Books Reviews

Handbook of Watercolour – Book Review

By Angela Youngman Feb 23, 2011, 16:07 GMT

Combining four distinct watercolor tips and techniques books, this richly illustrated, highly informative compilation explores the versatility and beauty of watercolors in depth. With 19 detailed step-by-step demonstrations, the chapters cover every aspect of the medium in an easy-to-follow, inspirational way. Drawing from a vibrant and colorful palette, the guide starts off with expert advice on all the techniques needed for creating interesting pictures-from laying initial washes to adding interest and ...more

This is a book for beginners and advanced artists alike.  If you want to know how to paint watercolors - this is the place to start.  Step by step instructions demonstrate how to paint buildings, scenes, flowers, skies, seas and wintery scenes. 

All types of styles are used from very realistic to almost impressionistic.  The instructions are clear, concise and detailed explaining the mysteries of techniques like washing, lifting out, splattering, scratching out, masking fluid, backruns, perspective and even using salt to create unusual effects.

There are lots of tips and hints on how to improve your work such as how to draw chicken wire, planks of wood and clumps of grass. There is definitely a place for this book on every artist's bookshelf. It is detailed and well written offering something for artists of all abilities.