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Watercolor Textures for Artists: Explore Simple Techniques to Create Amazing Works of Art
Join artist, author, and popular online art teacher Ana Victoria Calderon to learn simple painting techniques that will help you cultivate your creative flow and create beautiful art.
Through experimentation and exploration, Watercolor Textures for Artists embraces a playful approach to create a wide variety of textures, from organic lines to repeating patterns to spontaneous spatter, unlocking new creative possibilities and expanding artistic horizons. A chapter on essential supplies gives an overview of everything you need, and templates make it easy to re-create the images with minimal drawing.
Written for artists of all skill levels, Watercolor Textures for Artists reveals how to transform simple painted textures into stunning and meditative works of watercolor art.
Through experimentation and exploration, Watercolor Textures for Artists embraces a playful approach to create a wide variety of textures, from organic lines to repeating patterns to spontaneous spatter, unlocking new creative possibilities and expanding artistic horizons. A chapter on essential supplies gives an overview of everything you need, and templates make it easy to re-create the images with minimal drawing.
Written for artists of all skill levels, Watercolor Textures for Artists reveals how to transform simple painted textures into stunning and meditative works of watercolor art.
- GenresArtCraftsNonfiction
136 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2024
3 people are currently reading
3009 people want to read
About the author
Ana Victoria Calderón
18 books50 followersAna Victoria Calderon is a Mexican/American watercolor artist and teacher with a bachelors degree in Information Design and continued studies in Fine Arts. Her licensed artwork can be seen in retail outlets throughout the United States and Europe on a wide variety of products, and she also sells prints of her artwork on Etsy. Ana teaches in-person workshops and hosts creative retreats in Tulum, Mexico, European summer destinations with Travellur, as well as more than 40,000 students on Skillshare, where she is a Top Teacher. See more of Ana's work on Instagram (@anavictoriana), YouTube (Ana Victoria Calderon), and Facebook (Ana Victoria Calderon Illustration). She lives in Mexico City, Mexico.
Fun facts:
Ana grew up in tropical Cancun, surrounded by nature and wildlife.
The artist lives with her fiancé and 3 cats in the trendy neighborhood "Roma" in Mexico City.
Considers herself to be a Beatles super fan.
Passion for cooking delicious organic food.
Fun facts:
Ana grew up in tropical Cancun, surrounded by nature and wildlife.
The artist lives with her fiancé and 3 cats in the trendy neighborhood "Roma" in Mexico City.
Considers herself to be a Beatles super fan.
Passion for cooking delicious organic food.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 13, 2024
As a professional illustrator, I am always looking to push my skills into new directions and was excited to see this book on watercolor textures.
As an experienced watercolorist I didn’t find any new or groundbreaking techniques but I did enjoy the artist’s approach to working with watercolor to achieve different visual textures.
The challenge I have with the book is that on the back cover it states that the book is directed toward artists of all skill levels. I believe that if I were a beginner I would have some frustrations with it. For example, the list of supplies mentioned in the book on pages 17-21 do not cover everything that is mentioned in the book such as:
- opaque white ink (page 16)
- masking fluid (page 64)
- metallic watercolors (page 78)
I would imagine that an inexperienced watercolorist who would like to try duplicating the water example on page 64 might have a hard time doing that if they are not familiar with masking fluid and how it works.
I really appreciated how the author did not make a specific list of watercolor brand (and it’s colors) to reproduce the techniques but an inexperienced artist would not be aware of pigment dispersion between the different brands and might be confused when they can’t get the same results as the author did for the sample images. Mentioning the specific brand and color for the examples could be very helpful for that reason.
The author makes recommendations in the supply list for the products they prefer but they don’t state a reason for that preference. I believe that this would be helpful to artists of all skill levels to know the reasoning so that it can help us with an informed decision when we are looking to try unfamiliar products.
I enjoyed the artists encouragement to experiment and I really like their art style. There are a few techniques that were suggested that I haven’t played with in a while and this book gave me the inspiration to do so.
Overall I enjoyed the book however I would not recommend it to new watercolor artists.
A huge thank you for my e-ARC, which was provided by the publisher and the author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
As an experienced watercolorist I didn’t find any new or groundbreaking techniques but I did enjoy the artist’s approach to working with watercolor to achieve different visual textures.
The challenge I have with the book is that on the back cover it states that the book is directed toward artists of all skill levels. I believe that if I were a beginner I would have some frustrations with it. For example, the list of supplies mentioned in the book on pages 17-21 do not cover everything that is mentioned in the book such as:
- opaque white ink (page 16)
- masking fluid (page 64)
- metallic watercolors (page 78)
I would imagine that an inexperienced watercolorist who would like to try duplicating the water example on page 64 might have a hard time doing that if they are not familiar with masking fluid and how it works.
I really appreciated how the author did not make a specific list of watercolor brand (and it’s colors) to reproduce the techniques but an inexperienced artist would not be aware of pigment dispersion between the different brands and might be confused when they can’t get the same results as the author did for the sample images. Mentioning the specific brand and color for the examples could be very helpful for that reason.
The author makes recommendations in the supply list for the products they prefer but they don’t state a reason for that preference. I believe that this would be helpful to artists of all skill levels to know the reasoning so that it can help us with an informed decision when we are looking to try unfamiliar products.
I enjoyed the artists encouragement to experiment and I really like their art style. There are a few techniques that were suggested that I haven’t played with in a while and this book gave me the inspiration to do so.
Overall I enjoyed the book however I would not recommend it to new watercolor artists.
A huge thank you for my e-ARC, which was provided by the publisher and the author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 8, 2024
This is such a cool book! I've always wanted to get into watercolor, but at the same time I've always thought it was rather boring. This book is full of ideas for fun and funky textures that I never would have thought of on my own. The first half is full of texture samples. I love all the designs and am now itching to pull out my paints and create some texture samples of my own.
The second half takes those texture samples and shows how you can put them together to create a finished piece. Again, I'm so glad I have this guide because it would never have occurred to me to put them together in such a way. But now I'm bursting with ideas.
This is a great book for getting creative juices flowing and getting you excited about experimenting with watercolor. I think it would be good for beginners and those with more experience to help them shake up their technique and inject some fun.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto, and Quarry Books for providing an early copy for review.
The second half takes those texture samples and shows how you can put them together to create a finished piece. Again, I'm so glad I have this guide because it would never have occurred to me to put them together in such a way. But now I'm bursting with ideas.
This is a great book for getting creative juices flowing and getting you excited about experimenting with watercolor. I think it would be good for beginners and those with more experience to help them shake up their technique and inject some fun.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto, and Quarry Books for providing an early copy for review.
April 27, 2024
As a watercolor beginner, I always trying to find guide artbooks to give me introduction also encourage us to trying. Watercolor Textures for Artist offers me basic techniques and insight tips to learn create different visual patterns and also combine them into finished painting.
This book inspiring and also challenging, at least for me. Divide by section, readers will easily found parts appealing to them to learn. Some projects are design to understand your materials and suitable techniques. The illustration and photographs enriches the lesson and clearly describes the explanation.
I would love to recommend this book to watercolor enthusiasts and anyone who interested to learn.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarry Books Publisher from Quarto Publishing Group for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 5 March 2024
This book inspiring and also challenging, at least for me. Divide by section, readers will easily found parts appealing to them to learn. Some projects are design to understand your materials and suitable techniques. The illustration and photographs enriches the lesson and clearly describes the explanation.
I would love to recommend this book to watercolor enthusiasts and anyone who interested to learn.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarry Books Publisher from Quarto Publishing Group for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 5 March 2024
January 26, 2024
This book is fantastic if you are a beginner watercolourist. I started to learn this medium late last year having had forays into acrylics and gauche and wanting to treturn to painting as a calm space whie trying something new. I was fumbling my way through experimentation with watercolurs and came across three "how to" books on Netgalley and I was immediately inspired
Watercolour Textures for Artists takes you to a whole new dimension outside of washes, tape and stencils.
Visually, the book is absolutely gorgeous, opening with stunning illustrations. The sections are laid outconcisely and the photography is clean and bright.
The sections follow a logical process, supplies and basic techniques, thentypes of textures and various sources of inspiration for textures.
The Mindful Painting section really hit home for me as the core reason for why I was getting back into painting. This helped to ground the endeavour without being invasive. This is a really interesting section where "less is more" and tones, subject matter and structure is geared toward balance and a gentle flow, being present in the moment. This was extrememly useful for me as overkill and chaos is a common denominator in all of my creative endeavours.
The section of mystical landscapes and skyscrapers wasinspirational and the templates a nice touch and a great launch pad if you have a creative block (this book will solve that problem from page 1!)
Beautifully presented and full of wonderful illustration. I will be buyiing the hard copy when it is published!
Thank you to NetGalley for this beautiful free eARC. The Review is left voluntarily
Watercolour Textures for Artists takes you to a whole new dimension outside of washes, tape and stencils.
Visually, the book is absolutely gorgeous, opening with stunning illustrations. The sections are laid outconcisely and the photography is clean and bright.
The sections follow a logical process, supplies and basic techniques, thentypes of textures and various sources of inspiration for textures.
The Mindful Painting section really hit home for me as the core reason for why I was getting back into painting. This helped to ground the endeavour without being invasive. This is a really interesting section where "less is more" and tones, subject matter and structure is geared toward balance and a gentle flow, being present in the moment. This was extrememly useful for me as overkill and chaos is a common denominator in all of my creative endeavours.
The section of mystical landscapes and skyscrapers wasinspirational and the templates a nice touch and a great launch pad if you have a creative block (this book will solve that problem from page 1!)
Beautifully presented and full of wonderful illustration. I will be buyiing the hard copy when it is published!
Thank you to NetGalley for this beautiful free eARC. The Review is left voluntarily
January 14, 2024
This is an excellent resource for the beginning watercolorist. The book starts with an introduction to all the necessary equipment to start a painting journey.
The author then goes on to explain various techniques including wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet, and mixed media options.
These techniques are then brought full circle as the author explains how to incorporate them into the story telling of the composition. The text then gives examples of ways to take inspiration from your own surroundings to create interesting watercolor textures of your own.
Another section explains mindful techniques while giving a few simple exercise examples that will be easy for any student to follow. These projects will build confidence and increase understanding of the materials.
The explanations and photographs in this book are very clear and easy to follow and understand even for complete beginners.
While this book is geared toward beginners, intermediate watercolor students will find this book to be a good resource as well. The examples grow more advanced in the last third of the book providing a nice challenge for students working their way through the book.
Templates are provided in the back of the book for those wishing to recreate the projects in detail.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning how to watercolor.
The author then goes on to explain various techniques including wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet, and mixed media options.
These techniques are then brought full circle as the author explains how to incorporate them into the story telling of the composition. The text then gives examples of ways to take inspiration from your own surroundings to create interesting watercolor textures of your own.
Another section explains mindful techniques while giving a few simple exercise examples that will be easy for any student to follow. These projects will build confidence and increase understanding of the materials.
The explanations and photographs in this book are very clear and easy to follow and understand even for complete beginners.
While this book is geared toward beginners, intermediate watercolor students will find this book to be a good resource as well. The examples grow more advanced in the last third of the book providing a nice challenge for students working their way through the book.
Templates are provided in the back of the book for those wishing to recreate the projects in detail.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning how to watercolor.
January 18, 2024
This art book is divided into the following sections;
Watercolor Basics
Texture Swatching
Inspired Textures
Mindful Painting
Mystical Landscapes and Skyscapes
Templates
The author begins this book with an introduction to basic watercolor supplies and techniques. I have had limited experience using watercolors so I found this introduction very helpful.
Ms. Calderon introduces textures using a variety of watercolor methods and alternate drawing tools, such as gel pens, paint markers, and colored pencils. The color illustrations are outstanding and offer a great deal of ideas and inspiration.
Some illustrations explain the difference between "wet on dry" and "wet on wet" watercolor techniques.
The print edition of this book offers templates that can be used to try the more advanced projects in the last chapter of this book. These projects are beautiful but appear to be too complicated for my skill level.
This is a short book but it offers instruction and inspiration for all levels of watercolor painters. If you worked through all the projects in this book, you would have an excellent creative experience. I didn't realize texture could make this much difference until I read this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for a wonderful reading experience.
Watercolor Basics
Texture Swatching
Inspired Textures
Mindful Painting
Mystical Landscapes and Skyscapes
Templates
The author begins this book with an introduction to basic watercolor supplies and techniques. I have had limited experience using watercolors so I found this introduction very helpful.
Ms. Calderon introduces textures using a variety of watercolor methods and alternate drawing tools, such as gel pens, paint markers, and colored pencils. The color illustrations are outstanding and offer a great deal of ideas and inspiration.
Some illustrations explain the difference between "wet on dry" and "wet on wet" watercolor techniques.
The print edition of this book offers templates that can be used to try the more advanced projects in the last chapter of this book. These projects are beautiful but appear to be too complicated for my skill level.
This is a short book but it offers instruction and inspiration for all levels of watercolor painters. If you worked through all the projects in this book, you would have an excellent creative experience. I didn't realize texture could make this much difference until I read this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for a wonderful reading experience.
February 2, 2024
This is Ana Victoria Calderón's fifth book, and I had already had it preordered when I saw the option to receive a digital copy to review. I have all of her books, and after reading this one, it definitely measures up to the quality of content we've all grown to expect from this incredible artist!!
This is a comprehensive exploration of watercolor textures; you are guided through a rich tapestry of techniques that add depth and character to your artworks. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, making it easy to follow along and practice the techniques effectively.
The book not only covers the basics, but also delves into advanced methods, which allows you to advance your skills. The author's words are not only encouraging but also inspiring, which makes the learning process both enjoyable and rewarding. As usual in all of her books, the pictures in this book - her own artwork - are absolutely stunning. There is no way you can look through any of her books - especially this one - and not want to pull out all of your supplies and follow along. I recommend her books to EVERYONE, and this is a welcome addition to that list!!
This is a comprehensive exploration of watercolor textures; you are guided through a rich tapestry of techniques that add depth and character to your artworks. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, making it easy to follow along and practice the techniques effectively.
The book not only covers the basics, but also delves into advanced methods, which allows you to advance your skills. The author's words are not only encouraging but also inspiring, which makes the learning process both enjoyable and rewarding. As usual in all of her books, the pictures in this book - her own artwork - are absolutely stunning. There is no way you can look through any of her books - especially this one - and not want to pull out all of your supplies and follow along. I recommend her books to EVERYONE, and this is a welcome addition to that list!!
March 21, 2024
With beautiful textured watercolour examples on every page, this book is impressive and will provide lots of inspiration for you if you are considering experimenting with some new techniques. In the first part of the book, there are many illustrative images and textual descriptions that show you how to make various patterns and textures with watercolour. Later, the book shows you how to combine these designs to make more complex scenes and landscapes. The line templates for these sampler pieces are included. Being a beginner I want to see videos of these techniques because I can't visualize the behaviour of the paint while reading the book. However, the book has a lot of text that gives specific instructions and uses descriptive language about the kind of brush, the strokes, and the paint. Tutorial videos often lack this kind of detail. So, this book would be a nice addition to your resource collection if you are learning to paint because it provides new vocabulary and practice ideas.
February 20, 2024
Watercolor Textures for Artists is a fantastic resource for watercolourists of all skill levels.
The book opens with basic watercolour theory - brush management, wet/dry techniques, transparency, layering and mixed media effects before diving into the textures themselves.
Each technique and texture swatch has an accompanying tutorial and clear, step by step images to guide you in creating the different designs. There is a section of "inspo" section has colour swatches and a sample of the "real" and the painted effects, and sections on using textures to create a mindful practice or fantastical worlds. All of the text is clearly written, and the photographs / illustrations are clear and uncluttered.
This is a beautiful book, and I'd highly recommend it.
~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
The book opens with basic watercolour theory - brush management, wet/dry techniques, transparency, layering and mixed media effects before diving into the textures themselves.
Each technique and texture swatch has an accompanying tutorial and clear, step by step images to guide you in creating the different designs. There is a section of "inspo" section has colour swatches and a sample of the "real" and the painted effects, and sections on using textures to create a mindful practice or fantastical worlds. All of the text is clearly written, and the photographs / illustrations are clear and uncluttered.
This is a beautiful book, and I'd highly recommend it.
~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
March 2, 2024
What a beautiful book! I'm not a watercolour painter by any means but even I could produce some decent artwork with the tips and instructions shown in this book!
The introduction is great and the information on the types of watercolour products and brushes. The activities are very simple and instructions easy to follow. I was surprised at the amazing results you can get by just simply layering the paint or using everyday supplies to make a difference to the overall look.
My personal favourites were the tie-dye swirl wet on wet painting and the tranquility stones.
This read couldn't have come at a better time as I have started teaching Primary school art and my 5/6 students will LOVE learning some of these techniques.
5 stars from me!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The introduction is great and the information on the types of watercolour products and brushes. The activities are very simple and instructions easy to follow. I was surprised at the amazing results you can get by just simply layering the paint or using everyday supplies to make a difference to the overall look.
My personal favourites were the tie-dye swirl wet on wet painting and the tranquility stones.
This read couldn't have come at a better time as I have started teaching Primary school art and my 5/6 students will LOVE learning some of these techniques.
5 stars from me!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2024
I love practical art books that make it possible for everyone to make something beautiful. This book tells you what materials you need and how to use them to make stunning works of art. You can learn about many different techniques and why some work better than others, and you will be able to see why some don't offer the effect you may want. Included in the end are some templates so you can get started.
Of all the projects, I thought the most gorgeous one was the one with the planets. The artist was able to use color to make so many different effects that it looked 3-dimensional.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC
Of all the projects, I thought the most gorgeous one was the one with the planets. The artist was able to use color to make so many different effects that it looked 3-dimensional.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC
January 31, 2024
I am a beginner in watercolor, and frequently find "beginner" books too complicated for me. I am so pleased to say that is not the case with this book. Ana Victoria Calderon starts with the basics of watercolor, and then shows how to add some simple textures. It is surprising to see how effective they are. She then goes on to show you how to use textures in ever more complex paintings. The photographs are lovely and very helpful. I can't wait to try these techniques out! I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and Quarry Books.
March 13, 2024
As a timid and yet enthusiastic watercolor painter, WATERCOLOR TEXTURES FOR ARTISTS by Ana Victoria Calderón provided valuable guidance and inspiring motivation to challenge, explore, and develop my skills. In clear, forthright prose and step by step instructions that encouraged me to dare further. Ultimately, this guide is a wonderful, authoritative read. While I am a rank amateur, I imagine more experienced and proficient watercolorists would also gain a great deal from it. I received a copy of the book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.
February 5, 2024
What an awesome idea for a book! This book works for anyone who's a beginner or intermediate who would like to have some fun with patterns. Even though it's simple, she has some lovely ideas of how to combine all the simple patterns she teaches to make some really beautiful pages. I loved reading these and am really looking forward to practicing them.
with gratitude to edelweiss and Quarto Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
with gratitude to edelweiss and Quarto Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
March 12, 2024
Excellent, approachable book on how to paint with watercolors.
So many watercolor and art how to books start out with difficult exercises. This one breaks down a variety of techniques into easy steps. It is a beautiful book to look at as well.
Despite having received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, I purchased a physical copy for myself. Highly, highly recommend!
So many watercolor and art how to books start out with difficult exercises. This one breaks down a variety of techniques into easy steps. It is a beautiful book to look at as well.
Despite having received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, I purchased a physical copy for myself. Highly, highly recommend!
February 8, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am a new watercolorist and every lesson in this book helps to improve the basics and refresh learned skills. There are many great fundamental practices and also a great introduction to the necessary supplies for a watercolorist.
Thank you Net Galley for this Advanced Reader's Copy.
Thank you Net Galley for this Advanced Reader's Copy.
February 13, 2024
The idea of trying watercolour painting is rather daunting when working out where to start! This book is a great introduction and I really like the simple approach and bitesize practice pieces. There are plenty of examples and also lots of guidance. I found it inspiring and can't wait to give it a go. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2024
This book came at the right time as my 2024 goal is to explore watercolor, zentangles and mixed media art. I loved flipping through this book and grabbing my journal to give these exercises a try. Informative, without going too in depth.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 21, 2024
This watercolour guide is so good! It is loaded with techniques and ideas with illustrated step-by-step guides. A wonderful companion for beginners and experts alike! I look forward to trying out some of these techniques, I will come back and update my review with pictures!
Currently reading
January 26, 2024This book was super easy to follow and learn the art of watercolor. Each texture has an explanation with step by step written directions with pictures. I had a lot of fun playing with the different textures!
January 29, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for this book. This one is packed full of wonderful ideas for how to expand your watercolor repertoire. The step by step illustrations help to clarify the process.
February 1, 2024
Awesome watercolor book! So many techniques I wasn’t aware of, and the pictures are beautiful. If you’re new, or even not new, to watercolor this is a must get! Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this early.
February 22, 2024
Absolutely brilliant book can’t wait to try out some of these ideas and techniques.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
March 23, 2024
A great resource for budding watercolor artists. So much good information and helpful pictures. Great addition to our collection.
October 16, 2024
I love the templates in the book!
October 28, 2025
Fun creative ideas!
January 28, 2024
I love watercolor instruction books. There is something new to be learned from each artist/author. This book had great ideas for practicing watercolors.
The photos were helpful as they went along with the tutorials.
I did expect a different type of texturing for watercolor paintings. I thought the textures were to be used in landscapes and still life paintings. However,
The ideas were very contemporary. They were mainly abstract and would be best used for making greeting cards or small watercolor art.
I enjoyed this book and would happily include it in my watercolor painting library. I could see using the author’s ideas. It would be fun to practice the textures presented in this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.
The photos were helpful as they went along with the tutorials.
I did expect a different type of texturing for watercolor paintings. I thought the textures were to be used in landscapes and still life paintings. However,
The ideas were very contemporary. They were mainly abstract and would be best used for making greeting cards or small watercolor art.
I enjoyed this book and would happily include it in my watercolor painting library. I could see using the author’s ideas. It would be fun to practice the textures presented in this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.
January 26, 2024
I started playing with watercolors for fun in the past few months. This book has great tips for taking basic paint to the next level, adding depth and dimension. I look forward to trying some of the methods in my practice
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarry Books for an advanced copy of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarry Books for an advanced copy of this book!
April 12, 2024
I love all of this artist's books, and this one is no exception! With beautiful images and easy step-by-step instructions, it's perfect for anyone who's interested in learning different watercolour techniques. All of her books are unique, and each one is a joy to read and learn from. Highly recommend.
March 17, 2024
This is a great guide to creating textures with your watercolors. With different methods and techniques, this is a comprehensive guide for varying textures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews