Book Description

Artists will learn to simplify their paintings by capturing the spontaneous nature of watercolor. Author Pat Weaver shows them how to incorporate her loose, direct painting style into their paintings, helping them build their confidence and skill.

Packed full of clear instruction, Weaver shows readers how to mix color directly on the paper, many times without drawing first, to create rich vibrant hues.She then tackles the basics of good painting-composition, drawing, value and color-and teaches them how to easily apply these elements to their paintings.

Through 16 step-by-step demonstrations, Weaver shows readers how to capture a variety of subjects, including cats, dogs, people, flowers and buildings. With just paper, pencil and paint, readers will be able to create paintings beautiful paintings that jump right off the page! ... Read more

Book Description

Artists constantly seek out new projects, plain and simple. With this new series, they'll find what they're looking for: books by well-known artists, each featuring 10 no-holds-barred, step-by-step, start-to finish projects--plain and simple. Every project includes:

* A list of challenges and learning points, so readers can identify the obstacles to mastering the skill, then master it

* Materials lists, with tips on the different materials available for optimal use

* A preliminary drawing to trace for easy reproduction, along with color mixing examples and pull outs

With a crystal-clear focus on the projects and only the projects, this series will speak to readers hungering for simple instruction to create works of their own. ... Read more

Book Description

Stamp in Color
Techniques for Enhancing Your Artwork
By Dave Brethauer

Make Your Own Watercolor Magic

Now creating the romantic, dreamlike look of watercolor is literally at your fingertips! These easy-to-learn techniques show you how to blend and balance a perfect palette of colors, to give your paper projects an air of sophistication and elegance. Achieve a smooth wash of color across a sky or a flawless blend of hues on a leaf with these simple, effective methods.

· Learn how to embellish stamped images with paints and colored pencils for a glorious, watercolor-style look

· Find 30 step-by-step projects for special occasions throughout the year, such as holidays, birthdays, weddings, and showers, as well as fun projects for everyday

· Choose from a range of exquisite designs for invitations, greeting cards, gift tags, and announcements

Make the most of your rubber-stamp projects with these savvy color tricks! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Watercolors and Stamps!
Great examples of making invitations & cards. In addition to the watercolor tips (don't expect a class in watercolors its more of an intro to the idea of using watercolors with stamps) there are also ideas on using your computer to print up words for the invitations etc. Colored pencils are also discussed in the book as well as blending techniques.

A Wonderful Intro To Watercolors & Stamps!
I have been stamping for awhile and wanted to get into watercolor. I am so glad I found this book! After reading the book (the step by step instructions were easy to follow), I got results that were truly amazing. I did not know how to properly use watercolors until this book! Also, many of the stamps I had on hand were easily substituted for those used in the book. It was a great purchase!!!!

The title is misleading
I was looking for a book that showed how to add color to stamping and this only pretty much covers watercoloring stamp outlines. I would have preferred to have known that is all it was about. I think in that aspect it does a good job. It is a very narrowly focused book that I paid too much for.

Excellent book!
This book was everything that I'd hoped for! Lots of good instruction on using watercolors, etc. I also like that all of the stamps used in the book are available at one company... which makes it much easier to hunt down. :) Very good book, clear instructions.

Great book! A must have for the rubber stamper!
I actually picked up this book while looking for another-and I am so glad I did! I tended to shy away from watercoloring in my stamped images because I didn't really know how to "control" them. Well-this book gives in depth instructions as well as photos to follow. The art work is beautiful and the author makes it seem achievable with his broken down-step by step directions. I am glad that this book is now part of my collection. You won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Book Description

This easy-to-use reference guide is a must-have for artists of all skill levels. In it, they'll learn the keys to choosing the right color every time and solving a wide variety of color-mixing dilemmas. The special qualities and uses of most standard colors are also discussed individually.

Analogous, complementary and triadic sample palettes are provided, each with two step-by-step demonstrations.A color system dial is also included to demonstrate colors mixed with neutrals, tints and other common combinations. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great as in showing 'how Szabo does it.'
This book cannot replace the Michael Wilcox's Blue and Yellow Don't Make Green in terms of basic completeness, clarity, and universal applicability. It's more of an idiosyncratic look at how one artist makes use of his paint choices. You will come away seeing how Szabo does it, but its applicability in a *general" way is severely limited. That being said, the book is a great instruction book. Every painting (one every 2 pages) has step by step instruction and the ideas he has for using only 5 pigments max per painting are excellent.

Very Informative About Pigments & Colors
I have the hard cover edition. This is an excellent color book for learning and reviewing watercolor pigments & paints. This book illistrates how to use these pigments and paints in various watercolor works of art. The properties of each color are thoroughly explained with printed samples of the color and the complementary color shown. Also the other colors that work well with each pigment are shown, along with a sample of a successful work of art containing these colors. I'm very glad to add this to my library of watercolor books.

It is a book you return to again and again!
In learning the characteristics of watercolor, this is a book I return to again and again. The author has classified each basic color as to its' transparency, its' complement, and executes a painting with that palette, and much more! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Painting Glowing Colors in Watercolor
I received this book for my birthday. It is one of the best watercolor instruction books I have. She gives very good instructions on how to paint with glowing colors. She has several other instructions and suggestions on composition, drawing etc. This book was carefully thought out and the illustrations are wonderful. ... Read more

Book Description

Tom Lynch's watercolors are dynamic, expressive and amazingly vibrant. In this guide, he shares his masterful techniques for achieving loose, energetic compositions through step-by-step demonstrations, inspiring examples and clear instruction.

To make lessons easy to learn, Lynch breaks down his painting strategies into simple principles, including Values, Color, Shapes, Impact Area, and Expression & Mood. Each principle features exercises designed help artists build their skills and paint with impact.

* Includes color-coded sections for easy referencing
* Captivating artwork spanning a range of subjects
* 10 complete step-by-step demonstrations
* Visual instruction, featuring before-and-after examples ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Nice Art Work---Book Needs Better Text
A great concept with wonderful illustrations by Tom Lynch but lacking descriptions of the techniques and pigment use employed. Like the other reviewer I found the secrets still secrets and not revealing enough information. This publishers books seem to follow this pattern as with Alvaro Castagnet book Watercolor Painting with Passion (beautiful and inspiring illustrations by Castagnet but lacking decent text of the techniques and use of pigments used).

However, aside from the lacking technical information, Lynch's work is wonderful and inspiring.

OK BUT NOT ENOUGH DETAIL AND EXPLANATION!!
THIS BOOK NEEDS MORE DETAIL AND TECHNIQUE IN MUCH BETTER FORM. I APPRECIATE GOOD ART BOOKS AND THIS ONE COULD BE A LOT BETTER..

One of my very favorites
Out of the dozens and dozens of watercolor books that I own this is one of the few that I return time after time for new insights on composition and technique. I've tried several times to get into one of Tom's seminars but scheduling conflicts prevented it. One day I'll attend and have him autograph my dog-earred, paint-splattered worn out old copy of this great book on watercolor painting! If you do buy it don't just read it and place it on the shelf...use it and abuse it... throw some paint on some paper and practice the techniques and you'll see the value!

Best Book I've Seen! Should be in every artist's collection!
This is my FAVORITE watercolor book! It is extremely comprehensive and very helpful. Not only does Tom discuss various watercolor techniques and show how he incorporates them into his paintings (spattering, use of resist, misting color out of spray bottles, sponging, etc.), he discusses design in an understandable way. He shows how he begins and develops a painting. He also shows how to salvage paintings that are accurate but don't seem to have much "life" or excitement.

What I think I liked the most is the way he explains everything in a step by step way that is easy to follow and understand. He is very generous with his ideas and techniques - thoroughly explaining everything he does and how he produces such gorgeous paintings.

Even if you weren't an artist, the book itself is beautiful. It is jam-packed with his watercolors on thick, glossy paper that makes it a delight for the eyes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever aspired to paint!

Breathtaking! Not Just for Watercolorists
This is one of my favorite watercolor books. There are so many positive things to say about this book its hard to know where to begin. But I'll try to point out some of the things that I've found unique to this book from all the others I have in my collection.

1. The "Salvage That Student Painting" demonstrations. Hands down this has got to be one of THE most interesting and innovative things I've ever seen in any painting book in ANY medium. Tom takes various student paintings, shows exactly where and why certain areas, techniques, etc aren't working. He then procedes to take it and transform it into a radiant painting using the many techniques and principles he's stressed in preceding chapters. It is literally the painting equivalent of the "before" and "after" photos you see of beauty make-over infomercials. The difference in these before and after paintings is enough to convince even the toughest critic that Mr. Lynch deserves the acclaim he receives.

2. The "Impact Area" chapter. I have other books that have mentioned the need for a focal point but none has shown in such depth and detail exactly why one is needed, the benefits, how to use it to your advantage or how to go about it. I especially liked his advise and technique assignment for every day - the Impact Sketch. Your sketchbook becomes a tool for practicing and strengthening the skills taught in the various chapters.

It's full of advice and tips. Things I'd not thought of before or had not seen quite so clearly as he states them. You get advice such as, "Think of the impact area as a separate painting-within-a-painting, and develop it accordingly. Then, as you work on the rest of the painting, always compare the secondary areas to the impact area, making sure it continues to be the brightest, most powerful, most interesting spot in the whole picture.". Or a chapter titled Expression and Mood with the advice, "The key to this whole concept is pick no more than two feelings that you want to communicate, then exaggerate them!" and "Sometimes the big 5 - technique, color, shape, value and impact area - should take a back seat to expression!"

Throughout all of this are beautiful paintings - some followed step by step using his tips, tricks, advice, etc. Or others like the student paintings where you learn by seeing them get a beauty makeover. And some as just full glorious finished paintings. Each chapter is color coded you can flip to exactly the chapter and advice you need. There are also chapters dealing with value, color, techniques and shapes. The final chapter shows both demonstrations and a gallery of his unique paintings. Practically my only quibble with this book is that it doesn't have an index. Other than that one negative this is one of the best art books I own. The principles and advice can be used with any medium, not just watercolor. If you paint or draw - no matter what the medium - you will enjoy this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Renowned architectural illustrator Thomas W. Schaller has revised and expanded his classic volume Architecture in Watercolor, now in paperback. Winner of the AIA's Citation for Excellence, Architecture in Watercolor is the acclaimed bestselling guide to the increasingly popular medium of watercolor, unparalleled in its drama, subtlety, and emotional power. With the addition of the thorough discussion of modern uses of watercolor, this book remains the preeminent authority in the field. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Stunning work. A treat for lovers of architecture
I bought this book thinking it was about rendering architectural subjects for watercolorists. It is not, so I was disappointed in that respect. But I was not disappointed in the artwork included in what is really a book intended for architects and admirerers of their work.

The drawings and paintings of buildings of all kinds can take your breath away. There are some projects of great magnificence (the proposed Arts and Cultural Center in Rome on the cover is one in particular.) There is a section on different mediums such as ink line and wash, pastel and charcoal, standard watercolor. There is a historical perspective section that includes classic paintings of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer. In particular, there is a picture of Sargent's of a doorway on a canal in Venice that is familiar--yet set in this book it gives a new insight into how artists can show architecture for not only the features of a facade, but with style. The purely architectural works are more finely drawn and less "painterly" but they are amazing in their own right. My favorite is a picture of the addition to the Jewish Museum in New York, which combines artistic feeling with an informational slant, showing what a modern addition would look like added to the noble French Mansard style original building.

While this book wasn't what I needed for technique, I had a wonderful time drooling over the pages at some really wonderful architectural renderings in watercolor, ink and pencil. A real visual treat.

Positively Sublime
Schaller's sublime style of rendering is reason enough to buy this book (and perhaps to clip the pages and insert the images into frames that once hosted pictures of your relatives!)

Watercolor is a difficult medium, and this guide, if it was intended to be such, does not serve the beginner well with introductory techniques. However, it does portray stellar examples of watercolor rendering, and a study of Schaller's work can reveal graphic composition/ and color techniques to complement any renderer's toolbelt.

His examples show artistic use of depth, composition, foreground-background balance, dynamism, and shadows.

I've always read the word "spellbinding" in reviews. After this book, I know what that means. I am surprised, after reviewing Schaller's work that he is not renowned as an artist outside the architectural sphere (at least to my knowledge).

Art and technique of architectural watercolor illustration.
You don't have to be an architect to appreciate the architectural artwork included in Thos. Schaller's book, "Architecture in Watercolor." Albeit created for the practical purpose of visualizing architectural projects, the delicacy and skill with which they are executed, elevates many of these illustrations to fine art, reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints in their beauty. With historic illustration references as well as those of his own creation, Mr. Schaller has created a handsome coffeetable book under the guise of a guide to technique. ... Read more

Book Description

Using the author's luminous work as an inspiring point of departure, participants in this master class learn to work with a broad range of watermedia, pushing beyond realism to build images that have urgency and power.

Readers are encouraged to take risks that will help them abandon usual methods and embrace fresh ways of painting with watercolor, gouache, casein, acrylic, and mixed media, using collage, brushless methods, and many other techniques. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must have....
What a wonderful book.
Better than a class.
Not a step by step kind of book, but one to give you good solid art
methods so you can explore in your own style.
It opened my mind.
I haven't been this excited about my work in ages.
Thank you Edward Betts for sharing your wisdom.

Master Class in watermedia
This book is an inspiration for any artists interested in mixed media and developing their skills towards non-representational painting. It is very well written and aimed at the more advanced painters in water media. Edward Betts uses his own paintings for illustrating and inspiration. This is one book that is a must for your studio bookshelf - borrowing it from the library for a quick read will not satisfy the need to return again and again to its inspirational pages. ... Read more

Book Description

With Mark Willenbrink's golden touch, new artists really can have fun while they master the basics of watercolor. This highly visual guide shows absolute beginners how to express their creative sides through painting.

Even people who've never picked up a brush will be amazed at how easy it is to complete their first project. This book walks readers through such essential topics as materials, value, color and composition. There are also helpful demonstrations on proper brush technique and planning a painting.

In the second part of the book, Willenbrink leads budding artists through 15 rewarding projects. Readers are sure to come away with a painting they'd be proud to give as a gift or hang on the wall! ... Read more

Book Description

Anyone willing to learn can celebrate the wonder of nature with Claudia Nice's techniques for combining pen and ink with watercolor. Offering clear, step-by-step instruction for painting a range of subjects, she focuses on the little details first, from soil and leaves to wildflowers and birds. As artists are guided piece-by-piece through the wonders of different panoramic settings, they will learn to combine these elements into full-scale projects--quiet forest scenes, coral reefs teeming with color, prairies, deserts, ponds and mountains--all alive with the beauty and joy of nature. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nice, but material is duplicated in another of her books
This is an excellent book... IF you don't already own "Painting with Watercolor, Pen and Ink" by Claudia Nice. The material in this book is entirely duplicated in the "Painting with...". Please do not buy this book if you already own a copy of "Painting with Watercolor, Pen and Ink". I did and was thoroughly disappointed that there was no new material in the "Painting Nature in Pen & Ink with Watercolor".

Now, if you own the other book "Creating Textures with Watercolor, Pen and Ink" then I highly recommend this book as it has subject matter that was not covered in the "Creating Textures..." book.

If you don't own any of her books, then buy the "Painting with Watercolor Pen and Ink" ISBN 158180265X because it completely combines the material in both "Creating Textures..." and "Painting Nature..." books.

Another Excellent Book by Ms. Nice
I bought this book based on the strength of Ms. Nice's previous book Creating Textures in Pen & Ink with Watercolor. I was equally pleased and delighted with this one as much as with her previous work.

It first starts out with some very basic pen & ink strokes and techniques along with some watercolor texturing techniques (such as using crumpled plastic wrap which gives a surprisingly snow crystal-like texture).

The next chapters move quickly on to using these techniques as applied to creating wildlife paintings and/or scenic landscapes. For example, in one chapter she starts out showing step by step details of a bird wildlife painting. One of the interesting things is that the bird pen & ink was done in sepia ink rather than the more typical black. The next page showed a step by step of the ferns in the painting along with moss and wood. The last page in the chapter showed all of these things pulled together into the final painting. Each painting gets the same "how-to" treatment. The result is that someone could easily duplicate each of the paintings in the book.

There are also a wealth of mini-demonstrations such as leaves, frogs, birds, seashells, fish, starfish, flowers, grass, trees, etc. All of them most likely pulled from actual full paintings she has done but probably not included due to space and page-length considerations. Each one of the mini-pictures provides another step by step build-up so you can practice first without neccessarily committing to a big project. In short, it just looks like fun.

One interesting side note: comic book artists have long used this technique of watercolor with pen & ink. I am a big fan of comics - DC's Vertigo line and some Image comics in particular feature breathtaking illustrations with pen & ink and watercolor. Any fine artist should do him/herself a favor and see how beautiful and "grown-up" some of these comics have really become. They routinely feature beautiful art for its own sake and the stories are geared toward an adult market.

What is really refreshing is that Ms. Nice finally shows how beautiful these techniques are when applied to the realm of nature art. I don't really see how anyone could be disappointed with this book. You're bound to learn something new to try with your own paintings. I certainly did. :) ... Read more

Book Description

With these hand-holding, easy-to-follow lessons, budding artists can make bouquets and meadows full of flowers blossom in luminous watercolor. Inspirational, highly visual, and brimming with beautiful illustrations and handy tips, every page will encourage beginners to pick up a brush. Key techniques are highlighted, including wet-in-wet, wet-on-dry, softening, mixing colors, and using masking fluid. Demonstrations of a variety of painting styles range from quick, first-impression sketches of poppies to a detailed botanical stud of hellebores.
... Read more

Book Description

This book presents a fresh, simple approach to working in watercolor.It's spirited and fun--just the kind of instruction that beginners will love.

Clear-cut guidelines help readers select their first brushes, paints and palette. Step-by-step instruction makes mastering basic techniques easy, while tips and mini-demos detail how to render specific subjects, including trees, water, buildings and more.

This engaging style makes Getting Started a must for all beginning artists--perfect for those who want to simply dabble in watercolor or dive right in! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book for Beginners
I bought this book about a year ago and still go back and review. John's examples in the book are broad enough that it covers most people interests. His techniques and tips are clearly explained. I also LOVE his ability to create textures and brickwork. He teaches the basics but also covers basic design work. I currently own about 35 watercolor books and this one is still one of my alltime favorites. I would highly recommend this book. And also suggest that anyone enjoying his work, visit his website and check out his CD's. I own them both and love them!

A fun and worthwhile book
I really enjoyed this book. He goes through some pretty basic things and then goes from there to being able to use these techniques to complete a painting. I like how he introduced color and explained each one on transparency etc. The demos are explained very well, then he goes on to show other ways to use similar techniques. Lots of good photos for reference. It is a fun and very worthwhile book for the beginner and intermediate watercolor painter. I would buy it again! ... Read more

Book Description

A painting is only as good as its composition. This dynamic book teaches artists the "golden rules" of successful composition in simple, but effective techniques they can apply right away.

Through glowing examples of his own work, author Robert Lovett illustrates "design principles in action," starting with the basics. He then helps artists advance their skills by showing them how to manipulate other key devices, including: light and shadows; tonal values; repetition and alternation; gradation and balance; centers of interest; points of perspective.

Artists will also enjoy following Lovett's demonstrations which feature seascapes, boats, mountains, rivers, still lifes, interiors, figures and animals. He also includes an engaging series of 10 hands-on painting exercises Woven throughout are effective tips for working in watercolor, such as wet-in-wet techniques, dry brush methods, color mixing and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent, Comprehensive
Robert Lovett's book is different from many watercolor books that simply show a picture and have a brief blurb on the picture.
Lovett has a very thorough and systematic way of teaching and explains each lesson in great depth. This book tackles the key elements of creating an effective painting and shows probably over 100 of Lovett's paintings. Lovett is a gifted teacher and painter and his book is highly effective. Lovett has a very colorful, yet traditional painting style, so if you are looking for experimental or california school loose, look elsewhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (4)

Fair book
This book is so-so when it comes to teaching brush painting.

The author is good with flowers and leaves. However, she's not very strong when it comes to any other subjects. This book will not work as your only book on the subject. Animals and humans especially are not the author's forte and end up looking off somehow.

As an introduction, however, it isn't too bad. I would recommend any book by Lucy Wang and The Simple Art of Chinese Painting by Qu Lei Lei in addition and over this book.

tough to learn by
It might be that this is just a tough topic for a book I'm not sure but this book definitely doesn't have enough detail in terms of clear steps/pictures for a beginner.

no book
does anyone else have trouble receiving orders?Is 3 weeks too long to wait when they say it will be mailed within 4 days, and it is usually 1 to 2.I can't find out per computer if is has even been mailed!

supremacy in presentation
this title is superb in the presentation of the chinese brush painting to the beginer artist. though a little un organized and somewhat free falling in the degree of control expected from the student it stresses the need of practice and give numerouse examples of art subjects to be copied as part of the learning process.

i'd give it an 8 ... Read more

Book Description

Artists will discover an exciting, mixed-media way of painting that takes full advantage of the vivid moods of watercolor, the punch and contrast of ink, and the rich textures of colored pencil.

Sueellen Ross teaches readers to layer one medium on top of another in easy-to-control stages. Step-by-step instructions teach how to use this technique to paint cozy interiors, beautiful flowers, cats, birds, and other delightful subjects in a brillant, realistic style. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

You see, I am not much of a cat person...
Therefore, I could care less about how many cats were drawn in the book. However, this is an excellent book.

Why? Because above all the fancy schmanzy of all the beautiful drawings in the book, the artist applies a very important principle when rendering complicated and fuzzy subjects (or scenes): DRAWING THE NEGATIVE SPACE.

What does that mean, you ask? OK, here goes.
Remember when you were three, you drew a cat's whiskers with a few pencil strokes, like this >o<. Each whisker is represented by a line. That is drawing LINE, aka drawing POSITIVE space. In this book, however, in order to achieve the likeness and realism of hair (or any fuzzy thing, including grass, hay, straw, or torn cigar threads on Fidel's hairy face; but I digress), the key here is DRAW THE SHADOWS SHED BY THE HAIR, NOT THE HAIR ITSELF. In other words, you draw the negative spaces between the threads of hair, and leave the hair blank, then later render the blank (hair) space with different tones, depending on how the light shines on the subject, to achieve likeness and realism.

This little secret could cost you some bucks learning from someone at some workshop, but there you have it FREE from me, simply because I want to show you this book is really good.

Of course, you don't buy a book just to copy the author's style. (Although you could, however, then you probably don't really want to be an artist that badly because being an artist is being FREE, being YOURSELF.) What I learn from the book is simply another way to render beautiful artwork, and then find a way (my way) to do it myself. With this book, you learn to creat meticulous artwork in mixed (ink, colored pencil, and watercolor) mediums to a professional level. If your drawing skill is not the thing you are proud of, then you can make it up with using, say, a projector, tracing paper, or the likes. Having said that, I honestly encourage anyone to hone their drawing skill since it is a must for being an artist.

Just to wrap it up, let me cite some of my own experiences in rendering meticulous artwork. I once did several figure drawings in pencil (it took about three to five hours each) that in the end even the fleshy look of human skin can be rendered with such a simple medium as pencil. (Trust me, YOU want to touch "it"!) All due to the meticulousness of the process! My probable next project (or it could be yours): Shed the back light on a female model, and render (in pencil, perhaps) the sensual hair on her filtrum (above her lips), her wrist, or her lower back..., just to appreciate more the technique of drawing the negative space mentioned above! Until then, happy drawing... negative space!

this book can be a useful tool
I hate to see this book get a bad rap because it is full of information.

The bottom line with this book is it is meant for the more ad-
vanced 'draw-er', but i don't think that is a bad thing!Also,
she does give a good amount of technical information.

The complaint about 'paint by numbers' is because the stage be-
fore applying paint is so complex, but if you view this with an
eye toward using her proven techniques in your own ways, - perhaps on only the primary focus of your work it could be very
useful.

It isn't required that you copy her style exactly, that is never
the point anyway, so you can use some of her techniques; especially which mediums work (and don't run) to your advantage!

Good Book!The opposite of the kind of 'pour it on stuff' that
can also be lovely, but quite valuable to the more meticulous crowd!

Excellent book for intermediate to advanced artists
"Paint Radiant Realism..." is one of the best art instruction books I've purchased. If you already enjoy incorporating intricate detail into your work, you will probably love it. But if you are not naturally a "detail freak", Ross's approach will probably drive you crazy.

Beginners who still need step by step guidance in even the most fundamental aspects of the various media involved (pen & ink, watercolor and colored pencil) will probably not like this book. Only those who have a strong foundation in drawing, light and shade, and value contrast will be best able to fully comprehend and utilize Ross' mixed media techniques. The two demo pieces, "Sunspot" and "Daisy Faces" clearly outline Ross' step by step approach to building depth and realism with a combination of ink, watercolor and colored pencil.

Personally, I found her use of ink to establish the darkest values, as well as her technique of using white colored pencil as a resist to save whites to be the most valuable ideas to incorporate into my own work. This, after all, is the real purpose of art instruction books. One should not buy a book in the hopes of becoming a clone of the author; rather one looks for aspects of the author's knowledge and techniques that can be incorporated into ones' own work.

Excellent book and highly recommended for experienced artists.

Buy this book and start making money selling your paintings.
This book suits realist watercolorists whose style involves creating paintings that show meticulous details to the degree of perfection. If you have achieved a reasonably good drawing skill and enjoy painting with careful brushstrokes to render likeness (as in photographic likeness), this book is right for you.

The author starts out with covering materials, the process of developing ideas, and design elements for your paintings. Through well-executed step-by-step projects, the author impresses the readers with her ability to create breathtaking paintings using ink, watercolor, and color pencils; as well as with her rendering of color, light, shadow and painting themes. The projects include painting cozy interiors, pets, flowers, gardens, and wild animals and birds.

Buy this book and start making money selling your paintings, or else I shall.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

P.S. For folks that gave this book a poor review, perhaps this will help: This book is for realist watercolorists whose skills have gone beyond the doodling level of drawing. This book, in my opinion, is a real gem for intermediate artists who can even apply the presented approaches to start making and selling their paintings in mixed medium, not for beginners.

Awful!Not what I expected from the title.
I was very disappointed in this book on many levels.First, the techniques Ms. Ross employs remind me of the old paint-by-number paintings I did as a kid.Awful!!Next, she uses all three mediums in each piece, with watercolor being the dominant medium.Her subject matter is very limited and to my eye, was not in the least "realistic".I really can't find anything of any use whatsoever in this book.Save your money!The one thing it DID teach me was never to buy a techniques book based on it's cover and title again! ... Read more

Book Description

From the pounding surf to the interior of a fisherman's hut, coastal scenes provide infinite inspiration and drama for beginning and advanced artists. In Create Dramatic Coastal Scenes in Watercolor, award-winning artist Carlton Plummer teaches artists how to capture the elements of the coast to make a dynamic watercolor. Readers will learn how to utilize the keys to drama--lighting, scale, value patterns, color, and more--so they can add intensity to their paintings.

Plummer also shows how to use technical and intuitive thinking when portraying subjects, and how to accurately paint tidal pools and the surf, lobstermen and clam diggers, and other elements of coastal life. ... Read more