Watercolor is a painting technique that uses pigments diluted in water to create works of art on paper. Unlike oil painting, watercolor is known for its translucent colors and the ability to create effects of transparency and luminosity. The pigments are applied in transparent layers, allowing light to pass through them, which gives the works a unique and delicate appearance. Watercolor is valued for its versatility and the way pigments mix and merge on the surface of the paper. It is a popular technique among artists due to its portability and expressive potential.