How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself: Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects [Hardcover]

Nita Engle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999

A guide to the use of watercolours, this book demonstrates the many experimental techniques which will produce a realistic effect. Using exercises and step-by-step projects, it shows how to combine spontaneity and control to produce lively, luminescent paintings.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nita Engle, whose work appears in national magazines, is the subject of a PBS documentary, Wilderness Palette: Nita Engle in Michigan. She lives in Marquette, Michigan. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823057089
• ISBN-13: 978-0823057085
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,321 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

171 of 171 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not For Beginners, December 11, 2001

By 

hamsterdance (TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself: Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects (Hardcover)

This book is definitely not for a beginning watercolorist and I don't think the author and publishers intended it to be. If you are just beginning to paint in watercolor in a realistic style I recommend starting with books aimed for beginners first. That said, for high-intermediate to advanced watercolorists who want to learn new ways to add life to their paintings this is one of the best books out there using the pouring process as the primary means vs. painting with a brush. That doesn't mean Ms. Engle doesn't use brushes, it's just that they are only one of several techniques at her disposal.

I got this book after having read Creative Discoveries in Watermedia. So I understand why the title says 'Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects'. Many of the same techniques from the Creative Discoveries book are used here as well. Everything from squirt bottles to pouring the paints and tipping the board to let the paint run where it will to textural techniqes for added interest. All the chapters introduce fun methods for paiting but I'm glad design (aka composition) has a chapter of its own. All the techniques in the world won't save a painting with a poor design (that's when you just crop it and make it a mixed media experimental painting!) :)

My favorite chapter is the last one. It discusses experimental techiques, mediums, methods, etc. This is the only watercolor book I've ever seen that mentions W&N's Aquapasto medium, a product I love for adding texture elements to some of my more experimental paintings. If you're an intermediate to advanced watercolorist looking for new ideas you'll find plenty of them here.

112 of 115 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Experimental Techniques in watercolor by Nita Engle, June 26, 2001

By 

T. Filarsky (United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself: Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects (Hardcover)

This is a must have book for the library of any watercolor artist! Nita Engle has been in the business for years and has the added advantage of being a very popular workshop teacher. If you can't attend her workshop, buy this book! I am a professional portrait artist whose husband is also an artist specializing in watercolors. Don't look for portraits in this book-look for some of the most amazing watercolor landscapes to be found in any book! This lady explains with no holds barred! Everything is detailed with a wonderful carefree banter. She is comfortable in her medium and her attitude. The many photos are outstanding! We were captivated by this book as there are too many wishy washy watercolor books out there with no real subject matter. We are quite critical of "how to" books that don't have any "how to" in them. If you are serious about watercolor and are ready for some major changes, then realize that this book won't sit on your shelf. You will be immediately rewarded with that artistic excitement that comes with the discovery of a new method or skill in which to energize your work! This is a gem and we speak from our experiences of years of making a living as artists!

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellant book for experienced watercolor painters, May 25, 1999

By 

jim vowell - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself: Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects (Hardcover)

No matter what anybody says, watercolor painting is difficult. There are many instructional books out on the market that says they can help you become an excellant painter in ??? easy lessons. It just doesn't work that way. You can become a profecient painter by learning the basic techniques and,most important,paint, paint, and paint some more. Nita Engle has written a book that allows you to add some fun and spice to the time you paint,paint,and paint some more. Nita is a very respected teacher and painter and if you can't arrange to go to one of her workshops, buy this book! The effects Nita has evolved is amazing and she clearly explains how to get these effects. This book won't turn you into a wonderful painter in ?? easy lessons, but if you are a watercolor painter this is one book you'll use for years. Don't miss it!