The Art of Watercolor (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The authors of these two books approach watercolor with radically different philosophies. Smith believes firmly in painting in direct contact with nature: he believes that painters should either complete their work on-site or, at the least, return to the studio with sufficient sketches and color notes. His loose, atmospheric brushwork, limited palette, and carefully described methods are sure to please anyone interested in the traditional British landscape style of painting. This is a good companion to Jack Reid's excellent Watercolor Basics: Let's Get Started (LJ 12/98). Seslar, a contributing editor to the Artist's Magazine, has produced the first comprehensive watercolor book for beginners on working from photographs. The advantage to his method is that it trains the eye to visualize the transition of live objects to luminous paint on paper. He surveys different methods of photography and the uses of grids and pantographsAand, finally, provides 12 nicely varied demonstrations. Highly recommended, perhaps in conjunction with reference works like Bart Rulon's Artist's Photo Reference: Birds (LJ 3/15/99).
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

Although watercolor is the most popular medium for amateur artists, its reputation for difficulty often intimidates beginning and intermediate-level painters. This guide offers a host of inspiring examples, step-by-step instructions, and practical solutions designed to give artists the confidence needed to create attractive watercolors. 185 illustrations & photos.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Readers Digest (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895776545
• ISBN-13: 978-0895776549
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #760,067 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Basic Skills Guide, April 9, 2000

By	Julie Johnson (Ile de Rè, France) - See all my reviews

After seeing the number of painting books by Smith I took to him to be an authority. I found it straight forward and easy to follow. Lots of instuction and tips. A bit above the understanding level of my 7 year old daughter but perfect for me to graduate from painting by number. Seems to cover just about all one would neeed to know in order to take up the past time.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Watercolor for All, July 10, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Watercolor for All: A Practical Guide for Beginners & Improvers (Paperback)

It is a very well written comprehensive guide to watercolor painting. It helps the beginner learn the art of watercolor painting . The paintings are invaluable tools to help you learn. It feels like it gives you a one-on-one lesson in art class. It is a fabulous book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Happily motivated, January 7, 2009

By	Crafty Housewife "Pam" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Watercolor for All: A Practical Guide for Beginners & Improvers (Paperback)

This better than as I was hoping for. After reading just the first page I started getting motivated to paint. Now that I've finished the book I can't wait to start!
I've even decided to devote time to cleaning out and organizing a room to turn it into an arts and crafts studio!