Customer Reviews

Flower Painting: How to Paint Free and Vibrant Watercolours

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I agree with the reviews here that this book is for beginners. Why? When I opened this book and saw the paintings inside, I felt as though I were looking at paintings done by someone who had just begun to paint and was taking a brush and just splashing color all over the canvas. Any beginner would be thrilled to learn from this book, because to duplicate what this artist has done would seem quite simple to do. I realize that this is just my opinion of an artist's work. Apparently he is well received and has won many awards. But, I could not even get passed the paintings to get to the text to see if it was actually of any value, because I felt the paintings were so horrid. I don't write many reviews, but this was something for which I felt strongly. I'm so glad I only paid $4 for a used copy.

Excellent innovative approach to painting flowers in watercolor. Paul Riley departs from the standard format of predictable how to books and speaks of research and investigation, planning and preparation, exactly as he might as a teacher. (He runs successful painting workshops from his studio in Devon.) Flowers are synonymous with color and Riley is a consummate colorist. He uses unusual tools, calligraphy brushes and bamboo pens to achieve his effects. Beautiful color, articulately written.

I love art books and have been painting seriously since the '80s. This is the most beautiful book on flower painting I have ever seen. His subtext "How to paint free and vibrant watercolours" is a great description. His use of color, shape, pattern and innovation is remarkable. No stiffness or predictability here. Thanks Paul for something fresh and stunning.

This book provides a fresh look at at how to paint flowers, fruit and china. The unique paintings are breathtaking... simple, direct, flowing and gorgeous. Paul shows you how to use different brushes (hake, squirrel, and sable) to get the look of his washes. There is also very good information on how to control your water flow with the brush, and tips on watercolor mediums (ox gall, etc.), which many books do not cover. As a watercolor instructor for over 10 years, I find this to be an excellent book, and I have read many! Every time I look at this book I get inspired. Even the color choices and compositions are interesting. If you want to paint tight, highly-worked watercolors, this is perhaps not for your library. However, if you want to know more about how to achieve a loose style, you will love this book.

I have just taken up watercoloring as a hobby and having had no classes in watercoloring but having a love of painting flowers, I found this book to be extremely helpful and informative. I copied several of Mr. Riley's pictures and they turned out very well. His information on watercolors and brushes to get started with are extremely helpful and I will be following his advice! I read the book from cover to cover and am looking forward to reading his book on landscapes. His book is easy for even a beginner like myself to understand and use.