Book Description

The latest title from best-selling author Ray Campbell Smith. Clear step-by-step demonstrations introduce readers to a wide range of classic watercolor techniques; Ray then shows how to apply these techniques to all aspects of landscape painting. The book is illustrated throughout in Ray's popular, accessible style. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Essential to any watercolorist 's library!
Tom Hill's enormous talent and technique is simply and clearly displayed for any watercolorist to learn from. Photographs and the resulting paintings of eleven diffrent locations are used.From a farmhouse in midAmerica to a seaside English village. From a desert oasis to a highmountain lake. From a Mexican market to a hill village in Greece. Eachlocation gives a chance to see how diffrent places with their individuallight conditions, architectual features and natural wonders can beinterpreted.Each location is used to illustrate how to solve compositionproblems, how to enhance the visual impression, and how to choose colorsand values to help the artist express the impact of the location. For manyof us painting on location gives us the ability to stop time.To recordforever the special feelings we had for a particular time and place.TomHill's book helps us to better interpret those feelings in watercolor so wemay share them with others. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great for Remembering the Sea!
I really remembered what to do on my canvas/watercolor . . . with this instruction book. It's been a long time and he showed the basics, the motions of the sea, the feeling you are trying to capture.
There are plenty of different colors and moods brought to you.
There is rage and calm, morning and night, the distance of water and the shoreline. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

TERIFFIC LEARNING TOOL FOR WATER COLOR LOVERS OF ALL LEVELS
Guy Lipscomb has an absolutely marvelous talent for "painting" with words his techniques for putting water colors onto paper. This is a talent that many artist/teacher authors seem not to share. Most art teaching books I've read contain gorgeous artwork, but the descriptive text that comes along with nearly always leaves me lost and struggling somewhere along the way, wondering whether I've missed something in the translation. Mr. Lipscomb, on the other hand, gives such clear and concise instruction that I really believe even the newest beginner can follow along. I'm VERY impressed with this book; from the general information at the beginning, to his glorious descriptions of his "Go With the Flow" technique later on. There is valuable information to be learned in this book for watercolorists of all levels.
I'm truly in love with this book, and I hope he has another book, or two or three, in the works somewhere. I'm waiting...

A New Way to Water Color
Watercolor is perhaps one of the most beautiful and graceful medians an artist works with. The image of water and colors swirling around a page is like the grace of a ballerina. This book took that dance one step further. By using the open-flow method which is taught in this book you allow yourself to be opened up to a new music to waltz by. The open-flow method immediatly gives you a beautiful back ground that is warm and inviting without being overbearing. The painting seems to have a soul to it before the painting has even been started. The book is easy to follow, and helpful hints are given throughout for techniques and an easier way to do things. This is a book for the beginner to learn and be inspired or the experienced to learn new techniques. I recommend that every aspiring artist read this book and practice its techniques. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

International Addresses? This works!
This address book is lovely, with country home drawings, and good quotes to brighten your day, and nice little details everywhere. I like its size, not too small, not too big--it fits nicely in my desk drawer and hand. Best of all, the space for addresses isn't labled for telephone, email, etc. Which means I can fill it in the way that is convenient for me. That is important, since many addresses take up more than the traditional three lines alloted by most address books. There are five lines per entry, spaced like a college ruler notebook. There is an extra lined page at the beginning of each letter of the alphabet, for personal notes. There are plenty of refill pages, and space for notes at the end. The only drawback for me, is that there is no pocket to insert loose notes or cards. All in all, a very good buy.

Everything Branch is absolutely wonderful!
Susan Branch is a not long to be so obscure author who hand writes everything and it all has a homemade touch. Any woman would enjoy the extra care she puts into the little things in life. Treat yourself! Buy the calendars too!

I love this address book!
This address book contains plenty of space for your friends' addresses, and is full of Susan's drawings and quips. I have never been disappointed with anything she has written, and read her books over and over. If you're having a dull day, this will brighten it up! I have most of Susan's books in my collection, and they are full of upbeat thoughts and ideas. Susan Branch's books are THE BEST!!! They are great gifts for your friends and family, too! ... Read more

Book Description

Roland Roycraft's watercolor paintings are highly regarded for their sparkling, atmospheric qualities. Artists can bring this glowing quality to their own work by experimenting with the masking and paint pouring techniques that make his art unique. They'll see first-hand how to capture the glinting light of snow, the glow of a sunset or the sparkle of sunlight on water.

Roycraft's pouring technique is perfect for capturing subtle color variations found in foliage, skies or water. And because pouring causes the color to tint rather than cover the paper, the colors remain brilliant--even when as ten to fifteen layers have been applied. Watercolor artists will be delighted with how his masking techniques allow for an even greater freedom in their paintings.

* More than 65,000 copies of the hardcover edition sold ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Light up your paintings big time
Wow! Where was THIS watercolor book hiding? The techniques Roland Roycraft shares here are seemingly easy; splashing or flowing paint onto paper, masking and more. He also gives some very good hints for composition with clear details. Also value sketches (black and white, showing the density of darks and lights. This is a valuable technique for painters.)

I may not choose to imitate Roycraft's style, but I sure will be incorporating these techniques into my next paintings. If you want to improve your watercolor, I can't recommend this book and his other book on nature enough. They are just great.

Great Atmospheric Paintings
This is a good book for seeing what effective use of masking can do for apainting. Mr. Roycraft's use of masking is an integral (if not THE prime)technique for creating the numerous paintings demonstrated in this book.The other technique he uses is pouring the watercolors onto the surfacerather than painting most of it with a brush.

This is not a paintingmethod for anyone not willing or able to know precisely all the places tomask. The sparkling waves of an ocean in one of his paintings must havetaken quite some time to mask and most likely needed a detailed pencilsketch beforehand. While the pouring is imprecise the masking is not.

Thebook has 1 chapter that gives a step-by-step demonstration of his pouringmethod. One can tell from some paintings produced that this can be atime-consuming method of producing watercolor paintings if the subjectmatter is intricate or detailed although the results are breathtaking.

Iwould like to see more demonstrations from Mr. Roycraft and perhaps moredetails about the masking as part of the process. Statements such as"I masked only the light areas before beginning the painting. This isnegative painting in reverse and makes a beautiful abstract pattern."show the thought that guides the final results.

Most of the book showspaintings in a semi-finished state with the final result and some commentson the process and thoughts in creating it. I liked this book very much andwould recommend it to any watermedia painter because it helps thinking interms of positive and negative shapes and light. It also introduces aunique way of painting with watercolors which I suspect would work withfluid acrylics as well.

wonderful atomshere,superior technique
The book amazes me a lot.I particularly like the effect of the pouring. It seems difficult to learn, how to control the color flowing smoothlyacross the desired area?Is it time-consuming to prepare themasking(questions for Mr. Roland Rycraft)I would like to know somedetails of the procedure. ... Read more

Book Description

Watercolor Wisdom is an essential reference for every watercolor artist. It shares the knowledge, insights, tips and tricks that author Jo Taylor has accumulated over 30 years of painting and teaching, delivering a complete watercolor course that provides all the answers any painter will ever need for good painting.

With the friendly tone of a gentle and seasoned teacher, Jo Taylor illustrates each lesson with large examples, stimulating exercises, visual comparisons and diagrams that are as engaging as they are effective. Beginning chapters focus on the basics of strong painting, including color,texture, value, composition and technique.

The last chapter challenges readers to develop their design abilities and experiment with new artistic techniques, drawing upon the elements and principles learned to reinforce the lessons of this comprehensive guide. Throughout, readers will find big, beautiful art that teaches as well asinspires. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For the watercolorist dedicated to serious study.
These are lessons and notes which serious students will appreciate having in an organized presentation. Workshop students often are caught up in ptg.and/or keeping up with the class and neglect to take legible notes. The deciphering at a later date,if it happens at all, often times is equal to reading a foreign language. Also, these lessons are passed on to the reader from the author/art instructor's knowledge received from other very well known artists. Many, of which are no longer with us and have become legends.

Much to learn from this book
While searching through the vast selection of watercolor books in the city's bookstore, I found this book and feel it is well worth the money I paid for it.

It provides exercises for the reader to practice with watercolor painting, of which involve learning how to control the brush, how to unify and mix colors, and create textures using different effects. My personal favorite lesson of this book is its review of composition. The composition section is a bit hard to understand at first (as is composition in general) but after re-reading the dialog several times, my knowledge of composition in art has improved a great deal.

Though I advise to the readers that this book would be more useful to you if you practice all the exercises, the book will still teach you, even if all you do is simply read and look at the diagrams. I believe this book is most useful for amateur and intermediate watercolor artists, though it may prove to have sound tips for advanced artists as well. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A MUST HAVE FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL ART TEACHERS
If you are teaching high school watercolor classes, I highly recommend Margaret Martin's book NO MORE WISHY-WASHY WATERCOLORS. There are at least 20 ideas for lesson plans within this book. You'll find useful exercises and full demonstrations on 1)Composition, 2)Value, 3)Color, 4)Creativity through Exaggeration and 5)Light. If you're looking for a required text for your students that is bold, bright, and guaranteed to impower a student's control over white paper, this is it!

I also recommend Nita Engle's book HOW TO MAKE A WATERCOLOR PAINT ITSELF for your advanced students. They will be fascinated and challenged by her many and magical techniques.

A book that changed my way of looking at watercolors
I haven't finished this terrific book. Martin is a courageous and innovative watercolor painter. I love her style and she has taught me not to be timid. My paintings all looked alike. Now they blaze with color! And it's much more fun. I am still working through it, so many lessons, so many examples. If you have 5 books on watercolor painting this has got to be one of them.

You can judge this book by its cover!
The cover of "No More Wishy-Washy Watercolor" says it all, as does the title. Look at those yellow sunflowers. They virtually POP against the purple flowers between them (yellow and purple are color wheel opposites.) That's just one trick to make your watercolor stand out that you will learn in this book.

If you love watercolor but hate that smear of pale blue, dull green and other types of landscape problems, look in here for solutions. This is a wonderful watercolor book and a real help to anyone, experienced or beginner.

Love the book
I just bought the book and I have been really enjoying it. I have found it exciting and I have been able to learn from the book because it is written so that a beginner can grasp the information. I would recommend the book to anyone wanting to learn more about watercoloring. ... Read more

Book Description

With this book's no-clutter approach, artists will be tackling two of their favorite subjects--watercolor and landscapes--in minutes.

Reid's quick-start guide gives beginners a basic overview of materials, terms and exercises to get them off on the right foot. Then it's on to tackling more than 25 step-by-step demonstrations that cover all the basic landscape techniques. Readers will learn to paint essential elements, such as water, mountains, buildings and skies, one at a time. These easy-to-follow exercises arm artists with a set of tools, techniques and principles to enrich all their future landscapes.

This highly visual guide also includes detailed advice on how to overcome the challenges of painting outdoors and when traveling. It's never been easier--or quicker--to have fun painting outdoor scenes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very good book for complete beginners!
I am a complete beginner at watercolors and this is the book for me. Each lesson is broken into Saturday's painting exercises, which focus on different watercolor techniques, and Sunday's painting. The exercises are just what I was looking for, I need that step by step guidance. This book is helping me get past that feeling of not knowing where to start with watercolors, and so far I am enjoying it so much.

Excellent Introduction
Having read a number of books and experimented on my own with watercolors (no formal instruction), I was disappointed in the results of my efforts. Then I picked up this book, followed the first lesson and was stunned at the quality of the result. This book goes step by step through techniques and each painting is very easy to follow. The results are a real ego booster. My only caveat is that you come to realize how important composition and color selection are to a painting's success, and this is the one area that the book is somewhat weak in. ... Read more

Book Description

Susanna Spann shows artists how to capture the unmatched beauty of crystal and flowers in watercolor by "building" paintings like a Polaroid picture, developing them layer by layer, value by value, creating works full of drama and feeling.

She shares her techniques through mini-demos, instructional art and a complete painting demonstration that cover everything from value and texture to composition and color. Readers will gain the skills they need to produce images of startling emotion, wondrous joy and everything in between. Spann's clear instructions make learning easy and fun, providing artists with the knowledge and confidence they need to make their watercolor work glow with light and color.

* Crystal is a unique addition to flowers, a popular painting subject
* Clear step-by-step instruction ensures reader success
* Contains big, beautiful art by a popular artist and teacher ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wonderful Instruction
This book is the answer to a watercolorist's questions about value and color. Susanna provides demonstrations and clear, precise instructions and information. You can easily teach yourself to arrange, photograph and paint crystal vases and flowers using this book. It provides very clear,useful and practical information about composition, backgrounds, and shadows. It is a basic handbook that every artist show use as a reference every day.

Painting Crystal and Flowers
This is more then painting crystal and flowers. Any artist in should have it as a reference. There is information on setting up still life, photographing setups,and composition errors. There is a chapter values in which you make your own value chart. Then you hole-punch the value chart which helps to see values in your painting or setup. I have over 250 art technique books. I thought I knew everything. YOU MUST GET THIS BOOK.

Painting Crystal and Flowers
This is more then painting Crystal and Flowers. Any artist in any medium should have it as a reference. There is information on setting up still life, photographing settings,and composition errors. There is a chapter values in which you make your own value chart. Then you hole-punch the value chart which helps to see values in your painting or setup. I have over 250 art technique books. I thought I knew everything. YOU MUST GET THIS BOOK.

Crystalization of Nature
Susanna takes you on a whirl wind trip into the depths and colors of crystal, shadows and reflections. Until I bought this book, I never viewed any of Susanna's artwork, but I took a chance since I am so moved by flowers in crystal. Upon reading this book, I am even more moved and excited. Susanna has a way of describing the necessary steps to develop crystaline artwork in a user friendly manner. I had no fear to go out to my backyard with my crystal vases and take dozens of rolls of film that I want to translate to paintings. I was convinced to use bright and bold colors by her demonstrations, colors that have often intimated me. Susanna's paintings of crystal and flowers want you to "Ting" them to see if they are real or just an image on paper. Her demonstrations are easy to follow and I was surprised by the outcomes. She lead me on a path of success. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in painting crystal, reflections and flowers. ... Read more

Book Description

Texture is one of the most crucial elements of any successful painting--and now, with Paint Luxurious Textures in Watercolor, readers can discover the secrets of this powerful technique. This book features:

-An overview of texture techniques, including glazing, underpainting, and masking-15 close-up, step-by-step demonstrations of how to create texture for a variety of subjects, including lace, embroidered silk, silver teapots, and cats -Two longer demonstrations that show readers how to combine all of the texture techniques discussed throughout to create a sophisticated, multi-layered painting

Readers will learn how to capture rich textures so realistic, their paintings will seem to jump off the canvas. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Awesome Paintings
I ordered this book after first glance at it in my North Light catalog this month!I have just touched the surface on admiring the first few works of art in the book and am so impressed with the artist's expert use of color, technique and eye for beauty.I look forward to exploring the book in depth and trying some of the demonstrations.This is a wow book, very inspiring and uplifting, one every artist should have for reference!Nice work, Ms. Sheffer! ... Read more

Book Description

Concentrating on quick studies allows painters to get to the essence of painting. This proven method focuses on the gist of the subject and the ability to make fast decisions, rather than the minute details that seem to mire some artists and prevent them from improving.

Based on more than 10 years of quick studies classes the author has taught to students of all mediums and abilities, this guide features lots of examples, step-by-step demonstrations and engaging exercises that will have readers diving right in.

After a brief explanation of how and why this painting approach works, readers will explore nine distinctive areas where quick studies will improve their painting, including:

-Editing and Brush Confidence -Color and Composition Exploration -Lighting effects -Capturing new subjects -Basic practice and recreation ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Gets you started
This book is essential for those who need help in getting started painting. Craig recommends items one needs to begin such as paint, palette, mediums, paint colors etc.
He recommends 'quick studies' which help to avoid the fear of failure and help you to begin a painting. Also, the quick studies help you to improve on your style and editing. I think as a beginner this has been an extremely useful book.

For Beginners
paintings are mostly done from pictures, paintings look stiff and edge control is not that great in all the paintings. The way the book is written is not all that great.

For beginners only
This book is all about painting quick studies. I would not recommend this book to professional painters. The author is very particular about what colors to use, what brushes to use, and how much time should be spent on each step of the process. To me, this became somewhat tedious to read. Very little emphasis is given to aspects like composition. The pictures in the book are mostly quick studies with few finished works at the end. The basic message of this book is: paint more, and your skills will improve.

A Confidence Builder
This book is different from the other "how to" painting books. It addresses the greatest artist block--fear. If your canvas is blank because of perfectionist's ideals and being overwhelmed by the "big picture," this book is for you. It takes you through several exercises of timed paintings intended to make you forget about getting it perfect and have fun with your painting. The idea is that with practice you will improve and enjoy painting again. ... Read more