Customer Reviews

Basic Water Color Answer Book

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My name is Jerry Little. I am the president of the California Watercolor association.It is the largest regional Watercolor association in Calif. I am a juror, Lecturer/ demonstrator and professional artist. I also am in the process of writing a book. I purchased and have read Miss Andersons book. As an artist for over 40 years I have read many,many art books and this one rates as the best one I have ever read from a total informative standpoint.

Miss Anderson way of presenting information in a question and answer way is truly informative to both the amature artist and professional alike. The questions are ones that all artists are confronted with day to day. The book also explains good color, design and texture.

One of the things that Catherine explains in her book that is unique is the way to being a good artist is to isolate yourself when you are painting so as to allow the creartive juices to work without interuption. She also explains to us about taking a risk. If we dont take risks in our art we will not grow as artists. I also believe that. Catherine as a gift that few artists have and that is being able to put emotion into her art work. That comes to few artists unless you are willing to take changes as Catherine points out.

This book is a must in any art library Jerry Little E-mail jjlittle@ix.netcom.com

Having had almost no experience in using watercolor paints, this book gave me what I needed to begin the challenge of painting with watercolors, and it even gave me more. As a beginner I knew nothing about what papers to use, what a wash was, what brushes to use, what the difference was between paints, and most importantly how to put them all together. Each chapter of this book gave me what I needed. Most importantly it gave me this information in plently of detail so I could go the next step.

As I stated it even gave me more. Catherine did not skimp on offering her encouragement to try different things, make mistakes which opens the eyes so that you see the light of a new challenge, and that good old slap on the back to say you've done a great job.

In addition, the book is well designed, easy to read, has plenty of good clear examples, and art which emphasizes the points made in the book.

A 5-star rating is not good enough for this book, it should be given a 10.

As someone who understands how difficult it can be to try to paint with watercolors, I must say that this book was one of the most helpful that I have found in terms of providing clear technique suggestions, a well organized approach, and interesting text. Often basic watercolor books are too simplistic. The illustrations in this book give you something to aspire to. The color reproductions of Catherine's own work are exquisite. The chapter entitled IS THIS A MISTAKE OR A CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY? spoke directly to me and my consistent insecurities in my work. Catherine's dictum that "mistakes are gifts" is a message I am trying to integrate into my art. The whale story in the introduction and the sidebars are very inspirational and you might even say spiritual. And . . . I am now painting watercolors with no more fear. Thank you Catherine Anderson.

if you are starting out in watercolors, or want to rebuild your technique from the basics, this is an excellent book to consider. anderson brilliantly uses the "frequently asked questions" format, with many side bars and captioned photos, to present a great amount of accurate information and wise advice in a casual and exploratory way. she can point with pictures, offer lists, respond to queries, and throw in marginal comments. but she doesn't lose her way. she starts by explaining watercolor papers, then brushes, and after a simple demonstration painting to get you to use the different brushes effectively, she's off into color, color mixing, value, and composition. throughout she repeats that "there are no rules," that it's good to take risks, and that mistakes can be creative opportunities. a special book not quite like any other ... and worth owning, whatever your skill in painting, for anderson's gentle and artistic spirit.

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.

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.

Big Kudos to Catherine Anderson! I have painted for over 20 years and specialize in watercolors. And I have never seen an art instruction book like this one - it's pure inspiration and encouragement from start to finish (and it's the kind of book one never really stops reading...each time I pick it up, I come away with new insight and lessons learned.) I simply devoured this book cover to cover! I originally bought it to fill in gaps in basic knowledge I was missing but wound up gaining so much more! I learned things like you don't have to "get it right" the first time...like it's ok to put on glaze after glaze and scrub out what you've done...and that there are no rules but one - to do what works for you! Catherine Anderson's work is truly a gift to the spirit - she fills your head to overflowing with positive, inspiring messages from the heart such as to never ever quit, here's how to get jump-started painting (great for days you just don't have the energy!), how not to listen to the negative voices within, to just believe in yourself, and above all, to have fun and just paint! Her greatest legacy will be her ability and enthusiasm. Our world needs more positive teaching books like this one. The format is question and answer and very friendly to the eye. Her inspirational words remind me that we were put on this earth to help others and to make a difference! And her book is for all levels of watercolorists - beginning, intermediate and advanced! The best painters are truly those who keep practicing the fundamentals - so true of anything in life! I was surprised in reading it how much I'd somehow forgotten or never got quite right over the years! And she does a wonderful job of taking the fundamentals and carrying them to more advanced levels. Her book nudges you along to find your own style, your own you, rather than to copy her style. But the best part of this book, is that you will find you use it - over and over and over again! I actually carry mine in my briefcase and never tire of re-reading it! and this is because her message is one for the mind, the head, and the spirit in all of us! Working with her book is a celebration of life - Catherine Anderson brings out the best part of each of us in her book! I have a mountain of art books, and there is no other like her's out there! And everyone I know that has bought her book says the same - your painting skills get better and better the more you work with her book, and the fun just doesn't stop! Makes me want to go and paint right now! in fact, I think I will! haha Anderson's book is a triple-crown winner!

*****
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.
*****

A must for all watercolor artists...you will be returning to this book for inspiration and encouragement, over and over again... trust me!!!

Catherine Anderson sets out in this book to inspire you from page one! She herself is an incerdible artist, but the book brings to light that she is an incredible person and teacher too.