Creative Abstract Watercolor: The beginner's guide to expressive and imaginative painting

by Kate Rebecca Leach

Learn how to create dynamic, original abstract art using easy techniques and nothing more than watercolor paints and a few pens.

Let your creativity loose and start making art, without getting bogged down in detail or accuracy - just allow yourself to experiment, have fun, be present and play with colour, shape and texture to your heart's content.

In this unique step-by-step book, you'll discover watercolor techniques, tips and tricks to create your own vibrant art, letting the natural watercolor flow to help form your composition and inspire further mixed media embellishment.

Author Kate Rebecca Leach of Essoldo Design has amassed a huge following online for her beautiful abstract artworks. In her debut book, she generously shares her techniques so that even complete beginners will be able to pick up a brush and create stunning works of art.

Through a variety of projects, including simple shapes, abstract botanicals, and expressive landscapes, you'll learn easy techniques to combine color, texture, and contrast in exciting ways, and how to add gorgeous embellishments using gel pens and metallics to make your abstract pieces shine.

Using this book, you'll be able to create art that you'll be proud to display in your home, gift to friends and family and develop your own portfolio, while having a lot of creative fun in the process.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

First published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. If you’re looking to begin or restart an art practice for relaxation and freedom, this is a great book to start with. She covers everything a beginner would need including how to choose supplies and where to start, but there is something for more experienced artists here, too.

Leach has perfected the art of making beautiful abstract watercolor patterns that she then embellishes later with paint pens and other similar tools. There is nothing inherently difficult in any of the projects she walks through, but the results are lovely.

I borrowed this from another county in my state via ILL but I’m considering buying this. If you ever find yourself wondering if a regular art practice is for you, but you feel you have no artistic talent / can’t draw, etc., this book could set you free! There are many beautiful ideas in here, and a great excuse to go to your local art supply store for some retail therapy 😀 🎨

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of lots of simple and calming projects, perfect for relaxing with an audiobook at the end of the day.

Contents:
Simple step by step illustrated instructions
Variations of the project for further inspiration

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has made a huge impact on how I paint watercolor by giving me concepts and tools to use however I imagine. I’d never considered abstract art before, now I find it relaxing. There is no way to make a mistake. There are unlimited amounts of color combinations and textures to try.

[Moois Van Mie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik leerde de auteur van dit boek kennen op instagram waar ze foto's plaatst van toffe kleurrijke aquarelwerkjes. En toen ze aankondigde een boek te gaan schrijven, wist ik dat dat er eentje voor mij zou zijn.
Ik speel ook wel eens graag met aquarel en stiftjes allerhande en hou er ook van om tekeningen op te smukken met stippen, streepjes, cirkels en zo meer. Haar manier van werken sluit erg aan bij mijn eigen (erg beperkte) vaardigheden op vlak van de schone kunsten.
En mijn inschatting klopt: ik heb ondertussen al 2 werkjes gemaakt gebaseerd op haar boek en er zitten er nog in mijn vingers te wachten om er uit te komen.

Dit boek is ideaal voor mensen die graag willen tekenen en schilderen maar daar weinig ervaring in hebben of er niet erg in bedreven zijn. Op eenvoudige wijze kan je toch mooie werkjes maken!

[Linda Hoffenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The tutorials guide you through the steps to create gorgeous watercolor paintings. No artistic talent needed – just a desire to use your imagination to experiment with paint and ink.

[Aura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and instructive guide that's suitable even for experienced watercolourists. I rarely do abstract pieces (portraits and illustration are more my jam), so this gave me a lot of inspiration to experiment and try out something different with my own works.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great watercolor book! I love the abstract designs and the simple step-by-step instructions. There are a lot of ideas and samples here.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This how-to workbook is full of fun exercises that help you learn watercolor techniques. What a fun way to learn! This is a beautiful book.

[Reba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous and so informative!

[Anna Abatayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cool way to start one’s watercolor journey. Just get creative, make patterns, trust your instincts.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely book really enjoyed it and found it both easy to follow and inspiring. I love learning new skills and I'm really enjoying watercolour this book covers the basics so well