Watercolor Wisdom

by Jo Taylor

Watercolor Wisdom is an essential reference for every watercolor artist. It shares the knowledge, insights, tips and tricks that author Jo Taylor has accumulated over 30 years of painting and teaching, delivering a complete watercolor course that provides all the answers any painter will ever need for good painting. With the friendly tone of a gentle and seasoned teacher, Jo Taylor illustrates each lesson with large examples, stimulating exercises, visual comparisons and diagrams that are as engaging as they are effective. Beginning chapters focus on the basics of strong painting, including color, texture, value, composition and technique. The last chapter challenges readers to develop their design abilities and experiment with new artistic techniques, drawing upon the elements and principles learned to reinforce the lessons of this comprehensive guide. Throughout, readers will find big, beautiful art that teaches as well as inspires.

Genres: Art

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[ELDEE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent textbook on painting watercolors

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a valuable asset to the community of watercolor artists. Jo has shared years of wisdom and experience in a well organized pattern of instruction, focusing on the "rules" of watercolor. Many modern artist "throw out the rulebook" to the detriment of their artistic outcome. Like learning to read recipes before possessing the inate skills to throw out the cookbook, Jo trains her students in the tried-and-true principles of design and composition that springboard into the creative elements of a seasoned artist. Her work is far from textbook traditionalism ~ benefitting the traditional artist to the abstract. This is also not a book just for beginners, though it is absolutely THE book to have as a beginner! Additionally there is a wealth of excellent paintings from Jo, who is an AWS signature artist, and several other artists. Unlike many "vanity" art books which merely feature the author's artwork with a sprinkling of instruction, Jo's book features numerous paintings as a support for the treasure of instruction which is the driving force of the book.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the library, and I'm sure I'll take it out several times. Jo Taylor is skilled at writing about painting process, a skill that I'm learning is rare. Her examples are easy to understand, and the variety of exercises will be useful to a new watercolorist.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

While covering a slew of different painting styles, composition exercises and texture techniques there was a decided emphasis on spattering paint.

[Kazooie4k · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great book. It also teache's what make's art. I plan on buying this book!

[Janice Tingum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you paint with watercolors or another medium, this book can help an artist see what it takes to get to the next level in creating art.