from original post person - added some basic somewhat pertinent history - thanks for all the upvotes / stars / unsolicited criticism ;^) > ## History * histor

from original post person - added some basic somewhat pertinent history - thanks for all the upvotes / stars / unsolicited criticism ;^) > ## History * history is cool but optional * watercolor originates from africa / the middle east * where gum arabic comes from traditionally * it was used to produce ancient artworks / maybe prehistoric * it reached europe in the middle ages * used for spooky illuminated manuscripts * gum arabic is the traditional binder in watercolor * fun fact you can eat gum arabic and they use it in desserts * it smells delicious * dont eat your watercolors * all paint is primarily pigment + binder * oil paint uses oil as its binder * acrylic uses acrylic * watercolor uses gum arabic or synthetic replacements * its special property is its water solubility * it remains semi-soluble even after drying * but it resists increasingly as it ages * thats why you use water with it * also why you can layer etc * good to know maybe