Customer Reviews

Painting Water (Watercolour Tips and Techniques)

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

 

 

As a watercolorist specializing in seascapes/waterscapes, I've read dozens of how-to books. "Painting Water" is the best of the genre and a joy to use. Joe Francis Dowden does an excellent job of presenting techniques and tips in an easy-to-understand, concise style. Where many other authors seem to omit key painting steps, Mr. Dowden is thorough and precise. His color demostrations rank among the best I've ever seen. In a mere 96 pages the author has given us an outstanding guide to the painting water all watercolorists should find invaluable.

I bought this book based on the cover illustration and the one existing review at the time I purchased the book. While evaluation of art and technique is subjective, my sense is that the author is considerably more skilled in painting still water than moving water, such as a seascape. His seacape watercolors seems to have been accomplished in a way that conveys mood but not competency in terms of technique to portray a realistic seacape (the fluidity and rolling of water). My suggestion is that one would be MUCH better served by getting a copy of "The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook- Landscapes" by Gordon MacKenzie (the best watercolor book I have) and looking at the section "Landscape Elements- Water,Sky and Land" beginning on page 59. Now THAT is how to paint water!

it is good beginning book to start painting water, I am still trying the demos, however the demo about water in motion (like waves etc.) is too weak, it is mostly informative for puddles and still water. The demo of the pic at the cover page is the most I liked.

I think it is a good book, but not really for a beginner...although it has lots of step by step demonstrations they are quite elaborate, I am sure I will enjoy it more when I become more proficient.
I actually ordered it because I was wanting to learn how to do waterfalls, but he does not include that in this book.

I am the artist of my dreams; my desire to paint is marred only when I find that I have replicated an image of Mother Nature's finest but I've missed the point. This is usually due to the fact that I lose the light.

Joe F Dowden does a very good job in this book of ensuring through his use of frequent tips and techniques that I no longer find myself wondering how to overcome my inadequate use of light.
The author articulates his steps very clearly and I am left without my usual concerns of losing the reality as well as the interest and tranquillity of my subject matter.

Excellent with still water or ripples. Really wanted help with lakeshore/seashore and the waves coming into the shore.

THIS BOOK WAS TERRIFIC! HAS MANY STEP BY STEP EXCERCISES FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF WATER, AND TELLS WHICH COLORS TO USE TO CREATE THOSE EFFECTS. IT SPECIFIC TO WATERCOLOR WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED.

I have always loved a good looking water scene and this book is very helpful in showing how to paint one.

Hi, just to let you know that up to now i still haven't received my order. Can you please let me know what happened. Thanks, Tess