The Wilcox Guide To The Best Watercolor Paints [Illustrated] (Paperback)

~ Michael Wilcox (Author) "Prior to the emergence of the 'Artists Colourman' during the 1800's, there was incredible confusion, almost chaos, surrounding the naming and make-up of artists' paints..." (more)
Key Phrases: Hansa Yellow, Discontinued Discontinued, Home Study Course (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

What is the difference between Cadmium Yellow and Cadmium Yellow Hue? How does this difference affect the quality of the watercolor? Which Grumbacher Red is superior, Alizarin Crimson or Thalo Red? These are a few of the many questions asked by both professional artists and serious amateurs that are answered here. In cooperation with the manufacturers and fellow artists, Wilcox has painstakingly researched this book, which allows readers to design their own pallettes choosing the best colors from the confusing array of pigments and brands available. Without a predetermined loyalty to a single pigment or manufacturer, Wilcox provides a color sample plus lightfast, washability, and health ratings for each color, while also giving a history of the particular color group and original pigment ingredient. An invaluable book that discusses what the "how to" art books do not; essential for any library with a sizable instructional art book collection.
- Jacqueline Garlesky, Cambria Cty. Lib., Johnstown, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

This is a landmark book for artists.

This edition catalogues the changes in watercoloor paint manfufacturing since the first edition in 1991 and 1995. Ten new companies have been featured, bringing the total to 29. The information in this book enables the caring artist to buy their expensive materials with confidence. The 'bible' to many and a must for the concerned artist.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 410 pages
• Publisher: School of Colour Publications; illustrated edition edition (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967962803
• ISBN-13: 978-0967962801
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #280,767 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Out-Dated and Misleading Information, October 22, 2001

By	hamsterdance (TX) - See all my reviews

I bought this book expecting scientifically verified tests of the various pigments used in all the major (and some minor) brands of watercolor paint. Sadly this is not the case. First of all nowhere in this revised edition is it stated real-world testing of the various paint brands and pigments was re-done. Since the book was first published practically every watercolor manufacturer has revamped their line to offer more lightfast and permanent pigments. Nowhere in this book did I see evidence of new testing and a lot of information is out-dated. Quite a few brands that don't exist anymore are still included. For example, the U.S. corporation Colart Americas, Inc. (owners of Liquitex since year 2000 [and now also the owner corporation of famed Winsor & Newton!], quit making Liquitex watercolors years ago in order to focus that brand more on the acrylic market.

The guide states no evaluation of any companies' brands of student grade watercolors was done - only artist grade paints are covered. But here's an example of why I'm suspicious of the testing claimed by this book - I bought some DaVinci watercolors based on the praise they received in the book and immediately noticed the brand is "student grade" in quality. The filler used is so high that the chalky appearance of the watercolor squeezed out onto my palette is visible to the naked eye once its had a few minutes to begin to dry. It doesn't have any clarity or beauty of my Winsor and Newton, Daniel Smith or Holbein watercolors. If you wish to see it for yourself merely buy a single tube of DaVinci watercolor, squeeze out some onto your palette, mix a small puddle of the paint with water then let the puddle of paint dry a bit. You will see exactly what I'm talking about. If visible-to-the-naked-eye chalky filler doesn't shout "student grade paint" I don't know what does.

Another note about DaVinci watercolors - Mr. Wilcox has contracted the DaVinci company to supply the watercolor paints used in his own paint brand for the School of Color correspondence color mixing course. Nowhere in the guide does he disclose this commercial arrangement with the DaVinci paint company. I think it only fair that artists should be made aware of this fact in a guide that posits itself as an un-biased guide to watercolor brands.

I also found his constant harping on "gummy" paint odd. Since I like to be able to control the runny-ness of my paint I don't see thick-or-thin-ness of paint out of the tube as a problem. How difficult can it be to simply add water or ox gall medium anyway? And what does "gumminess" have to do with the lightfastness of the paint being discussed - which is the main thing this book claims to be handing out grades on?

Given these flaws - inaccurate information, very out-of-date information and less than un-biased reporting I can not recommend this book for watercolorists in good conscience. A better book is Hilary Page's Guide to Watercolor Paints. Furthermore, she explains exactly how she conducted her tests and under what conditions. An added bonus is that she tries to keep the book current by giving regular updates on new pigments, new watercolor brands or reformulations of existing brands on her website. It's really sad that I give such a low mark to Wilcox's Guide to Best Watercolor Paints. If the author took the time and effort to conduct tests similar to what Hilary did it could be a great resource. What a wasted opportunity....

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars No Longer Current, May 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wilcox Guide to the Best Watercolor Paints (Information to the artist) (Paperback)

This book was important in its day and has gone a long way to shame much of the industry into cleaning up its act, but it has not been updated or revised since its appearance over ten years ago and a lot has changed since then.

To give one example: the German manufacturer Schminke responded to the book by firing its colormen and hiring a whole new team with scientific, as well as artistic backgrounds. Reading Wilcox's books is now a prerequisite to active employment there. The result is a much more reliable line of paints than what was offered at the time this book was written.

On the other hand, some colors that did well in Wilcox's test have since been degraded by their manufacturers in order to cut costs.

The book does bring home to the reader the importance of independent research but is not a reflection of the current market. Since Wilcox's "School of Color" has come out with its own line of high-quality paints, it is possible there will be no revision of this once vitally useful reference.

Anyone interested in the School of Color paints can find the mailing address at the back of Wilcox's wonderful book "Blue and Yellow Don't Make Green."

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Informative Book, December 30, 2001

By	"mags4cats" (Huntsville, AL USA) - See all my reviews

M. Wilcox's book is a goldmine of information, especially if you are new to watercolor paints. He discusses several topics that are of interest to the artist: discriptions of color on the tubes of paint; individual pigments and what is known of them; and while this is aside from the main topic - a brief history of the individual neutrals, primary & secondary colors. While he doesn't explain the exact methods of testing for each pigment, he states that he uses the ASTM ratings as far as possible and that his own "controlled" testing is for confirmation purposes and through out the book one can find examples where there were no ratings given with an explanation why. He also states that his own ratings for lightfastness, his ratings in "Box 4" and his written assessments of the paints are "my own assessment and should be treated as such" (pg 14).
I noticed that some color lines were no longer available, he includes details about them because many still have a supply on hand. He also gives descriptions of the various companies and a picture of the tubes of paints and gives some kind of idea the strength of the tubes themselves. While this may not be helpful to some, it was to me. I have neurological problems with my hands and there are certain caps I can open more readily than others. Another part of the book I liked were his "confessions" and admitting that his word was nothing but his own opinions.
The color examples I never paid attention to except generally, because, being an artist (albeit in another area) I realize there is a vast difference in reality and the printed version. On the down side, I found the arrangement of pigments annoying, I think that portion could definately use some rework. Also, annoying - the incorrectly spelled words. Where were the editors? There are some of his deductions that I totally disagreed with, due to the fact that I have used a few watercolors in my monoprints. But I believe that each one of us has his/her own opinion and naturally there will be disagreements about whether this color is good or not. Also, it is possible that a "bad" tube of paint escape the company's quality control people.
Overall, I think this book is a must read, especially if you are new to the world of pigments. Thumbs Up!