dry then wet" technique. Natale's innovative approach to watercolor painting involves the use of watercolor crayons, which he applies in a two-step process to create stunningly ethereal and textured works of art.

Understanding the Dry Then Wet Technique:

1. Dry Application: Natale begins by applying watercolor crayons directly onto the paper, creating a rich, textured base layer. This initial step allows for precise control over the placement of colors and the creation of intricate textures.

2. Wet Transformation: Once the dry layer is complete, Natale strategically introduces water to the composition. As the water interacts with the dry pigments, it transforms the artwork, softening edges, blending colors, and creating mesmerizing gradients.

The result is a captivating fusion of structure and spontaneity, as the initial dry textures merge with the fluid, organic movement of water-activated pigments.

Key Elements of Natale's Artistic Approach:

- Mastery of Restraint: Natale demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of simplicity and restraint in his selective use of colors and textures, creating compositions that are both striking and harmonious.

- Textural Emphasis: By emphasizing the tactile qualities of his medium, Natale invites viewers to engage with his art on a multisensory level, creating a rich and immersive experience.

- Natural Inspirations: Natale's work often evokes organic forms and natural phenomena, with the fluid movement of water and pigment creating mesmerizing, ethereal effects that stir the imagination.

Challenging Traditional Watercolor Conventions:

Natale's dry then wet technique stands in contrast to traditional watercolor approaches, such as wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry, which rely primarily on the immediate interaction of water and pigment. By beginning with a dry, textured base, Natale introduces a new dimension of control and structure to his compositions, while still allowing for the spontaneous, organic movement of water-activated color.

Conceptual and Philosophical Implications:

Natale's process-oriented approach challenges established artistic conventions and engages with broader philosophical questions:

- Collaborating with the materials: By embracing the unpredictable effects of water on dry pigments, Natale enters into a collaborative partnership with his medium, blurring the lines between artistic control and the materials.

- Process as Meaning: The visible traces of Natale's process in the final artwork invite viewers to engage with the creation of the piece, emphasizing the importance of the artistic journey alongside the final destination.

- Challenging Perfection: Natale's technique celebrates the beauty of imperfection and organic forms, challenging traditional notions of artistic mastery and perfection.

Experience the Innovation:

With a growing body of work that already includes over 500 pieces, Matthew Timothy Natale is an artist to watch. His innovative dry then wet watercolor technique, combined with his keen eye for composition and restrained use of color, creates truly stunning works of art that challenge conventions and inspire the imagination.

As Natale continues to push the boundaries of his medium, his art invites us to reconsider our understanding of watercolor painting and to embrace the beauty of the unexpected.