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Acuarela para urban sketchers: Recursos para dibujar, pintar y narrar historias en color
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156 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
April 3, 2016
This is an awesome 5-star book if you want something on painting with watercolors.
Sadly, I focused on the "urban sketching" and "storytelling" parts of the title, and didn't check out any reviews before I ordered it.
There's a shit-ton of content about color harmonies as well as great info on paper, brushes, pigments, glazes, washes, using salt, removing color etc etc. Yeah, I didn't want any of that.
Specifically, I wanted ideas and inspiration for approaching ink sketching in urban environments, with coloring approaches to sketches as a useful additional topic. This is not that book. 5-10% of it was super useful or interesting. For me. Your mileage will vary, especially if you are a beginner in watercolors, in which case the whole book will be awesome for you.
Sadly, I focused on the "urban sketching" and "storytelling" parts of the title, and didn't check out any reviews before I ordered it.
There's a shit-ton of content about color harmonies as well as great info on paper, brushes, pigments, glazes, washes, using salt, removing color etc etc. Yeah, I didn't want any of that.
Specifically, I wanted ideas and inspiration for approaching ink sketching in urban environments, with coloring approaches to sketches as a useful additional topic. This is not that book. 5-10% of it was super useful or interesting. For me. Your mileage will vary, especially if you are a beginner in watercolors, in which case the whole book will be awesome for you.
June 23, 2015
Here's one of those books that cries out for a bookstore, that pleads to be put on a physical shelf where a hand can reach to pull it down, knock it open and skim. It's going to have enough trouble calling out to the muse, what with that cover and that title. A cyber-depiction is simply going to elicit a scroll. The only chance it has to find its way to a home will be the ability to turn those pages and sieve the content for gold. And there is gold within, a fine vein ready to tap, despite the publisher's puzzling attempt to hide this fact.
Scheinberger is a working artist from Berlin who has illustrated over fifty children's books. This is worthy of note, not so much because it affords him street cred (which it does), but more that it certifies his facility in the medium. A high level of proficiency is critical. And why is that? Glad you asked. It's because watercolor paint is a gift from Dante's Fifth Circle of Hell. It is a torture to work with - unmanageable, demanding, destructive on a dime - yet if you can balance your need for control with a certain degree of surrender to fate? The rewards are commensurate with the level of frustration. And, really, how much in life can you say that about?
There is no tutorial. Scheinberger shoots straight from the hip on pigment, surface and tools. He offers a pleasant nod to the science and the history. (Fun fact to know and tell: The most difficult pigment to obtain throughout the ages has been the color blue. Michelangelo, as I recall, grew quite desperate on the subject. The most desired shade came from the grinding of lapis lazuli - a stone mined for centuries in only one remote location. Afghanistan. While I have no evidence of this, it might go a long way toward explaining the vibrant shade of those burqas.) Most of the author's attention, however, is delivered to basic color theory - which is what you need with the bleed. His sample work is strident and outrageous; dynamic in an urbanized setting, deeper in the touristed haunts. Best of all, the narrative is genuinely companionable, the wisdom translating well into words.
A solid foundation for the active watercolorist, from a man who clearly knows the road.
Scheinberger is a working artist from Berlin who has illustrated over fifty children's books. This is worthy of note, not so much because it affords him street cred (which it does), but more that it certifies his facility in the medium. A high level of proficiency is critical. And why is that? Glad you asked. It's because watercolor paint is a gift from Dante's Fifth Circle of Hell. It is a torture to work with - unmanageable, demanding, destructive on a dime - yet if you can balance your need for control with a certain degree of surrender to fate? The rewards are commensurate with the level of frustration. And, really, how much in life can you say that about?
There is no tutorial. Scheinberger shoots straight from the hip on pigment, surface and tools. He offers a pleasant nod to the science and the history. (Fun fact to know and tell: The most difficult pigment to obtain throughout the ages has been the color blue. Michelangelo, as I recall, grew quite desperate on the subject. The most desired shade came from the grinding of lapis lazuli - a stone mined for centuries in only one remote location. Afghanistan. While I have no evidence of this, it might go a long way toward explaining the vibrant shade of those burqas.) Most of the author's attention, however, is delivered to basic color theory - which is what you need with the bleed. His sample work is strident and outrageous; dynamic in an urbanized setting, deeper in the touristed haunts. Best of all, the narrative is genuinely companionable, the wisdom translating well into words.
A solid foundation for the active watercolorist, from a man who clearly knows the road.
February 6, 2022
Brilliant. Fun. Inspiring. In your face. Refreshing. Running out of superlatives for Scheinberger's brilliant book, which lit a fire under me to dust off my watercolors for the first time since art school 30 years ago, and get out there!
If you thought of watercolor as the musty, wispy pastime of daffodil lovers and seaside pensioners, think again. Scheinberger kicks the medium in the ass with a punky, out-of the-box aesthetic, and shows that watercolor is the perfect medium for sooty factories in Romania and the seedy docks of New York.
Vital and funny, with life and color sploodging out of every page, Urban Watercolor Sketching will convince you to Just Do It—and paint outside the lines when you do. Highest recommendations for artists, professional, erstwhile and wannabe alike
I'd write more, but I gotta go sit on the sidewalk and paint that broken-down Plymouth. The light's just right.
If you thought of watercolor as the musty, wispy pastime of daffodil lovers and seaside pensioners, think again. Scheinberger kicks the medium in the ass with a punky, out-of the-box aesthetic, and shows that watercolor is the perfect medium for sooty factories in Romania and the seedy docks of New York.
Vital and funny, with life and color sploodging out of every page, Urban Watercolor Sketching will convince you to Just Do It—and paint outside the lines when you do. Highest recommendations for artists, professional, erstwhile and wannabe alike
I'd write more, but I gotta go sit on the sidewalk and paint that broken-down Plymouth. The light's just right.
April 4, 2015
3.5 stars. Good overview of a wide range of watercolor techniques, emphasizing a more on-the-go and dynamic style of watercolor painting than most other introductory books.
May 12, 2019
Mazliet mulsina tas "Urban" nosaukumā, varēja arī nebūt, bet citādi ļoti laba grāmata par pašiem akvareļtehnikas pamatiem: kādus materiālus vajag, kā strādāt, visādi knifi un padomi, arī dažas nodaļas par radošuma vispārīgākiem jautājumiem.
August 16, 2014
The word "urban" in the title made me assume that this book was about sketching and painting urban settings etc. but it's not really. It's a book about the medium and techniques and how to's that I found interesting. With a more modern spin than other books out there, the author uses his own work to illustrate his points. I didn't give it more stars though because I found it uneven some times. Some parts are great and some parts are meh. But I do recommend it to those like me who are just learning about watercolors.
I read the kindle version on my iPad. I've been reading quite a few art books on my iPad and I really like the format.
I read the kindle version on my iPad. I've been reading quite a few art books on my iPad and I really like the format.
August 27, 2014
I am in love with this book. I never intended to even read it…I was going to use the index and pick and choose certain elements, and browse the pretty pictures. It is so lovely I read it cover to cover. And I want to do it again.
Open this book anywhere and the two facing pages display a perfect marriage of text and image that illustrate watercolor concepts. From watercolor pencils, to pigments, to individual colors, and brushes, Scheinberger compliments his knowledge with talent.
In the interest of full disclosure, I am neither a painter, nor an artist of any sort. But I dream of dabbling in the arts… a seasoned artist may not be as enamored of Scheinberger as I. But I hope so.
Open this book anywhere and the two facing pages display a perfect marriage of text and image that illustrate watercolor concepts. From watercolor pencils, to pigments, to individual colors, and brushes, Scheinberger compliments his knowledge with talent.
In the interest of full disclosure, I am neither a painter, nor an artist of any sort. But I dream of dabbling in the arts… a seasoned artist may not be as enamored of Scheinberger as I. But I hope so.
February 25, 2022
Focus of book = watercolor sketching, theory & techniques. “Urban” is a misnomer, likely used for marketing purposes. Overall, despite some limitations, it is inspiring & comprehensive.
October 29, 2017
The most insightful art book I have ever read. It’s full of practical information, too.
March 1, 2018
Very enjoyable
Lots of great tips. Was like having a conversation with a friend. Feel more confident now to make art and loosen up
Lots of great tips. Was like having a conversation with a friend. Feel more confident now to make art and loosen up
January 1, 2021
Những bức minh họa đáng yêu và những điều cơ bản nhất về màu nước. Nhưng thông tin chuyên môn để học tập về Urban Sketching chẳng có là bao nhiêu, chủ yếu là kĩ thuật màu nước. Và nếu bạn đã quen với việc sử màu nước, cuốn này chẳng cung cấp thêm chút nào hơn vài video trên youtube.
Thôi thì, dù sao mình cũng hiểu mục đích và lí do màu Naple Yellow được sử dụng rộng rãi.
Thôi thì, dù sao mình cũng hiểu mục đích và lí do màu Naple Yellow được sử dụng rộng rãi.
August 7, 2022
Precioso libro para aclararte unas cuantas cosas sobre las acuarelas, para la gente que se inicia en esto es un libro que aporta unos cuantos secretitos que no tienes en cuenta si eres muy nuevo y un poco autodidacta.
February 18, 2022
This is in no way a full course on watercolor, with all the intricacies this art form has, but it covers all the basics. There isn't as much information on urban sketching per se, just a lot of examples. In a way this is all you need because urban sketching is itself "basic". It's rougher, a bit more crude, only uses a handful of tools, happens on the go and takes little time. The book gives you enough info and encouragement for you to go out and explore the world through watercolor: try, experiment, fail, play, enjoy, fail better. While the information here won't turn you into Turner or Dürer, it might turn you into you, the sketcher.
December 24, 2017
bons conseils qui donnent envie de tout essayer, belle mise en forme du livre également, les pages sont toutes très belles et bien équilibrés, le tout est une très bonne approche de base
July 23, 2014
I'm always on the lookout for inspiration to help me sketch. Confession: I do not sketch but all artists need to sketch. I know this and yet I still don't do it. *hangs head in shame* Since my primary medium is watercolor I was happy to review this book.
The book is wonderful for the beginner. It has some great information including some history of watercolor presented in a way that isn't boring. Plus all the illustrations throughout the book keep the book feeling light and fun. I even learned something. The author suggest using alcohol (yes the kind you drink) if you are confronting bad weather like extreme cold. While the alcohol might dull the colors a bit, you might get some interesting play on the paper. While this was a good epiphany, the rest of the book was a rehash of things I already knew. So, therefore, I would recommend the contents of the book to beginners on the watercolor journey.
I did have few criticisms of the book. One was when the author was describing glazing. This technique is often when you apply one wash of color over a dried wash of color. The author left out some important information in this chapter. One was knowing your staining colors. Those are excellent to glaze over since you won't be picking up paint while going over that color. The other is transparency of the colors. Some watercolor paints (like your cadmiums) are somewhat opaque and will affect your glazing ability. I also would have liked a section for water control. It is important to learn how much water your brush is holding to get the effect you want for your painting. My last criticism is that this book seemed geared for finished paintings and not sketches. While that is usually your goal, it isn't always with sketching. He did give some great advice toward sketching but it kept switching between that and finishing your painting. I think it would have been more effective the book was about sketching and have an ending chapter about finished work.
I give this book 3 stars. I recommend it to those that need a foundation course on watercolor in particular. More advanced artists might enjoy it for the loose sketching and artwork within.
The book is wonderful for the beginner. It has some great information including some history of watercolor presented in a way that isn't boring. Plus all the illustrations throughout the book keep the book feeling light and fun. I even learned something. The author suggest using alcohol (yes the kind you drink) if you are confronting bad weather like extreme cold. While the alcohol might dull the colors a bit, you might get some interesting play on the paper. While this was a good epiphany, the rest of the book was a rehash of things I already knew. So, therefore, I would recommend the contents of the book to beginners on the watercolor journey.
I did have few criticisms of the book. One was when the author was describing glazing. This technique is often when you apply one wash of color over a dried wash of color. The author left out some important information in this chapter. One was knowing your staining colors. Those are excellent to glaze over since you won't be picking up paint while going over that color. The other is transparency of the colors. Some watercolor paints (like your cadmiums) are somewhat opaque and will affect your glazing ability. I also would have liked a section for water control. It is important to learn how much water your brush is holding to get the effect you want for your painting. My last criticism is that this book seemed geared for finished paintings and not sketches. While that is usually your goal, it isn't always with sketching. He did give some great advice toward sketching but it kept switching between that and finishing your painting. I think it would have been more effective the book was about sketching and have an ending chapter about finished work.
I give this book 3 stars. I recommend it to those that need a foundation course on watercolor in particular. More advanced artists might enjoy it for the loose sketching and artwork within.
July 11, 2021
Lately, I have been binge watching Donut Showdown online. In an episode that I watched recently, the judges argued over the winner between two contestants. One had made fabulous donuts that had virtually nothing to do with the assigned theme. The other had made decent donuts that absolutely fit the theme. Who should win? The one with the better donuts or the one who completed the assignment?
For me, this book was by the contestant who made fabulous donuts but who completely ignored the theme. And, because of that, I am having difficultly rating and reviewing the book as a result.
The book is a fantastic resource for watercolour painters who would like a full detailing of every aspect of their craft, from where the pigments for each colour of paint come from to types of paper, etc. And really, I am someone who is interested in that type of information but still found it to be a bit too much.
On the other hand, the book, literally in its title, promises guidance on urban *sketching* and storytelling, and on that the author failed to acknowledge the theme. There is virtually nothing 'sketching' in this book. To the contrary, most of the recommendations are for full-on drawing and painting (e.g. making colour schemes first before doing any painting, making multiple thumbnails before making the painting, using salt to create textures, using liquid masking to maintain whites, etc., etc., etc.). The book gives excellent guidance on watercolour painting, but much of that advice is in opposition to what works for the sketching that the book promises.
I admit it, I put three stars to make it middle ground. But, in writing this review, I bumped it back to two. The book is an excellent resource for some purposes. But, it fails greatly on what it promises to be. I am glad that I got my copy from the library. I would be really upset if I spent any of my limited book-purchasing budget on this book because it is not at all what I was looking for, and not at all what I thought it would be based on the promises made in its title and description.
For me, this book was by the contestant who made fabulous donuts but who completely ignored the theme. And, because of that, I am having difficultly rating and reviewing the book as a result.
The book is a fantastic resource for watercolour painters who would like a full detailing of every aspect of their craft, from where the pigments for each colour of paint come from to types of paper, etc. And really, I am someone who is interested in that type of information but still found it to be a bit too much.
On the other hand, the book, literally in its title, promises guidance on urban *sketching* and storytelling, and on that the author failed to acknowledge the theme. There is virtually nothing 'sketching' in this book. To the contrary, most of the recommendations are for full-on drawing and painting (e.g. making colour schemes first before doing any painting, making multiple thumbnails before making the painting, using salt to create textures, using liquid masking to maintain whites, etc., etc., etc.). The book gives excellent guidance on watercolour painting, but much of that advice is in opposition to what works for the sketching that the book promises.
I admit it, I put three stars to make it middle ground. But, in writing this review, I bumped it back to two. The book is an excellent resource for some purposes. But, it fails greatly on what it promises to be. I am glad that I got my copy from the library. I would be really upset if I spent any of my limited book-purchasing budget on this book because it is not at all what I was looking for, and not at all what I thought it would be based on the promises made in its title and description.
December 2, 2014
This is the first book I would recommend to anyone who wants to get started in drawing, painting, sketching, watercolor etc. Goes way beyond just urban sketching with a thorough description of tools and techniques. A great reference book, as well as an inspiration to just go out and do it!
November 7, 2023
One of my favourite art books.
March 27, 2018
I have basic knowledge of color theory and various watercolor painting techniques, but I've never sketched with watercolor, so I was a tad disappointed that this book focused so much on absolute basics, going as far as spending pages on the history and manufacturing details of colors. On the one hand it seemed like the intended audience was complete watercolor newbies, on the other there were gaps that I was expecting to hear about as a newcomer to urban sketching.
As an example, I hoped to learn how does one sketch with ink and watercolor together without them becoming a huge mess: you're working with media that needs to dry while you try to go for a quick capture of your environment. I love the author's sketches and I know he's more of a fan of ink than pencil, but I didn't see any mention of it - when the examples used ink of some sorts.
Still, I'm glad I got this book from the library because it did work as a reminder for me about what's important in watercolor work and what's not, and that already inspired me to sketch more. It's definitely a good primer for beginners.
As an example, I hoped to learn how does one sketch with ink and watercolor together without them becoming a huge mess: you're working with media that needs to dry while you try to go for a quick capture of your environment. I love the author's sketches and I know he's more of a fan of ink than pencil, but I didn't see any mention of it - when the examples used ink of some sorts.
Still, I'm glad I got this book from the library because it did work as a reminder for me about what's important in watercolor work and what's not, and that already inspired me to sketch more. It's definitely a good primer for beginners.
August 15, 2024
I loved this book. The way the author writes and talks about art reminds me of my art professors from college. This is not a "how to" or a tutorial style art book. But it is very informative and inspiring. I loved the historical and scientific information on colors; that was fascinating. I did learn a lot that will help (is already helping) with my art, but more than anything this book was inspiring. It really made me want to put the book down and pick up my pencil or paint brush.
I am not new to art, but I am new to watercolor and have been loving it. This book has inspired me to start a watercolor art journal and I have been practicing drawing and painting from real life and have found it very rewarding--consequently, I am creating more art than I have in years. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in drawing, watercolor, en plein air drawing/painting, urban sketching, etc. Sadly i have to return it as I got my copy from the library, but I fully intend to purchase my own copy for future reference and inspiration.
I am not new to art, but I am new to watercolor and have been loving it. This book has inspired me to start a watercolor art journal and I have been practicing drawing and painting from real life and have found it very rewarding--consequently, I am creating more art than I have in years. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in drawing, watercolor, en plein air drawing/painting, urban sketching, etc. Sadly i have to return it as I got my copy from the library, but I fully intend to purchase my own copy for future reference and inspiration.
December 13, 2018
The book is pretty and very nice to hold and read with colorful illustrations and great bounding yet I felt the contents of the book is more suitable for beginners. There’s mostly info on color theory, on watercolor techniques and other useful data for a person who only gets familiar with watercolor. I’d say the info is quite basic. The reading was quite enjoyable but I finished the book in about 2,5 hours and don’t really see a point to get back to it in the future - there’s not many references and other unique information that I haven’t seen or known before. So in the end I’d say it’s not a very wood value for the money and is just a pretty book to have in your collection. I’ve also got The Urban Sketcher book by Marc Taro Holmes which is twice cheaper yet holds so much more info on the subject of sketching (and not only watercolor).
January 30, 2022
Generally, I prefer books on drawing and painting that have more text than illustrations. Books that are mainly pictorial or illustrative mostly expect you to follow their instructions step by step. Which makes for a very dull learning experience. And I often feel very boxed up, and feel that I don't really learn, but just copy. That is why, my favorite drawing book is Drawing From the Right Side of the Brain - which is mostly text. But it taught me how to really see! Which is the basis of drawing.
And this book is one I appreciate because of its text. I enjoyed what the author had to say about paints, and equipment, and how to approach drawing. But I picked up this book also because I was drawn to the very loose style of drawing and painting by author which is very suitable for urban sketching. I admire this kind of style because I am a bit OCD and long to break out of structure.
And this book is one I appreciate because of its text. I enjoyed what the author had to say about paints, and equipment, and how to approach drawing. But I picked up this book also because I was drawn to the very loose style of drawing and painting by author which is very suitable for urban sketching. I admire this kind of style because I am a bit OCD and long to break out of structure.
May 28, 2019
Excellent inspiration
This is not a how to paint book in the usual sense of having pictures to copy and exercises to do, but I'm never convinced those books are that helpful anyway after a certain point. This book is more a collection of techniques and ideas, many of which have illustrations, but not step-by-step guides.
My main issue with it is that I'm not sure where it wants to be, it covers a lot of basic stuff about how watercolours are made and where pigments come from that makes it seem quite beginner-ish but I think the techniques are probably a bit too advanced for a beginner.
Overall I enjoyed it though, lots of great ideas and I love the authors illustrations, of which there are many. It has got me trying a lot of new things with my watercolors.
This is not a how to paint book in the usual sense of having pictures to copy and exercises to do, but I'm never convinced those books are that helpful anyway after a certain point. This book is more a collection of techniques and ideas, many of which have illustrations, but not step-by-step guides.
My main issue with it is that I'm not sure where it wants to be, it covers a lot of basic stuff about how watercolours are made and where pigments come from that makes it seem quite beginner-ish but I think the techniques are probably a bit too advanced for a beginner.
Overall I enjoyed it though, lots of great ideas and I love the authors illustrations, of which there are many. It has got me trying a lot of new things with my watercolors.
April 22, 2021
Well, the author expected the reader to have a mastery of art fundamentals. For example perspective, forms, and observation technique. This book give me tons of knowledge of why a certain color was named like this-that, tools, budgeting for tools, etc. I can't called this as a guide book, since it only tell the most common techniques in watercolor: wet on wet and wet on dry. There is nothing else
After all, it's still an experience to read. Reading a guide book with barely some guides in it. At least I finally found an artist that doesn't concern much about tool grades. Instead, he encouraged me to practice, go outside and learn to observe more instead. Since he said this in the book: Remember, great materials alone do not make a good painting
After all, it's still an experience to read. Reading a guide book with barely some guides in it. At least I finally found an artist that doesn't concern much about tool grades. Instead, he encouraged me to practice, go outside and learn to observe more instead. Since he said this in the book: Remember, great materials alone do not make a good painting
February 15, 2023
I am inspired by the wonderful watercolor images that support the narrative in this guide to urban storytelling, painting, and drawing. I adore seeing the sketches of brushes, paintboxes, and "the contents of my bag"... perhaps because much of the lore of being a watercolor sketch artist involves the tools of the trade. The author, obviously a joyful veteran of urban sketching, does an outstanding job of luring the reader into his beautiful world. The book provides plenty of practical advice about everything from color theory to the history of pigments and so much more. But for me, the real treasure in this book is the collection of delightful images that illustrate the narrative. Books like this give wanna-be-watercolorists much to aspire towards. - Ginn
July 5, 2019
Equal parts theory, history, technique/tips, advice, encouragement, and delightful, often humorous, illustrations. Felix Scheinberger has an inimitable and sophisticated style yet he also has the soul of a teacher, and manages to appeal to the beginner probably as much as an advanced painter. There is nothing traditional about his approach to watercolor, so if you're looking for pastel landscapes and pretty flowers you'll be disappointed. He uses watercolor to add color to his drawings, and encourages minimalism in this regard. He advises the reader to draw subjects, including mundane things, that matter to you personally because they will have more meaning when you look back on them.
May 20, 2020
I am a beginner at watercolour and found this book really interesting, and gave me different perspectives to watercolour painting and practical ones too, that are different from the standard “how to/step by step” books.. Gave me confidence as well as inspiration. Love the drawings in the book, gave me a new perspective on watercolour styles. And did I mention, easy to read and interesting to read. There are some books that read like school textbooks and whilst good in content sometimes require a lot of willpower to get through. This was enjoyable and I learnt a lot. Will definitely look up his other book on sketching. Have a nice day everyone!
November 30, 2020
very interesting book to read but not at all the instructional book I was seeking. The first half is more entertaining with various fun facts about painting in watercolor and color theories. The second half, a more theoretical discussion on what art is more difficult to digest especially when the author is very frugal with words. He brings up some very simulating ideas though. And it is also extremely delightful that there are so many drawings: a picture is worth a thousand words.
But, all in all, an inspiring book; one that makes me rekindle the desire to paint with watercolor (I am, and have always been, a drawer but not so much a painter).
But, all in all, an inspiring book; one that makes me rekindle the desire to paint with watercolor (I am, and have always been, a drawer but not so much a painter).
June 1, 2018
It's an interesting book. I wouldn't advise it to those looking for step by step instructions on specific works, but to those who are want certain nudges when it comes to watercolor. It contains a wealth of information on materials, technique and philosophy of the medium. At the same time, it contains some history, that is important to cement the importance of watercolor. There's nothing here that YouTube doesn't provide, but having everything in one place is a good idea, specially for quick referencing and revisions.
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