Watercolor Flower Artist's Bible: An Essential Reference for the Practicing Artist

by Claire Waite Brown

This hardcover book with internal wire-o binding is 6.5in x 8in, a perfect size for readers to keep handy in the studio, and reference often. The stylish design of this book, along with the interior photographs, illustrations and diagrams, make the learning process simple and fun for beginning painters and provides useful tips for more advanced artists.This book is divided into three sections. In the first section, you will find practical advice on choosing the necessary tools and equiopment as well as hints on mixing colors—one of the trickier skills to master until you have learned some of the basic properties of color. Next, the techniques used in watercolor painting are explained in detail, from the most basic like laying washes and reserving highlights to some of the more unusual and exciting methods like wax-resist or spattering paint. Tutorials and more than 100 step-by-step sequences demonstrate how to paint a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, buildings, people and still life. Over 180,000 copies sold worldwide.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction, How To, Reference

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2007

Reviews

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference

I purchased this book in hopes that it would help me with my watercolor flowers. It is a great reference. It has helped me immensely. The step by step pictures along with the color charts make learning to paint each flower very easy. The price was super affordable.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My newest art book is the gorgeous Watercolor Flower Artist’s Bible: An Essential Reference for the Practicing Artist, edited by Claire Waite Brown.

This is quite a comprehensive volume. It starts out with a section on watercolor supplies and explains the most common techniques watercolorists use. Several tutorials encourage practice with these, e.g. “Combining wet-in-wet and wet-on-dry,” “Using Masking Fluid” and more.

An analysis of flower shapes follows. Here the text explains the look and structure of the various flower shapes (like bell, trumpet, cup and bowl, etc.—eight in all), delving into how they appear foreshortened and reflect light from different angles. Of course a real flower example is used in each case. (For example, in the trumpet section, a Daffodil is the example).

A Directory of Flowers section follows that. In this part you find a picture of each flower and a link to the instructions on how to paint.

You can also find flowers by color in the colored garden section that follows the directory (“The Red Garden,” “The Pink Garden,” “The Yellow Garden,” etc.) that ends with “Berries and Leaves.” Each garden color chapter is introduced with watercolor paintings by accomplished artists. These are followed by details of specific flowers in the color family and include color swatches of the particular flower’s blooms and instructions on how to draw and paint one example.

To help you even further in finding the flower you want to attempt, you can go to the comprehensive Index at the back, where each flower is listed (alphabetically) and linked (in the Kindle edition) to its page in the book.

This book is chock-full of information and tips. However, my favorite aspect of it so far is the artists’ paintings that begin each colored garden and are sprinkled in other spots throughout. Talk about eye candy and inspiration to improve!

I purchased the Kindle edition of the book, which I read on my iPad. It’s easy to use propped on my desk during painting sessions with no need to fight stubborn book binding. Also I can enlarge the images to my heart’s content.

I’m sure this book will be one of my most used painting references in the months ahead.

[Dublin Von Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is invaluable to those wanting to paint flowers in watercolor. The listing of the many types of flowers is a great tool for the artist. While I have borrowed this copy from the library, I will eventually purchase a copy for my shelves.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked this book out of the library just to look at the photographs. Wow! Was I pleasantly surprised at the text. I learned so much! Thank you Ms. Brown. :)

[Keishua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference to have on hand.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you aspire to be a Floral Watercolor Artist or just want to learn a new technique to add an element on your artworks or just want a new hobby... this is the book for you! It has the best guide and reference.