Customer Reviews

Vibrant Watercolours (Collins Artist's Studio)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've found in this book what I expected. Shirley Trevena's art has always bewitched me for she has a way of putting things together in still lifes that are amazing. In this work she has gone further than in "Taking risks in watercolor". This is exactly what it is, taking risks: thinking, designing and painting watercolors in a somewhat different way. Watching the arrangement with favorite colors which she explains why she chooses them and how she combines them on npage 76 on, how to mix them on page 56 and how to achieve maximun impact-as she puts it- on page 88.The paintings are mainly florals and still lifes but she also introduces works by other artists which differ from hers. Still, these other painters are nothing but outstanding. Mrs. Trevena is honest and generous in offering this work of hers. If you`re craving for an extra-ordinary experience, take this trip through colour. You won't regret it.

If my paintings had half the bold freedom of those of Shirley Trevena, I'd die happy! Her strokes are loose and confident, her color vital and transparent, her compositions original. The pictures alone are worth the price of the book. But it gets better. She is a generous and competent teacher as well, imparting inspiration and instruction through well conceived exercises designed to get you to put brush to paper. Read the book from cover to cover or sample tips at random. Either way, this is a lovely workshop in both color theory and watercolor technique to challenge the experienced painter and encourage the beginner.

Unfortunately, this book does not have the technique instruction of her earlier book, "Taking Risks with Watercolor". Her paintings are wonderful, and her complex compositions have a style that is unique and fascinating, all her own. But it is difficult to understand the techniques, colors, glazes, etc., that might have been used. Disappointing, as I was very keen to learn more.

There is plenty of inspiration in this truly vibrant artist's works. Great composition is not lost in these loosely rendered watercolors. I enjoyed reading it, and only wished for more instruction in her style. It's still well worth the purchase with the focus of instruction on color.

While my personal style is far less random, her book has improved my painting immensely with an effort to present more vibrant, organic art.

Trevena's artwork is daring and unconventional--just exactly the opposite of my own--so naturally I am intrigued and fascinated! There is nothing boring here. This beautiful book illuminates her methods of working, some individual colors she favors (all of which were new ones for me), and best of all, her own personality. I like her admission that sometimes she doesn't feel like painting, but has ways of motivating herself. I can't say I can now think like she does in terms of duplicating this style of painting, but that is probably not the goal. We need to take what we learn and use it in our own style. I look forward to acquiring her previous book also!

I've already bought Shirley's book "Taking Risks with Watercolour" and could not put it down. When "Vibrant Watercolours" came out I bought that plus her DVD and was totally absorbed into her painting process, use of strong pigments, and daring techniques. Ignoring perspective for the most part, she gives an artist permission to draw and paint what we see, reaching deep within our own creativity for ideas and impulses. Last month I taught a watercolor class based on her style and it was most liberating. Now I've bought "Vibrant" again for an elderly artist who, like me, just can't get enough of Trevena's teaching. Highly recommend reading each page slowly again and again with each of her books, then try setting up your own still life and just go with the flow!

This is an amazing and refreshing book - especially for those who have painted for ages and want a fresh experience of watercolour - every page needs reading, re-reading and then reading again! so much to take in; the end result is a new take on your own style.

Thoroughly recommend.

I love this artists work. I bought her second book thru Amazon and found out she had published one before this, so of course must have it. Her approach to watercolor is very unique as in her book "breaking rules" explains her approach. This book is much more informative as to how she works, what she works with and her inspirations. It's a good study for those who are nonconformants. Some day I will get her video. Thanks D. Weed

super, creative

Shirley Trevena shares what she knows and that is not the norm. She doesn't teach but rather wants the student to search his/her own mind to come up with our own creative style. She shows her knowledge but encourages students to try many different ways of painting.

Enjoyed book a great deal for variety of ideas, but was a little disappointed in lack (or few) actual step-by-step demonstrations. Have ordered second book as well hoping for more in the way of more demo's. Love Shirley's paintings as well as her hair!crea