There is much more water than land on Earth, and its abundance or lack is a major environmental factor. Where water is abundant, plants and animals thrive. The relative emptiness of desert areas all over the globe has always provided its own stark beauty, and the inhabitants have learned to live on very little water. Mankind has long known about these environmental factors, and it has become a major part of the art world in many cultures.

Fountains have been an integral part of many cultures, and they continue to be popular even today. They provide visual beauty to those who look upon them, and they further enhance the experience with the musicality of falling water. For those who prefer a bit more water, modern waterfalls have become part of the art of landscaping. Ice and snow are also part beautiful art creations, and they are enjoyed all over the world.