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Introduction to Loose Watercolor; Secrets of Fast Painting Revealed
***Updated edition with extra tutorial and bonus content*** Why is it that some watercolors seem to have painted themselves? The loose flow of the paint appear to magically create the scene depicted. Have you tried before to paint in a loose and free way but found it to be difficult? In this Introduction to loose watercolor you will find the tools you need to free your creativity! Finally you will be able to paint in a way that is both liberating and refreshing to you, and your viewer. No prior knowledge is assumed, just bring a willingness to relax and lose the 'fear' of making a mark on paper. Once you start painting in the way demonstrated here, you will be able to express your emotional response to a scene with energy and power. After a brief introduction, you will see examples of loose paintings, learn the materials used (which will not break the bank!). Discover which colors the author recommends and see a complete step by step painting of a landscape. You will learn how to create inspiring sky effects easily, when to dry, and when to add highlights to add that final sparkle to a composition. Many of the techniques and ideas are somewhat unconventional! But they work,and you will be delighted with your results.
- GenresArtNonfiction
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 30, 2014
Very good, but short
This is one of the only watercolor books I've read that really goes through the process of creating a painting, and I really appreciated it for that. Very helpful in terms of teaching. The downside is that it's very very short.
This is one of the only watercolor books I've read that really goes through the process of creating a painting, and I really appreciated it for that. Very helpful in terms of teaching. The downside is that it's very very short.
August 16, 2014
I want to paint like this. I love the colors and the freedom of the strokes. I'm glad Mr. Simmons took the time to share his expertise.
May 23, 2017
Great book that explains the step by step process to paint a loose watercolor. I just wish it had been a little longer with a few more examples.
I would recommend this book for a beginner painter. The suggested materials are not expensive. I look forward to purchasing more of his books.
I would recommend this book for a beginner painter. The suggested materials are not expensive. I look forward to purchasing more of his books.
September 17, 2018
Good to loosen up my ideas
Nice idea to offer a short book with examples to illustrate (!) the ideas being put forward. I certainly need to loosen my style and the book gives me ways to do that. Only reservation is that I didn’t like the example paintings as much as I’ve have liked to.
Nice idea to offer a short book with examples to illustrate (!) the ideas being put forward. I certainly need to loosen my style and the book gives me ways to do that. Only reservation is that I didn’t like the example paintings as much as I’ve have liked to.
June 3, 2020
Watercolor basics explained
This is probably the easiest and at the same time the most comprehensive explanation of "how to" achieve power and beauty in a watercolor. In a nutshell it all boils down to achieving the proper balance of warm and cool plus light and dark. Achieve that balance and you've created ART.
This is probably the easiest and at the same time the most comprehensive explanation of "how to" achieve power and beauty in a watercolor. In a nutshell it all boils down to achieving the proper balance of warm and cool plus light and dark. Achieve that balance and you've created ART.
August 31, 2017
Informational!
I found this book to be an east read with some good information on getting started with watercolour. Just knowing the right paper,brush and paint can be a lot of help to a beginner.
I found this book to be an east read with some good information on getting started with watercolour. Just knowing the right paper,brush and paint can be a lot of help to a beginner.
October 29, 2017
Inspiring
I impressed by his sensible positive advice. The effects he achieves are gorgeous and I am definitely going to have a go and stop being so worried about controlling my watercolour painting.
I impressed by his sensible positive advice. The effects he achieves are gorgeous and I am definitely going to have a go and stop being so worried about controlling my watercolour painting.
July 6, 2018
Great introduction to fast painting
Best 44 page watercolor book I ever read! Amazing amount of information in a concise but readable format. Excellent examples and demos, including online demos available only to readers. Loved it!
Best 44 page watercolor book I ever read! Amazing amount of information in a concise but readable format. Excellent examples and demos, including online demos available only to readers. Loved it!
August 12, 2020
Short. Very short.
There are two video links at the end of his simple
Introduction to painting. Even the videos are short (1-2.5 minutes). Not sure why this has a price tag on it. I read it free on Kindle. SO glad it was free.
There are two video links at the end of his simple
Introduction to painting. Even the videos are short (1-2.5 minutes). Not sure why this has a price tag on it. I read it free on Kindle. SO glad it was free.
January 21, 2021
Not what I was expecting
This book is short and sweet, but doesn’t really give much information. My expectations did not match what this book offers. Not the “loose” style I was hoping to find.
This book is short and sweet, but doesn’t really give much information. My expectations did not match what this book offers. Not the “loose” style I was hoping to find.
August 26, 2021
Lovely and completely functional
So much woo woo about painting only puts people off. Here, there is none of that. The author is direct and encouraging. Wonderful pictures and not a word wasted. Here's what you need and how it's done. Now get started. Make lots of art
So much woo woo about painting only puts people off. Here, there is none of that. The author is direct and encouraging. Wonderful pictures and not a word wasted. Here's what you need and how it's done. Now get started. Make lots of art
December 11, 2023
Thanks for writing this little guide
Painting or sketching loosely is like trying to pin a jelly to the wall; the more I try the less loose it becomes. This book is great encouragement!
Painting or sketching loosely is like trying to pin a jelly to the wall; the more I try the less loose it becomes. This book is great encouragement!
September 23, 2025
Short but sweet
Although short, the step by step instructions and bonus videos were helpful, and I hope to bring these tips into my work. A previous review mentions typos but I didn't see any.
Although short, the step by step instructions and bonus videos were helpful, and I hope to bring these tips into my work. A previous review mentions typos but I didn't see any.
April 1, 2018
A decent intro...
A decent intro for a beginner water colorist, especially if what you're looking to paint is more of an abstract appeal
A decent intro for a beginner water colorist, especially if what you're looking to paint is more of an abstract appeal
February 22, 2020
Great Introductory Technique Book
Although a bit short, it approaches the subject in a clear and unpretentious fashion. It got me thinking about watercolor in a new way.
Although a bit short, it approaches the subject in a clear and unpretentious fashion. It got me thinking about watercolor in a new way.
March 17, 2021
This a book?
More of a pamphlet. No exercises. Lame video demos. I do not recommend this book. What a waste of $$$.
More of a pamphlet. No exercises. Lame video demos. I do not recommend this book. What a waste of $$$.
February 10, 2022
quick watercolor
Videos of creating compositions is worth a look inspired me to start painting again. A little short but gives good advice
Videos of creating compositions is worth a look inspired me to start painting again. A little short but gives good advice
March 5, 2023
The book is short but there is some helpful information here. This book is good for beginners. I was especially glad to find exact recommendations for brushes and paper.
December 13, 2023
A complete waste of time and money
A complete waste of time and money. I'm so unhappy that I fell for this one. I will be a lot more careful from now on.
A complete waste of time and money. I'm so unhappy that I fell for this one. I will be a lot more careful from now on.
May 8, 2017
Excellent book.
Easy to follow and good clear demonstrations. Perfect for beginners and amateur artists. It was very good value as well.
Easy to follow and good clear demonstrations. Perfect for beginners and amateur artists. It was very good value as well.
March 8, 2016
Great book.
Great book. Fantastic suggestions on materials to start out with. Great examples of works to follow along with. And even a few videos to watch! I would recommend this book to a beginning watercolorist looking to start a fun and rewarding technique. As an artist, I'm happy to be adding it to my collection of books.
Great book. Fantastic suggestions on materials to start out with. Great examples of works to follow along with. And even a few videos to watch! I would recommend this book to a beginning watercolorist looking to start a fun and rewarding technique. As an artist, I'm happy to be adding it to my collection of books.
May 4, 2015
Refreshingly communicative
Roy Simmons makes the aspiring watercolor artist believe "errors" may well become learned skill. The piece has a real YOU CAN DO IT quality and invites one to stick with th he learning curve and enjoy your own creativity.
Roy Simmons makes the aspiring watercolor artist believe "errors" may well become learned skill. The piece has a real YOU CAN DO IT quality and invites one to stick with th he learning curve and enjoy your own creativity.
September 13, 2015
Great Demos!
Aside from the short length of this book, I have no complaints. It pains me to buy an ebook that takes only minutes to read. But the enthusiasm of the writer, his unique vision, and his skill make up for this shortcoming.
Aside from the short length of this book, I have no complaints. It pains me to buy an ebook that takes only minutes to read. But the enthusiasm of the writer, his unique vision, and his skill make up for this shortcoming.
January 9, 2017
Great watercolor technique book
I love the loose watercolor style and this book explains it simply with the use of a couple of videos as well. I've already subscribed to this artist on YouTube and hope to learn more from him.
I love the loose watercolor style and this book explains it simply with the use of a couple of videos as well. I've already subscribed to this artist on YouTube and hope to learn more from him.
September 15, 2015
Loose Watercolor
Very informative and inspirational! Will try p painting like this! Loved how he explains in layman terms. Easy to understand.
Very informative and inspirational! Will try p painting like this! Loved how he explains in layman terms. Easy to understand.
May 8, 2016
...okay.
Okay. Wish there was a little more about techniques and more examples of paintings. Still just okay wish there was more.
Okay. Wish there was a little more about techniques and more examples of paintings. Still just okay wish there was more.
September 30, 2016
helpful for a novice...
helpful for me a novice...
encouragement and realizing state of mind is very important for success. I'm encouraged to "set up a painting corner"!
helpful for me a novice...
encouragement and realizing state of mind is very important for success. I'm encouraged to "set up a painting corner"!
October 18, 2016
No pictures!
Glad I got this on a loan. I'd be pissed if I'd paid for a painting book with no pictures.
Glad I got this on a loan. I'd be pissed if I'd paid for a painting book with no pictures.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews