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Modern Watercolor: A playful and contemporary exploration of watercolor painting
It’s time to get your feet wet with watercolors! This dynamic and inspirational guide will set you down a path of exploration as you learn to play with watercolors. You will learn to effectively use basic techniques and principles to create beautiful, expressive works of art.
In Modern Watercolor, artists will discover how to paint in watercolor by harnessing the medium's unique transparent qualities to create stunning works of art, stationery, gifts, and more.
From selecting your first watercolor paints to learning to blend colors into a unique palette, we are here to guide you as you begin your journey. By the end, your paintings will be cohesive and rich.
These easy-to-follow lessons will explore using watercolor on different surfaces, how to create basic shapes using fun techniques, and how to create myriad gorgeous effects that can be achieved with different brushes and strokes. You will even learn how to add layers of dimension and texture and how to work with resist techniques to create pretty patterns and gorgeous backgrounds.
In Modern Watercolor, artists will discover how to paint in watercolor by harnessing the medium's unique transparent qualities to create stunning works of art, stationery, gifts, and more.
From selecting your first watercolor paints to learning to blend colors into a unique palette, we are here to guide you as you begin your journey. By the end, your paintings will be cohesive and rich.
These easy-to-follow lessons will explore using watercolor on different surfaces, how to create basic shapes using fun techniques, and how to create myriad gorgeous effects that can be achieved with different brushes and strokes. You will even learn how to add layers of dimension and texture and how to work with resist techniques to create pretty patterns and gorgeous backgrounds.
128 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
17 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 7, 2017
"Modern Watercolor" by Kristin Van Leuven has just been published on September 19th, 2017 so it's available now to purchase as a soft cover. I will also be giving away my review copy of this book in the grand reopening of Just Add Water Silly in the next few weeks so watch this space!
This is a lovely "how to" book for beginners in watercolor. Do you want to learn some simple techniques to get simple, solid results? Do you wish you had an easy to understand guide that explained all the buzz words you hear thrown around in the more complicated, traditional watercolor books? Do you find yourself a little confused when you go to other watercolor artist sites because you're not sure what they mean by split primary, color wheel, wet in wet, rigger brushes etc? Well then this book is for YOU.
I'm solidly an intermediate watercolor artist but I sure wish, when I started, I had come across this book before purchasing much more complicated, mind bending watercolor teaching tomes. I'll shamefully admit, I have dozens of books on "how to" on watercolor that I've only perused tangentially. In other words, I looked at the pictures and read the "what I use" section, other than that, they gather dust. When I was starting, all those more technical books with beautiful landscapes and boat docks were incredibly intimidating. Even today, I don't paint like that. Now I realize that means they're not my style... yet. Some day I may get there, but right now I love where I am.
In "Modern Watercolor" you'll find a fully and beautifully illustrated book. Kristin actually shows you the brushstrokes, paint mixes and step by step techniques to help the beginner up their game. The book is uplifting, colorful and so easy to follow. Each technique isn't just illustrated with photos, you get descriptions that are not nebulous but instead are "do this". For instance she first teaches how to paint a peony (above), then she shows how to use that technique to create a painting or even a patten (right). Kristin shows every step, she doesn't just assume you'll know how. She shows and talks about how to create each element then how to place them on the painting, why and how to finish that painting to it's best showing. The content is really easy to follow but also comprehensive.
Kristin goes into detail about how to make simple flowers, leaves, wreaths, animals, faces and even lettering. I was intrigued to see her use a water brush to create lettering, I'll be trying that and breaking out my waterbrushes again. I especially liked her description about why she makes a color mixing chart. I've never taken the time to make one but after reading her "why" I'll be doing it this week. This book even helps intermediate painters!
If you want to move from confused beginner to a more knowledgable and confident artist, then investing in this book as a starting point is a great idea.
This is a lovely "how to" book for beginners in watercolor. Do you want to learn some simple techniques to get simple, solid results? Do you wish you had an easy to understand guide that explained all the buzz words you hear thrown around in the more complicated, traditional watercolor books? Do you find yourself a little confused when you go to other watercolor artist sites because you're not sure what they mean by split primary, color wheel, wet in wet, rigger brushes etc? Well then this book is for YOU.
I'm solidly an intermediate watercolor artist but I sure wish, when I started, I had come across this book before purchasing much more complicated, mind bending watercolor teaching tomes. I'll shamefully admit, I have dozens of books on "how to" on watercolor that I've only perused tangentially. In other words, I looked at the pictures and read the "what I use" section, other than that, they gather dust. When I was starting, all those more technical books with beautiful landscapes and boat docks were incredibly intimidating. Even today, I don't paint like that. Now I realize that means they're not my style... yet. Some day I may get there, but right now I love where I am.
In "Modern Watercolor" you'll find a fully and beautifully illustrated book. Kristin actually shows you the brushstrokes, paint mixes and step by step techniques to help the beginner up their game. The book is uplifting, colorful and so easy to follow. Each technique isn't just illustrated with photos, you get descriptions that are not nebulous but instead are "do this". For instance she first teaches how to paint a peony (above), then she shows how to use that technique to create a painting or even a patten (right). Kristin shows every step, she doesn't just assume you'll know how. She shows and talks about how to create each element then how to place them on the painting, why and how to finish that painting to it's best showing. The content is really easy to follow but also comprehensive.
Kristin goes into detail about how to make simple flowers, leaves, wreaths, animals, faces and even lettering. I was intrigued to see her use a water brush to create lettering, I'll be trying that and breaking out my waterbrushes again. I especially liked her description about why she makes a color mixing chart. I've never taken the time to make one but after reading her "why" I'll be doing it this week. This book even helps intermediate painters!
If you want to move from confused beginner to a more knowledgable and confident artist, then investing in this book as a starting point is a great idea.
August 17, 2017
"Modern Watercolor" is an art instruction book for using watercolors. Kristin has a loose (not highly detailed or realistic) style. This is a good book for a beginner at watercolor as she provided plenty of pictures and clear instruction. When showing how to make a flower or animal, she explained how to achieve the desired affect rather than just a brief summary of what she did. By focusing on the techniques, the reader can learn to use watercolor not just replicate her paintings. Overall, I'd recommend this book.
She started by briefly explaining what supplies you need, then she explained basic techniques (wet-in-wet, etc.), color theory, and color mixing. She showed how the different types of brushes make a wide variety of marks, what brushes are good for certain marks, how to make basic shapes (circles, squares, etc.), and how to use watercolor brushes to make cursive lettering. She also covered various ways to preserve white and remove paint.
She showed step-by-step how to make several types of flowers, like peonies, roses (top view), pansies, tulips, and small flowers. She also demonstrated several types of leaves and foliage and how to put them all together to create wreaths (for framing text) or floral patterns (a wallpaper type look). She also did step-by-step demonstrations for several animals (fox, squirrel, chicken, pig, dog, cat, rabbit, beetle, butterfly, elephant, lion) and discussed how to create different human skin tones by mixing colors. She ended with some brief demonstrations for "abstract" landscapes (lakeside, sunset) and interiors (vintage and cottage living rooms). The animals and interiors were sketched before being filled in with paint.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
She started by briefly explaining what supplies you need, then she explained basic techniques (wet-in-wet, etc.), color theory, and color mixing. She showed how the different types of brushes make a wide variety of marks, what brushes are good for certain marks, how to make basic shapes (circles, squares, etc.), and how to use watercolor brushes to make cursive lettering. She also covered various ways to preserve white and remove paint.
She showed step-by-step how to make several types of flowers, like peonies, roses (top view), pansies, tulips, and small flowers. She also demonstrated several types of leaves and foliage and how to put them all together to create wreaths (for framing text) or floral patterns (a wallpaper type look). She also did step-by-step demonstrations for several animals (fox, squirrel, chicken, pig, dog, cat, rabbit, beetle, butterfly, elephant, lion) and discussed how to create different human skin tones by mixing colors. She ended with some brief demonstrations for "abstract" landscapes (lakeside, sunset) and interiors (vintage and cottage living rooms). The animals and interiors were sketched before being filled in with paint.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 20, 2018
The beginning is filler info which you can find in 100s of of other watercolor books regarding what to buy if you’re a beginner. Assuming you are a beginner it has a lot of pics of various techniques with very little instruction.
If you’re at an intermediate or advanced level this book has almost nothing to offer. Maybe a reminder of some technique you’ve used in the past but haven’t tried in awhile, which might encourage you to incorporate it in a future project.
Nice photos though.
If you’re at an intermediate or advanced level this book has almost nothing to offer. Maybe a reminder of some technique you’ve used in the past but haven’t tried in awhile, which might encourage you to incorporate it in a future project.
Nice photos though.
September 9, 2017
Modern Watercolor by Kristin Van Leuven is a delightful and colorful instruction book which encouraged me to pick up some brushes, paints, and try the techniques! The information on the brush detail when selecting the correct brush for certain strokes or a technique was easy to understand. The instruction about the preference for paint tubes and the palette was very helpful. Learning about the watercolor paper, (paper or cotton) was simple to remember, so when I go shopping for supplies, I will know exactly what I need for the desired effect I want, textured or smooth.
I must commend the wonderful explanatory photos for all the variations of wet or dry as it applies to the paper and wet or dry as it applies to wetting the brush and loading the paint colors. The step-by-step photos throughout the whole book leave no doubts as to the techniques and the possibilities for the final image effect. In Modern Watercolor the author has the instructions and photos arranged to show the ease and fun of learning the principals of watercolor.
I must commend the wonderful explanatory photos for all the variations of wet or dry as it applies to the paper and wet or dry as it applies to wetting the brush and loading the paint colors. The step-by-step photos throughout the whole book leave no doubts as to the techniques and the possibilities for the final image effect. In Modern Watercolor the author has the instructions and photos arranged to show the ease and fun of learning the principals of watercolor.
July 25, 2018
I read through the book. Can’t wait to play and experiment!
August 28, 2017
This is a great mid level watercoloring how to book, you will need some artistic skill at drawing to complete the designs she has in this book. Very well done going over the paper, brushes, paints, washes, color pallets and brush strokes,. All of those have great up close pictures to help you really see the differences and how to.
Has basic techniques and some mid level techniques that will help you bring up your watercoloring skill. Above all she tells you to practice and that is truly the only way to get comfortable in doing the techniques. Great book.
Has basic techniques and some mid level techniques that will help you bring up your watercoloring skill. Above all she tells you to practice and that is truly the only way to get comfortable in doing the techniques. Great book.
December 30, 2017
A very useful book! I love how easy it is to follow the tutorials in this book. I also appreciate that while I am not a beginner in watercolor this book helped me paint something new. Since I am mostly a watercolor flower artist, I always try to paint something outside of my comfort zone, I had fun trying out doing artworks other than flowers. I haven't tried all the activities here in this book, but so far it's been an enjoyable experience. Will definitely try out the rest of the painting tutorials when I get the chance.
September 3, 2017
I was given a digital version of this book to review by the publishers via netgalley.
If you are a fan of the beautiful watercolour illustrations that pop-up all over Instagram and Etsy, then you need to read Modern Watercolor by Kristin Van Leuven.
There are so many books out there that teach painting with watercolours, what makes this one different? Well the clue's in the title, Modern Watercolor is just that, modern! Most of the books on a similar topic feature projects that all look very traditional. Mountain ranges and fishing harbours all have a place in watercolours, but it's not what the young people are looking for! We want to paint colourful flower bunches, leafy wreaths and witty quotes. This is what we learn in Modern Watercolor by Kristen Van Leuven.
It's a beginners introduction into all things watercolour. From the different paint and brush options, to paper types and application methods, Modern Watercolor has you covered. Once you've collected your materials, you will see pages of easy to follow tutorials. This starts with the basics - different ways to apply the paint to the paper, through to colour mixing and layering. Lastly the book shows a range of lessons including how to paint different types of flowers, lettering, landscapes, animals and even home interiors.
I am not a complete beginner at watercolour, having taken some classes at school, but it has been a while. The first tutorials on how to use the paints are really fun and a nice introduction into experimenting with your ideas. I followed some of the floral sections in Modern Watercolor and found them really easy to follow. The instructions are thorough but allow you enough freedom to pick your own colours and brushes. I'm pleased with my first attempt and as the images are so small, it would be easy to pick up and practice often, unlike a full landscape.
Modern Watercolor is a great book if you're looking to learn the art of watercolours but don't want to paint traditional landscapes. The introductions to equipment and techniques are simple yet very informative. I love the floral and lettering sections as these subjects make the book modern. However, some of the other illustrated tutorials such as animals and interiors are not as strong. It is clear that Kristen Van Leuven is not as practised in these areas as she is in the lettering and florals, but I don't think that is a bad thing. If nothing else, it proves that you can't be brilliant at everything! Modern Watercolor is meant as an introduction and inspiration, and it certainly is that.
If you are a fan of the beautiful watercolour illustrations that pop-up all over Instagram and Etsy, then you need to read Modern Watercolor by Kristin Van Leuven.
There are so many books out there that teach painting with watercolours, what makes this one different? Well the clue's in the title, Modern Watercolor is just that, modern! Most of the books on a similar topic feature projects that all look very traditional. Mountain ranges and fishing harbours all have a place in watercolours, but it's not what the young people are looking for! We want to paint colourful flower bunches, leafy wreaths and witty quotes. This is what we learn in Modern Watercolor by Kristen Van Leuven.
It's a beginners introduction into all things watercolour. From the different paint and brush options, to paper types and application methods, Modern Watercolor has you covered. Once you've collected your materials, you will see pages of easy to follow tutorials. This starts with the basics - different ways to apply the paint to the paper, through to colour mixing and layering. Lastly the book shows a range of lessons including how to paint different types of flowers, lettering, landscapes, animals and even home interiors.
I am not a complete beginner at watercolour, having taken some classes at school, but it has been a while. The first tutorials on how to use the paints are really fun and a nice introduction into experimenting with your ideas. I followed some of the floral sections in Modern Watercolor and found them really easy to follow. The instructions are thorough but allow you enough freedom to pick your own colours and brushes. I'm pleased with my first attempt and as the images are so small, it would be easy to pick up and practice often, unlike a full landscape.
Modern Watercolor is a great book if you're looking to learn the art of watercolours but don't want to paint traditional landscapes. The introductions to equipment and techniques are simple yet very informative. I love the floral and lettering sections as these subjects make the book modern. However, some of the other illustrated tutorials such as animals and interiors are not as strong. It is clear that Kristen Van Leuven is not as practised in these areas as she is in the lettering and florals, but I don't think that is a bad thing. If nothing else, it proves that you can't be brilliant at everything! Modern Watercolor is meant as an introduction and inspiration, and it certainly is that.
September 4, 2017
I just loved the Book Modern Watercolour by Kristin Van Leuven. This book is a must for a someone who would like to learn how to use watercolour paints. How to mix the colours to make other colours, how to use the brushes so you get the best out of you work of art etc.
I found this book well illustrated throughout . Kristin explained briefly, what you need to start your watercolour picture and explained clearly with basic techniques on how to use watercolour paints, mix the colours to get new colours, how to use watercolour brushes to make cursive lettering, flowers, animals, shapes etc, how to use masking liquid etc.
There are excellent clear photos throughout this wonderful book. I found the book so easy to follow.
I loved Kristin's step-by-step on how to make several types of flowers - peonies, roses, pansies, tulips, and other small flowers, she made them so easy to do and looked so effective when you start to practise these on your paper. There was also a section of several types of leaves and foliage and how to put them all together to create wreaths which I liked for future homemade cards etc. I make etc. There was also a step by step section
She also did step-by-step which was sketched first, for several animals fox, squirrel, chicken, pig, dog, cat, rabbit, beetle, butterfly, elephant, lion. These looked so effective and fun to paint. There was an excellent section on how to create different human skin tones by mixing colours. This is a must section if you want to get the colour of skin correct and i found in the past it is one of the hardest colours to get right. At the end of this wonderful book Kristin had a brief demonstrations for "abstract" landscapes which was of a lakeside, sunset and interiors which was of a vintage and cottage living rooms.
I found this book well illustrated throughout . Kristin explained briefly, what you need to start your watercolour picture and explained clearly with basic techniques on how to use watercolour paints, mix the colours to get new colours, how to use watercolour brushes to make cursive lettering, flowers, animals, shapes etc, how to use masking liquid etc.
There are excellent clear photos throughout this wonderful book. I found the book so easy to follow.
I loved Kristin's step-by-step on how to make several types of flowers - peonies, roses, pansies, tulips, and other small flowers, she made them so easy to do and looked so effective when you start to practise these on your paper. There was also a section of several types of leaves and foliage and how to put them all together to create wreaths which I liked for future homemade cards etc. I make etc. There was also a step by step section
She also did step-by-step which was sketched first, for several animals fox, squirrel, chicken, pig, dog, cat, rabbit, beetle, butterfly, elephant, lion. These looked so effective and fun to paint. There was an excellent section on how to create different human skin tones by mixing colours. This is a must section if you want to get the colour of skin correct and i found in the past it is one of the hardest colours to get right. At the end of this wonderful book Kristin had a brief demonstrations for "abstract" landscapes which was of a lakeside, sunset and interiors which was of a vintage and cottage living rooms.
August 11, 2017
Title: Modern Watercolor - A playful and contemporary exploration of watercolor painting
Author: Kristin Van Leuven
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group
Published: 9-1-2017
Pages: 128
Genre: Arts & Photography
Sub-Genre: Crafts & Hobbies, Mixed Media & Watercolor; Painting
ISBN: 9781633223561
Reviewed For NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
Tips in combining colors, shading and reproducing live subjects. Also available are the step by step instructions with illustrations and photographs provided. Readers will find the book useful in honing their techniques and styles. I found the understanding Brushstrokes the most helpful with it explaination of the different brushes and the strokes they create as well as how to combine them for the desired effects.
My rating of "Modern Watercolor - A playful and contemporary exploration of watercolor painting" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/163322356...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mode...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Modern...
Google Play Link: Not Available
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Kobo Link: Not Available
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Kristin Van Leuven
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group
Published: 9-1-2017
Pages: 128
Genre: Arts & Photography
Sub-Genre: Crafts & Hobbies, Mixed Media & Watercolor; Painting
ISBN: 9781633223561
Reviewed For NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
Tips in combining colors, shading and reproducing live subjects. Also available are the step by step instructions with illustrations and photographs provided. Readers will find the book useful in honing their techniques and styles. I found the understanding Brushstrokes the most helpful with it explaination of the different brushes and the strokes they create as well as how to combine them for the desired effects.
My rating of "Modern Watercolor - A playful and contemporary exploration of watercolor painting" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/163322356...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mode...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Modern...
Google Play Link: Not Available
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Kobo Link: Not Available
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
June 3, 2025
To be honest, I read this book because I loved the sunset image. I haven't tried painting it yet, but fully intend to try it.
This book is definitely aimed at beginners, especially if you are the type to get straight into painting. It has limited information on tools, techniques or paints, so if you want more information on any of those topics, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Specific points:
-No index, but does have a table of contents.
-Brief mention of colour theory using old, outdated theory with no discussion of CMY theory at all.
-Although paint brands aren't used, paint names are, with no explanation of pigments or lightfastness. Some of the paint names used are very brand specific (found in the colour mixing chart section).
-Uses opera rose as an example, with no mention that it is fugitive (found in the colour mixing chart section).
-Makes generalized statements like "performs the best" without detailing what makes it best, e.g., holds lots of paint, makes precise lines, paint flows evenly from the tip. This example was from the brush section.
-Recommends trying different types of watercolour paper (a good thing), but the photos only show Arches, even though the name has been removed.
-The steps to create flowers are nicely photographed, but the other sections also have descriptions. The latter makes it a little easier to determine what the photos are showing.
-For the landscape project near the end of the book, all of a sudden a fan brush is introduced, that was not mentioned anywhere else in the book (specifically not in the supplies or brushstrokes sections).
This book is definitely aimed at beginners, especially if you are the type to get straight into painting. It has limited information on tools, techniques or paints, so if you want more information on any of those topics, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Specific points:
-No index, but does have a table of contents.
-Brief mention of colour theory using old, outdated theory with no discussion of CMY theory at all.
-Although paint brands aren't used, paint names are, with no explanation of pigments or lightfastness. Some of the paint names used are very brand specific (found in the colour mixing chart section).
-Uses opera rose as an example, with no mention that it is fugitive (found in the colour mixing chart section).
-Makes generalized statements like "performs the best" without detailing what makes it best, e.g., holds lots of paint, makes precise lines, paint flows evenly from the tip. This example was from the brush section.
-Recommends trying different types of watercolour paper (a good thing), but the photos only show Arches, even though the name has been removed.
-The steps to create flowers are nicely photographed, but the other sections also have descriptions. The latter makes it a little easier to determine what the photos are showing.
-For the landscape project near the end of the book, all of a sudden a fan brush is introduced, that was not mentioned anywhere else in the book (specifically not in the supplies or brushstrokes sections).
August 29, 2017
4.5 Stars! This instructional book on watercolor painting was very helpful! I'm not very good at painting but even I painted some good pictures while reading through this book! If I can paint flowers that actually look like flowers & not just round blobs of paint, than anyone can! I loved the instructional photos & the written instructions helped a lot when just coping the photos got to be too hard. If you're interested in watercolor painting, I'd recommend looking through this book. This book covered everything you could want to know on watercolor painting-'Exploring Color', 'Mark-Making & Brushstrokes', 'Shapes & Patterns', & a lot more!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
August 11, 2017
This is a gorgeously designed book with many amazing page designs. The cover is a colourful creation and is like a firework display of colours before your eyes it stands out super well and would be eye-catching on a book shelf!
The book includes a supplies list, pattern tips, shape tips as well as design aids for flowers, basic shapes like circles etc to help you design your own creations as confidence in technique grows.
This book is simple enough for a beginner to use to get started with!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
The book includes a supplies list, pattern tips, shape tips as well as design aids for flowers, basic shapes like circles etc to help you design your own creations as confidence in technique grows.
This book is simple enough for a beginner to use to get started with!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
January 1, 2019
Om den förra akvarellboken jag recenserade var för odetaljerad när det gällde tekniker och så-här-gör-du, så är den har boken raka motsatsen (på ett bra sätt!). Den är väldigt grundlig och bryter ner målandet i många steg-för-steg etapper. Plus att har många olika kapitel varav bara ett är ägnat åt landskapsmåleri. (Det är inte så att jag har något emot landskapsmåleri, men jag är inte personligen intresserad av att utöva det).
August 25, 2024
I'm not sure who this book is for. The first 3/4 is basic info you can find anywhere, and the second half is too advanced for beginners. It shows some detailed paintings in about 4 steps that a beginner would definitely struggle with. Simultaneously, it provides no technique or instruction beyond very basic, beginner steps. I didn't find it helpful personally, and I consider myself intermediate skill level.
July 10, 2018
This is a great book for someone who is new to watercolor. In fact, this is the kind of book you’d give to someone if you were buying them a watercolor set.
The techniques that are shown are very helpful, but I really wish there had been more diverse subjects, rather than an emphasis on botanicals and shorter lessons on other topics.
The techniques that are shown are very helpful, but I really wish there had been more diverse subjects, rather than an emphasis on botanicals and shorter lessons on other topics.
January 5, 2019
A charming little book for the beginner to watercolour, this explains the basics quite simply. Along with colour theory and materials, there are step-by-step projects to paint along with. The author's style is colourful, loose and fresh. A lovely inspiration to those who want to start painting!
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.
July 14, 2019
Some fun ideas but overall, didn't love the art style. I really liked the flowers and plants section but everything else fell a bit flat for me. It actually got to the point where I wish that the author had included reference photos because her style was so different from mine, I wish that I had more of an opportunity to make the project my own.
September 22, 2021
The perfect book for beginners. Some very detailed instructions but keeping a loose style, which is what drew me to watercolours. Excellent tips and pictures showing brush strokes too. Perfect for practising! I especially love the different foliage styles Kristin has included. Will def be my reference book if I get stuck.
June 7, 2024
Section on stylized flowers and leaves was the best part. Telling reader to add a contrasting color or to balance something would be useless without pictures but some suggestions as to what to use or how to think through balance and contrast and not to much would have added much. I realize all of us figure that out by ourselves with experience but some starting points would be nice.
April 12, 2018
Great book for a beginner or experienced artist. For those interested in this style of watercolor, there is plenty of instruction for a variety of subjects - botanicals, landscapes, and portraits. There's even a section on watercolor hand-lettering.
July 6, 2019
Great ideas for people interested in playful approaches to watercolour, and a penchent for creating works as gifts (this is me). Simple instructions that lead to satisfying results, by way of a fun and approachable process.
June 16, 2022
Excellent instructions for the beginning watercolorist. A study on the techniques, and tools needed. The last part of the book has tutorials on painting certain objects. I have filed it away as a reference book.
September 2, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and tried several of the techniques of painting that the author described. Her instructions are clear and make sense.
December 30, 2017
I won this in a GR giveaway. It's got great images and seems like a good intro to watercolor. I'm looking forward to trying out some of the methods shown.
December 22, 2018
Very good for beginners I think.
January 7, 2020
Can't wait to try it these tutorials! The instructions and pictures are wonderful.
January 2, 2021
It's short but has great technique tips for beginners before diving into some follow-along exercises
January 26, 2021
Some lovely ideas
May 18, 2022
Very basic techniques for beginners. Don't use bleach on watercolors, despite the author suggestion. It would surely acidify and rot your paper. Cute photos and diagramming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews