Mastering Atmosphere & Mood in Watercolor: The Critical Ingredients That Turn Paintings into Art

by Joseph Zbukvic

As Joseph Zbukvic explains, in order to set the mood in a composition, artists need to set their clocks--their watercolor clocks, that is. The watercolor clock is a simple, but ingenious teaching device Zbukvic created to show artists how to manipulate watercolor materials for dazzling, atmospheric effects. The "clock" accompanies every visual example in this book, helping artists anticipate how the condition of the paper (wet, dry, moderate, etc.) will react to various watercolor mixes. Based on this teaching principle, Zbukvic guides artists through step-by-step demonstrations that clearly illustrate how to: identify a subject; plan a painting; control color and value; manipulate edges; add the right finishing touches. With this book, artists can achieve a greater level of mastery with watercolor and deeper, richer paintings.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Ebooks

128 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Antonia Rusu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books on watercolour, but this one is the best so far. Joseph Zbukvic uses "the watercolour clock" to explain the right time to apply paint on paper in order to achieve certain effects. Some on the best advice is this:
"Soft uncontrolled edges mean painting into WET.
Soft controlled edges are painted into MOIST.
Broken edges are achieved during the DAMP stage.
Harder, crisp edges are painted on DRY paper."
I think the suggestions in this book are suitable mostly for intermediate and experienced artists. You will need a good understanding of drawing, colour theory and composition to put everything into practice.

[Nikolina Dancheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Прекрасна книга на един невероятен художник!
Въпреки майсторството и изключителното високо ниво на което Zbukvic рисува, отношението му към процеса е изключително земно, без помпозност и превзетост. Съветите му са безценни и вярвам, че човек следва да се връща към тях периодично. В този ред на мисли, книгата сякаш е подходяща за малко по-напреднали, въпреки че "акварелният часовник" на Zbukvic може да спести много проблеми на начинаещите.
За съжаление, "Mastering Atmosphere & Mood in Watercolor" отдавна е излязла от тираж, а цените на книгата втора ръка явно имат за цел да достигнат тези на картините на автора. Книгата е налична онлайн в сканиран вариант.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant help to watercolour artists!

[gathering feather organiceden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inspiring book! Carefully laid out so that the artist can really understand how to get those beautiful effects.
The most important ingredients for a great painting? Well you'll have to read it to find out for yourself! But I'm sure my watercolours will greatly improve!

[Danielle Aleixo]

Ótimo para se inspirar. O autor é o mestre da aquarela atmosférica.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zbukvic is a rising star in the world of watercolor. His art is magnificent! The cost of this book is worth it if it were only to have a coffee table collection of his art. However, I found this book to be extremely well-written and effective instructionally. The main thrust of the book is to examine the variances in watercolor application as it relates to the degrees of paper wetness and paint dilution. Using practical terms that demonstrate those consistencies, Zbukvic systematically instructs the student as to the instances in which each combination should be utitlized. I LOVE the fact that he does not bog down the experienced watercolorist with the token chapters on "Watercolor 101" skills. He does share his palette choices and typical technique pitfalls, but primarily sets right out into his technique demonstrations. The text is very interesting, unlike most watercolor books I have in my library. The only disappointment I had with the book is that, after reading it, I still don't paint like him! LOL!

[Michelle]

Best watercolor book I've ever read. I love Joseph zbukvic!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the best in regards to painting in watercolor.