Product Description

This is a complete painting course which provides inspiration and the know-how to build on your knowledge of watercolour painting and master a wider range of techniques. Readers are shown how to use their existing knowledge of painting with watercolours to master a wider range of techniques and effects. This book has practical advice on how to create the most beautiful paintings of any object, landscape or texture, plus tips on painting from light to dark, painting rain, skies, shadows, flowers, birds, snowscapes - every conceivable aspect is covered. There is also an in-depth section looking at the best ways to mix colours, using not only the basic primary colours as a base but also violets, oranges, browns and greens. Readers are taken out of the art-room and into the great outdoors as they learn to paint every type of building and scenery, from drawing boats and architectural details, to using optical techniques, observing Autumnal colours and painting sheep in the snow...As futher support, the "Watercolour Challenge" experts offer guidance on such matters as composition, brushwork and preliminary sketches. The book also includes specially devised step-by-step projects that de

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #245596 in Books
• Published on: 2002-08-09
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

Excellent reference source
As I continue to enjoy and explore the mysteries of the medium of watercolour, I've become a collector of books on the subject, trying to extract as much information as I can from a variety of sources in an effort to understand and improve what I do. Few books have come as close to a complete and comprehensive 'course' as this one does - insightful, explanatory, graphic. It's an good companion to Hazel Harrison's "Encyclopedia of Watercolour Techniques". Also unlike most books, it offers the beginner and advanced artist a rich diet of techniques, troubleshooting tips and talent. If you buy no other watercolour 'encyclopedia' this year buy this one. And as someone who was turned on to painting by Channel Four's "Watercolour Challenge" in 1998, it's a refreshing companion to the other two books in the series which celebrate experts and contestants. I won't be buying any for a while to come - to busy soaking up this one!

If you're a fan of the programme, then this book is a must
If you've been enjoying Watercolour Challenge on TV and are going to miss it when this new series ends then this book is for you. Not only does it cover every aspect of painting in an accessible way, moving from drawing to painting itself to experimenting (such as using bleach and salt on watercolour washes) in comprehensive succinct chapters, but it also contains pictures by well-known artists including those who've appeared on the programme as experts - Mike Chaplin, Hasel Soan, Jenny Wheatley. There are close-ups of areas of pictures which are then analysed discussing examples of wet-in-wet washes, or watercolour back-runs or 'cauliflowers'. All in all the book is not only informative, but is also an attractive object in itself.

An excellent book for beginners
I was given this book as a gift to encourage me to explore my long held wish to try watercolour painting. The book is well written and easy to understand and gives practical guidance rather that just theory. It has the "now try this" approach, and deals with some of the things that could have gone wrong. I began watercolour painting as a result of receiving this book, and then decided to enroll on a course with my local college. The course was much less instructive and helpful than this book!

Highly recommended.