Customer Reviews

Splash 11 - New Directions: The Best of Watercolor

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

 

 

I've been with this wonderful watercolor series since book one in 1991 (reviewed and uploaded spreads from eight onwards) but I feel this will be the last edition I'll buy. Eleven, confirms for me at least, that the magic has evaporated. What I loved about the early books (certainly up to eight) was turning the pages and coming across paintings that just stopped me turning. You never knew what would be over the next page, the brush techniques and compositions were just so wonderful and imaginative. There really was a 'Wow' factor and Rachel Rubin Wolf knew how to deliver it book after book.

I noticed a slight change, though in book nine, the exuberance, sheer fun and delight of so many works was missing in my view and this carried on into book ten. Eleven confirms it having looked through it several times and at the same time comparing it to ealier books.

Of course there are some gorgeous watercolors in this book, a few that grabbed me are Nancy Grisby's 'Chop chop' on page fifty-six, a fun still-life with a fresh feel to it; 'Trademark Handshake' by Heidi Parrinello, on page sixty-four, makes glass come alive and on the opposite page Vivian Thierfelder has created a complex still-life composition that I poured over. 'Hannah' by Bev Jozwiak on page 106 captures the essence of that great artist Charles Reid (even down to the signature style). There are other great paintings but not that many and oddly I came across several works that I was surprised to see included. They displayed rather unimaginative brush techniques, color use and bland compositions that seemed definitely out of place.

The 126 paintings are presented as previous books: one to a page with useful thoughts from the artists. A couple of annoyances: the overprinting of pull-quotes from the artists and placed on their paintings, this occurs six times throughout the book and really seems unnecessary considering the amount of empty page space; somebody forgot to include the page numbers with the contributors name and address list in the back pages.

The Splash series overall has shown me so many stunning watercolors and I'll be looking through them for a long time to come. It's a pity this latest book just doesn't deliver the passion, for me. If you are new to the Splash books I suggest you check out prices of earlier volumes, I think they are definitely better.

***SEE SOME INSIDE SPREADS by clicking 'customer images' under the cover.

First of all, I need to make a disclaimer. One of my watercolor paintings appears in this book. As a watercolor painter and teacher for over 30 years, I love to collect show catalogs, annuals, and "Best of" compilations that I can share with my students. I want them to be familiar with lots of styles, techniques, and solutions and be exposed to the work of many artists, both famous and unknown. "Splash 11" continues the tradition Rachel Rubin Wolf started many years ago of creating an annual around a theme, allowing each artist to describe his or her methods, techniques, and approach. This book follows the theme "New Directions" and as you might expect each artist reached out in new and different ways using watermedia as the tool of communication. I enjoyed reading the artists' comments and quotes as much as I liked looking at the paintings. And I appreciated the inclusion of skilled, but lesser-known artists as well as the more venerable, but sometimes predictable professionals whose work we've seen time and again. Refreshing.

Length:: 0:57 Mins

This is already volume 11 and it seems that previous volumes are already quite difficult to find. This volume features over 120 paintings from 111 artists. The subjects painted includes the nature, still life, places, people, animals and imaginative pieces. The artworks are printed pretty big.

However, the quality of work varies. The inclusion of some pieces are dubious, mainly because of the composition, and sometimes the finesse (or lack of). Of course, there are very beautiful pieces of work as well.

I like the short commentary under each piece that talks a bit about the artists and the work. However, some of their quotes are taken and printed over the artwork, like in a magazine, which is unnecessary. It dilutes the beauty of the art.

This is still a decent collection but the selection could be tighter and text on artwork needs to go.

Probably 3.5 out of 5 stars.

(There are more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

This latest volume, Splash 11, by North Light Books was a let down for me on several levels. The design of the book and presentation of the art had more of a magazine feel about it. I expected a cleaner less encumbered design, so the art would have a high end "gallery" appearance. Using full bleeds of the art and quotes superimposed on the paintings leaves me feeling cheated. Being a painter, I would not be happy to have my work used like an illustration in what is promoted as an "art" book.

I also have the sense that the images have be cropped? I can't be sure of this but I think I may be correct.

The art would look much better on dull coated stock rather than the glossy paper used here. The weight is fine but a dull coated paper would bring a richness to the layouts.

I think the desginer(s) need to think more along the lines of a gallery catalogue rather than a special magazine issue.

As for the paintings represented, there are several that I found inspirational and many that are just ok.

Relative to previous issues, it's disappointing. Not as many artists as in the past.

The book was new and the service was great. I always check Amazon before I purchase any books as I do not mind at all if the books are used!

I purchased this book to see what artists were doing with new techniques in watercolor.

This book and its predecessors never fail to satisfy that goal.