Books Reviews

Roses in Watercolour – Book Review

By Angela Youngman Jun 6, 2011, 15:55 GMT

Showcasing a variety of roses, the projects in this collection will both challenge and instruct tenderfoot artists to improve their painting techniques. The five step-by-step demonstrations reveal how to paint roses without having to rely on advanced drawing skills. With an expressive and bold style that captures the strong, rich hues within the petals of roses, artist Janet Whittle demystifies watercolor painting. The projects use a variety of techniques and ...more

Many people admire flowers and would love to draw them - but lack the skills and knowledge to do so.  This book offers a simple, straightforward answer. If you can trace, you can create a picture.  Five step by step demonstrations are included showing how to create a selection of rose designs from basic tracings. 

Having created your outline drawing, the book explains how to get different color effects, and give the impression of texture. Over 150 step by step photographs are provided, ensuring that every step can easily be followed.  Yet as Whittle points out, to get the maximum effect it is important to use your imagination, adding backgrounds and shapes to give interest and depth. 

This is a book which can be used by beginners or more skilled artists alike, as everyone will find something of interest.  There is always something new to learn about painting flowers!  A very useful, practical guide which will be used and reused by many artists.