Customer Reviews:
Best watercolor book for beginners.......2007-05-20
When I decided to take up watercolors I ended up purchasing a library of books - almost twenty - but the best one of them all for a beginner is this book by Jack Reid. He not only takes you through all the technical details of watercolors - materials, washes, techniques but, before confusing the beginner with mixing and using colors, he first ensures that you have a solid understanding of values. The most brilliant colors in the world will not help a picture where the values are wrong or non-existant. Jack Reid starts the student with monochrome landscapes through most of the book until you really understand and can produce an excellent piece of art using only color in all of its tones and values. Then you reproduce the same picture using one, then two, and working up to five colors. By the time he takes you through a full painting - a step that most watercolor books jumped into at the start - you have a much better mastery of your medium, of planning your landscapes, of being able to work wet into dry or wet into wet. By the time I completed his work I was able to go back to some of the earlier books and now successfully complete their exercises. I could concentrate on the best use of color because I clearly understood how to the apply the tones and shades and values of those colors to enhance the picture. This is an outstanding book for beginners and one I highly recommend.Watercolor Basics: Let's Get Started (Watercolor Basics)
excellent book.......2007-05-13
This book is really really good for the beginner artist learning watercolors..Its easy to follow and understand. I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you already are dabbling in watercolors and want a couple of lessons in it, this is also a great book to help you out.
Great for begners.......2007-02-19
I got this for my nephew. He has really enjoyed it.
Watercolor basics/Let's get started.......2006-03-09
By far the best beginner book I have ever picked up. I have used some of the ideas in this book to teach workshops and have had tremendous success with people that have never picked up a brush. You can"t go wrong
Good, but video instruction is perhaps better.......2006-03-05
I've purchased quite a few instructional books on both watercolors and oils. While I found this one easy to follow for the absolute beginner, in practice, I found the exercises to be a bit stilted. What I mean by that is in attempting to reproduce his paintings, step by step, I found that it took away the wonder and spontenaity one might experience while sketching and painting a simple still life set up. I understand the theory behind the book, and the value studies are interesting, but I think that simply practicing washes, and also practicing with simple still lifes might be more rewarding. I've watched a few videos on watercolor painting which have been more helpful than any book.
Customer Reviews:
expanding the knowlege of watercolor technique.......2007-05-13
This is a good book to learn a variety of techniques in watercolor painting. This was for my teenage daughter who enjoys watercolor painting, so she can expand her level of techniques. She sat for hours going through the book to learn and study what it had to teach her.
Basic Lessons in Becomming a Good Painter.......2007-05-07
Was a welcomed Book in my collection and is extremely helpful in applying new techniques in a new student of watercolor.
LEARNING ABOUT WATERCOLOR PAINTING.......2007-02-25
This makes me want to take my supplies and park myself somewhere beautiful to sketch and paint.
very usefull book.......2006-07-24
I am an adult beginner exploring watercolor painting. This book has really good information about getting started. I especially liked the information on paint characteristics, perspective, color value, and focal point. I have purchased booklets from my local hobbie shop chain that are much more expensive and give less comprehensive explanations. I found this book very helpful.
watercolor.......2005-09-23
I purchased this book based on previous reviews. The book is good, however it's a lot of information for a "beginner." The book is compact, could be a little bigger for better illustration.
Book Description
This new title in the Watercolor Basics series provides artists with all the step-by-step guidance they need to bring people and portraits to life through the beauty of watercolor. From achieving proper proportion to rendering skin tones, author Butch Krieger makes mastering the basics--value, shape, line and color--a snap. Seventeen complete demonstrations and thirteen mini demos take readers through every step, everything from selecting materials and mixing colors to creating effects. Whether the reader is an absolute beginner striving to paint people realistically, or a more advanced artist looking to improve a specific technique, Watercolor Basics: People will make a noticeable difference in the quality of their work.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2002-06-10
This book is a great step-by-step guide for portrait painting in watercolor. The importance of value is well illustrated. A wonderful book for the beginner and experienced watercolor painter.
Customer Reviews:
Great for Teaching Yourself.......2003-04-26
If you are a student or a teacher of the arts, this book is a must. It is divided into sections and you can practice and teach yourself each lesson. Very easy to follow and understand.
A must-have for any artist........2002-10-02
I don't work in watercolors, I quilt, and I've found this book invaluable as a guide to understanding perspective.
An excellent addition to any beginners collection.......2000-05-16
North Light, the publishers of the Watercolor Basics series has hit paydirt once again with Phil Metzgers' Perspective Secrets. In direct simple and engaging language Metzger takes you through the many types of perspective without terrifying you with wordy rules and procedures. It is all covered in this handy and educational volume. You move through beautiful examples of putting space and the illusion of air in your paintings to the subtle issues of close-up perspective such as with bricks. There is also some information on perspective dealing with stairs and inclines all supported by Mr. Metzger's handsome paintings. As with other volumes in this series the subject matter is gone into both more deeply and with more approachable and beautiful artwork. This is a must have for any budding painter.
Customer Reviews:
Great instruction and inspiring tips!.......2007-03-22
This is one of the "keepers". Kristy has done an excellent job here in not only instruction, but in very informative tips and techniques. Saves the new artist allot of time in getting right to the point and avoiding common mistakes. Kristy's book is highly recommended and I'd have given it more than 5 stars if I could have!
Drawing And Painting With Colored Pencil.......2006-11-06
Drawing And Painting With Colored Pencilery good reference book, I was very happy
A Waste of money and time.......2006-08-24
There are many other books available on this subject and they are all better than this one. There is nothing to be gained from reading this book. Forget it!
Stunning Examples.......2006-06-29
The illustrations for the techniques are Kutch's own colored pencil artwork. Her flowers are stunning and if I ever achieve a drawing on the level of her poppies or the morning glories, I'll be very happy.
Unfortunately, I struggled with some of the directions, bogging down over the art terms and special tools that I don't yet have. I think I'd benefit from rereading this book after I experiment more and stock in some of the supplies (special papers, ball burnisher, citrus thinner, etc.).
The techniques are shown in 5 or 6 steps with the illustration progressing as she describes the colors used. Most of the examples are flowers or fruit, but a few landscapes round it out.
The first 49 pages deal with regular colored pencils, then the rest of the book goes on to watercolor pencils and the techniques for those.
Be Advised it is much to do about Watersoluble Pencils...........2006-03-23
This is a wonderful book, don't get me wrong, however I expected it to relate more to colored pencils by themselves. The first section does, then it goes on to a much larger section on watersoluble pencils and the final section is devoted to using them in tandem. If you are interested in using them in tandem then by all means, this book should be on your shelf! The text is precise and easy to follow, the artwork is wonderful, to say the least.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Resource .......2005-11-21
This floral painting book is excellent. Instead of a one-technique collection from a singular artist, this compilation from several fine watercolorists provides a treasure chest of techniques. From basic watercolor daisies to crinkled masa paper pansies, this book gives clear demonstrations and inspiration. There were simple projects that were provided quick success, and more challenging techniques that required some practice.
Some prior basic watercolor experience is necessary. The instructions assume basic level skills such as charging, negative painting, glazing and use of liquid masking. Successful composition suggestions are covered, as well.
I have many flower books, but this one by far is the best........1998-11-13
After purchasing many watercolor books on flowers and realizing they just didn't fit my needs, I was hesitant to purchase another one. But after seing Basic Flower Painting, I succumbed and am thrilled with the instructions and the step by step demos that are the most helpful of all. The price is so reasonable for what is provided in the content, and the colors are as vibrant as in a much more expensive book. I couldn't ask for anything more. I recommend it to any level artist whether beginner or advanced. There's something for everyone in it.
Great Reference, But Beginners Beware.......1998-04-03
Caveat: this title may attract the novice, but "Basic" shouldn't be confused with "Beginning." If you are have a limited palette and are not yet conversant with terms like "charging color," "thirsty brush," and "modeling," the demonstrations may be frustrating.
That being said, the book is a joyful compendium of fine work by accomplished artists. Many examples are featured in the _Splash_ series. Demonstrations are varied, detailed, and challenging (although the section on special effects with cotton swabs is a bit long).
As a reference or idea-generator, the book is excellent. The editor has thoughtfully included sketches for constructing single blossoms, composite flowers, stems, leaves, weeds, and wild grasses. For the adventurous, she also includes articles on techniques with crumpled paper, compositions, acetate, acrylic, and airbrush.
I would recommend this book highly for an advanced beginner who is interested in exploring florals in more depth, or for the more accomplished artist who seeks a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Simply one of the best flower painting books ever published.......1997-10-13
If you really want to learn about flower painting, This is one book you simply cannot do without ! This book REALLY teaches you the basics step-by-step. It is beautifully illustrated and will give you the necessary knowledge in learning how to paint flowers with the help of different artists. There are very few books on flower painting that will give you this much demonstration, tips & techniques plus beautifully painted flowers that are painted so realistically that you can almost smell them.
Book Description
This book brings together material from the popular Watercolor: Basics series in one handy compilation at a great value.
The editors of North Light have taken the best lessons from each book to create a new title that features tips and easy-to-follow demonstrations for beginners. Written in a clear, simple style that demystifies the process of creating beautiful watercolors, this book covers a broad range of topics drawn from each title in the series, including: -Let's Get Started -Painting Flowers -Color -Perspective Secrets -Painting From Photographs -Drawing and Painting Birds -Painting Snow and Water -Trees, Mountains, and Rocks -Capturing Light -Shape and Tonal Value -People
With 304 pages and an abundance of color illustrations, this book is truly the best single resource for beginning watercolor painters available today. Readers will love having such a comprehensive guide at their fingertips.
Customer Reviews:
303-page compendium of step-by-step instructions.......2004-09-09
Collaboratively compiled and edited by the team of Pamela Wissman, Bethe Ferguson, and Gina Rath, The Big Fat Book Of Watercolor Basics is a beautifully illustrated, 303-page compendium of step-by-step instructions on basic watercolor painting. These practical, "hands on" lessons make it fun and easy to create a water color painting of any subject matter. From selecting materials, to choosing and mixing colors, to basic principles of composition; to controlling the paint; to creating texture and lighting effects, every facet of watercolor painting is superbly covered, including the use of reference photos; and the use of color to instill energy and excitement into the visual image. An ideal addition to art school and community library reference collections, The Big Fat Book Of Watercolor Basics is a "must" for anyone wanting to try their hand and imagination to the creation of inspiring and visually entertaining watercolors.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect Watercolor Introduction.......2006-05-11
*****
I am a total beginner to watercolor---actually, to any type of painting, and this book was very helpful and easy to understand. I expect that the more I paint, though, the more I'll use it, as the information seemed to be insightful ideas that more advanced artists could also use. I read the entire book before I picked up a brush (as it was my sole introduction to watercolor) and I'm glad I did.
The book is organized in a question and answer format and grouped into: paper and painting surfaces; brushes and their care; paints and palettes; combining colors, water, paper, and brushes; tonal values; painting outdoors, on location and from life; and "is this a mistake or a creative opportunity?". The last chapter was most interesting, with actual examples of salvaged paintings---before and after.
The book was peppered with encouraging advice and information about being an artist, a painter. I loved reading it.
*****
Good, but not that good.......2004-11-03
I just checked the website listed below and the book is now $39.95 not including shipping. I have gotten this book several times from the library and I particularly like her use of a "funny brush." And the exercise in the book on mixing greens I did in an art class and that has been very useful. However, the information in the rest of the book can be found in other books. In my opinion, the book is not worth the $46 to $60 it would now cost to buy. Maybe Northlight Books will offer an updated version of this book in the near future ??? If the book was normally priced, I would probably buy it.
Tip for purchasing this book.......2004-01-30
As this book is out of print, I tried to buy a used copy. Amazon booksellers are selling used/new copies today for between $45 and $99!
However, I just ordered a copy directly from the authors website - autographed too! - for $24.99 + $6 shipping.
see: www.catherineanderson.net
Maybe this will help others who have been searching too.
the most inspirational book on watercolors i have..........2003-10-08
A must for all watercolor artists...you will be returning to this book for inspiration and encouragement, over and over again... trust me!!!
Set free of worry.......2002-01-07
I wanted you to know that I find your book the most encouraging and helpful of all the books I have seen. Your philosophy on just going for it and not worrying about any rules is the best.
Customer Reviews:
Instructional and Inspirational - Zoltan Szabo's New Book.......2000-07-21
As a beginning painter I am always searching for instructional books to help me master watercolor techniques. Zoltan Szabo's books provide not only excellent instruction in the medium, but inspire as well. This new book is no exception. In "Watercolor Basics:Trees, Mountains, and Rocks" his explanations are easy to understand and follow, and he provides the palette of colors used in each step-by-step example, which many instructional books fail to do. I find reproducing his examples gives excellent practice in both color mixing and varied techniques, which carry over to one's own work. My favorite subjects to paint are those covered in this book, so I am delighted now to have this great reference book. Mr. Szabo is not only a great painter, but a great teacher, and his books are to be treasured.
Customer Reviews:
Assumes prior knowledge.......2001-06-14
The book is comprehensive indeed, but as a BASIC course, the book seems to assume some level of previous art experience. I had questions about brush care and other small details which were not covered.
Easy-to-read.......1999-05-23
This book is very beginnerish, but is good as a reference for the more experienced artist. It covers a little bit of everything for you and is inspiring. I am glad I own this book. In fact, the spine on it is almost worn out from using it so much.
practical and informative.......1999-01-04
Inclused useful information about basic materials and techniques. Excellent chapter on mixing colors. Good information about design, value, and saving whites. Chapters on landscapes, plants and flowers, water , the figure and portraits.
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Books Index
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Study & Teaching
| Reference
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Watercolor for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Painter (Serious Beginner)
Watercolor School (Learn as You Go)
Easy Landscapes: Easy Landcapes (Watercolor for the Fun of It)
Creating Textures in Watercolor: A Guide to Painting 83 Textures from Grass to Glass to Tree Bark to Fur
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Watercolor
