Basic Flower Painting Techniques in Watercolor (Basic Techniques Series) (Paperback)

by Rachel Rubin Wolf (Editor) "This section is aimed at the painter who is new to watercolor and needs to get outfitted..." (more)
Key Phrases: frosted acetate, color illus, masking fluid, Step Three, Step Four, Alizarin Crimson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
The first two titles in the new "Basic Techniques" series from North Light Books, these books are part of a trend by art instruction publishers to compile previously published works into larger, more definitive texts. Material for these books came from earlier North Light books and from The Artist's Magazine. Basic Flower Painting includes the work of 24 painters in more than 20 step-by-step demonstrations. More than the sum of its parts, it is a sophisticated, comprehensive treatment. Basic People Painting takes advantage of the styles and ideas of 11 watercolorists for a book that is visually rich and highly useful. For portrait painting in other media, see Roberta Carter Clark's How To Paint Living Portraits (North Light, 1990).
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books; 1 edition (September 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891347305
• ISBN-13: 978-0891347309
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #206,278 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference, But Beginners Beware, April 2, 1998

By A Customer

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.

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have many flower books, but this one by far is the best., November 13, 1998

By A Customer

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.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply one of the best flower painting books ever published, October 12, 1997

By A Customer

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.