The Art of Watercolor

by Charles LeClair

Unique among watercolor instructionals, this book combines studio lessons on the technical properties of the medium with art history and visual theory.

Genres: Art, Reference

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1994

Reviews

[Mary Ciofalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on watercolor painting that I've read. I'm painting with watercolors, and Charles Le Clair's book is a great addition to my education. Not only does he give clear comments on techniques and tells how to do them, but he presents wonderful pictures by watercolorists, many colored pictures, from a spectrum of artists to illustrate what he is talking about. He has been a teacher at several different art colleges, dean of one. And he's got the years and the chops in. I bought the book mostly for the illustrations, and stayed for the commentary, which includes bios on watercolorists. Highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in this creative medium.

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the most complete I have read so far -- and I've read a few!

Mr. Le Clair has illustrations from Winslow Homer thru Paul Klee and includes many REALLY modern artists (which don't interest me) and exercises in each chapter. He does begin with which paints and brushes he uses (only a few), but overall his illustrations seem complicated and messy to me. However, he has done the work throughout his lifetime, the pictures don't look like someone just dropped paint onto paper, and this book truly shows it. Kudos.

[Maria Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on watercolor that I have read.