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Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators: Learn How to Paint Landscapes, People, Still Lifes, and More.
The only instructional book on watercolor you will ever need.
Trying your hand at watercolor painting? Or looking to advance your range of artistic skills?
Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators is for you.
Beginning with the basics - such as honing your observational skills, choosing a subject, and learning about composition - the book then takes a comprehensive, in-depth look at techniques to expand your repertoire.
With expert advice from artists and illustrators working in a range of styles - from classic to cutting-edge contemporary -this book will equip you with the skills and confidence to develop your own style and grow as an artist.
Trying your hand at watercolor painting? Or looking to advance your range of artistic skills?
Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators is for you.
Beginning with the basics - such as honing your observational skills, choosing a subject, and learning about composition - the book then takes a comprehensive, in-depth look at techniques to expand your repertoire.
With expert advice from artists and illustrators working in a range of styles - from classic to cutting-edge contemporary -this book will equip you with the skills and confidence to develop your own style and grow as an artist.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2020
62 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Publishing
9,124 books2,072 followersDorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 10, 2020
This is a comprehensive book that goes into lots of detail about watercolor materials, techniques and more. It shows a wide variety of styles and walks you through the steps to complete a host of watercolor paintings, covering topics like perspective, ratios, resist techniques and more. It's definitely for the serious artist and features beautiful watercolor paintings and tutorials from a range of gifted artists.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
August 13, 2020
Absolutely breathtaking illustrations of watercolor techniques! The book is well organized for reference describing the basics followed by chapters for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Then, the book focuses on subjects to paint such as landscapes, still lifes, people, colors/shapes, animals and flowers.
I have basic experience with watercolors and found this book to be incredibly encouraging. My first class in this media had me intimidated when the teacher said it was one of the more difficult media to master. My father and daughter prefer acrylic, oil, etc. but I must admit that I find watercolors rather soothing and forgiving.
I would recommend this book alone just for the beautiful art inside the book! A fantastic edition to any artists library.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this arc book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I have basic experience with watercolors and found this book to be incredibly encouraging. My first class in this media had me intimidated when the teacher said it was one of the more difficult media to master. My father and daughter prefer acrylic, oil, etc. but I must admit that I find watercolors rather soothing and forgiving.
I would recommend this book alone just for the beautiful art inside the book! A fantastic edition to any artists library.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this arc book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 15, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators is a tutorial and style guide for watercolor. Due out 1st Sep 2020 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The format is easy to follow and the tutorial projects are very attractive and useful. The introduction and technique tutorials (~20% of the content) cover tools, materials, and techniques such as wet on wet and wet on dry painting. The intro chapters are followed by step by step tutorial studies for various motifs arranged in beginner, intermediate, and advanced techniques, and specific subjects: landscapes & townscapes, patterns still lifes & flowers, and finally portraits figures & animals.
All of the tutorials contain a full color finished photo, tools and supplies and process photos. Step by step tutorial instructions are provided in color as well as written instructions. Special tips, alternative methods, and other info is provided in sidebars throughout the book. The tutorials are written by a number of different artists, which provides a nice overview of widely varying styles and working methods. This was one of the most valuable aspects of the book for me personally.
There is an index, an abbreviated glossary, som resource links and short capsule biographies for the contributing artists.
Well made, very high quality, this book got my fingers itching to get my supplies out and have a go. This would make a superlative gift for anyone who wants to do watercolor; many (most) of the study projects are accessible for anyone, but will provide instruction and good learning opportunities for more advanced artists as well. These would make lovely cards, placecards, framed pieces, etc. Lovely. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators is a tutorial and style guide for watercolor. Due out 1st Sep 2020 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The format is easy to follow and the tutorial projects are very attractive and useful. The introduction and technique tutorials (~20% of the content) cover tools, materials, and techniques such as wet on wet and wet on dry painting. The intro chapters are followed by step by step tutorial studies for various motifs arranged in beginner, intermediate, and advanced techniques, and specific subjects: landscapes & townscapes, patterns still lifes & flowers, and finally portraits figures & animals.
All of the tutorials contain a full color finished photo, tools and supplies and process photos. Step by step tutorial instructions are provided in color as well as written instructions. Special tips, alternative methods, and other info is provided in sidebars throughout the book. The tutorials are written by a number of different artists, which provides a nice overview of widely varying styles and working methods. This was one of the most valuable aspects of the book for me personally.
There is an index, an abbreviated glossary, som resource links and short capsule biographies for the contributing artists.
Well made, very high quality, this book got my fingers itching to get my supplies out and have a go. This would make a superlative gift for anyone who wants to do watercolor; many (most) of the study projects are accessible for anyone, but will provide instruction and good learning opportunities for more advanced artists as well. These would make lovely cards, placecards, framed pieces, etc. Lovely. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 20, 2020
This is an awesome book on watercolor techniques, whether you are a newbie or advanced. It includes in-depth info on the basics, including tools, many types of skills, techniques, information on color, color theory, mixing colors, and palettes. Beautiful photos throughout the book. Detailed instructions. Breathtaking. A must- have for anyone interested in watercolor, even if just as a hobby.
September 6, 2020
Nice Guide of Watercolor Techniques
If you are already good at drawing or illustration, this book could either introduce you to watercolor techniques or help you practice the skills you already have. Watercolor can be so evocative. It can be exceedingly realistic or have a dreamlike quality... or be anything in between. It can be vibrant or muted. There is a lot of latitude with the medium, and it has special effects that can be only done with it. This book offers a sequential path of learning to provide or deepen watercolor skills.
The book starts with the basics, going over types of paint, brushes, and paper, as well as more generalized art knowledge like color theory, composition, and perspective. The biggest part of the book is the section on techniques, divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced techniques. Beginner techniques include wet-on-dry and wet-on-wet techniques as well as flat, graduated, or variegated washes. Intermediate techniques go further into more complex washes, like granulated or separated. It looks at how to do highlights and work with negative space. The advanced techniques section looks at simplifying what you see, linear perspective, and using other mediums like charcoal or watercolor pencils and pens. The third section moves beyond techniques to the actual subjects that might be painted: landscapes, still life and flowers, and finally portraits, figures, and animals. As you can tell, this goes over a fair amount of information and techniques.
Each technique page has one drawing broken down, showing how it was done layer by layer. If you are an artist or illustrator with an interest in watercolor, you may very well find this book to be useful for you.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
If you are already good at drawing or illustration, this book could either introduce you to watercolor techniques or help you practice the skills you already have. Watercolor can be so evocative. It can be exceedingly realistic or have a dreamlike quality... or be anything in between. It can be vibrant or muted. There is a lot of latitude with the medium, and it has special effects that can be only done with it. This book offers a sequential path of learning to provide or deepen watercolor skills.
The book starts with the basics, going over types of paint, brushes, and paper, as well as more generalized art knowledge like color theory, composition, and perspective. The biggest part of the book is the section on techniques, divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced techniques. Beginner techniques include wet-on-dry and wet-on-wet techniques as well as flat, graduated, or variegated washes. Intermediate techniques go further into more complex washes, like granulated or separated. It looks at how to do highlights and work with negative space. The advanced techniques section looks at simplifying what you see, linear perspective, and using other mediums like charcoal or watercolor pencils and pens. The third section moves beyond techniques to the actual subjects that might be painted: landscapes, still life and flowers, and finally portraits, figures, and animals. As you can tell, this goes over a fair amount of information and techniques.
Each technique page has one drawing broken down, showing how it was done layer by layer. If you are an artist or illustrator with an interest in watercolor, you may very well find this book to be useful for you.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
February 18, 2025
This is a great book for the beginning watercolor artist. A good part of this is devoted to what makes a good composition and understanding perspective. The techniques introduced are vast. Everything from painting wet in wet to washes, lifting, using masking fluid, and adding touches of gouache is explained. Some of the more unusual methods of producing predicted effects include: glazing, scraping, splattering and spattering, using plastic wrap, salt and bleach, as well as inks and watercolor pencil. I think it covers just about anything you might want to try.
What makes this book unusual is the amount and vast variety of the art in the illustrations. A multitude of different artists work is included in the pages. No matter what you might want to try in watercolor, an example is shown.
Something that really surprised me are the many sections titled "Putting it into Practice" where steps are given to complete the amazing artwork that highlights what has been introduced in the text. I've never read an art book before where attempting to copy great art is so encouraged. I think it's wonderful. As I'm sure the author knows, anyone who wants to try these will never be able to go through the steps and exactly recreate the art. It's nice to be able to say to yourself "Wow, I'd like to try to see if I can even come close" and not worry about copyright rules when you are learning.
What makes this book unusual is the amount and vast variety of the art in the illustrations. A multitude of different artists work is included in the pages. No matter what you might want to try in watercolor, an example is shown.
Something that really surprised me are the many sections titled "Putting it into Practice" where steps are given to complete the amazing artwork that highlights what has been introduced in the text. I've never read an art book before where attempting to copy great art is so encouraged. I think it's wonderful. As I'm sure the author knows, anyone who wants to try these will never be able to go through the steps and exactly recreate the art. It's nice to be able to say to yourself "Wow, I'd like to try to see if I can even come close" and not worry about copyright rules when you are learning.
September 15, 2020
This book covered watercolor techniques and tips from beginner to advanced level. They also covered a variety of styles of painting (realistic, abstract, etc.) as well as a variety of subjects (landscape, portrait, etc.). Each technique had some instruction and tips on how to do it, but the main part was a step-by-step project for each technique. This project used the new technique and some previous techniques, and the basic projects were much simpler than the more advanced ones (later in the book). Some of these projects were step-by-step instructions (use this color and this technique to get this result) while other projects were more tips of what to think about or look for in that step (mostly in the advanced section). The focus was solely on watercolor, but they assumed that you could draw very well when it came to the advanced projects. For example, you draw the profile of a person for step one in the portrait "technique" project. The rest of the steps were loosely filling in certain parts of the drawing with watercolor. They did a good job of describing the techniques, providing tips, and choosing interesting projects. Overall, I recommend this book to beginners and intermediate watercolor artists.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 7, 2020
This book is beautiful and filled with so much color. The pros of "Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators" include: different techniques to enhance and create for each level of artist from beginner to advanced; illustrations and near step-by-steps on how to recreate certain works; and techniques that can be reapplied to create your own works. This book also provides "art theory" where you are shown basics such as lines, focal points, shadowing, etc. All that said, I have rated this book three stars because I no absolutely nothing about watercolor painting (I am very familiar with acrylic paints), and while I know considerably more than I did before, I still feel the need to supplement this book with some kind of video instruction/class as I do not feel equipped with the knowledge of how exactly to start painting. There are instructions - such as stretching, wetting the paper and the book provides a basic outline of wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry painting, but it is almost as if you are reading cliff notes on these parts. As a beginner I would have wanted a more thorough overview, but I also understand this book is geared at all levels and not just beginners.
September 10, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Publishers for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.
What a great resource for the watercolor artist! This book covers it all from the basics on materials to concepts like color and perspective. It doesn’t dwell overly long on any one thing or belabor the point.
What a refreshing concept.
As a watercolor artist at an intermediate level, I continue to learn, absorb ideas, and practice, practice, practice. This book covered aspects of landscape, portrait and botanical watercolor painting.
This makes it practical for all artists regardless of their particular style or subject matter. It also included, abstract as well as patterned painting. It touched on other types of watercolor besides cakes and tubes, such as watercolor crayons and pencils. There was a section on correcting common mistakes as well.
The step by step instructions would be very helpful for the beginner. However, as an indexed reference it would be very appropriate for the experienced or professional artist to have in their own reference art library.
What a great resource for the watercolor artist! This book covers it all from the basics on materials to concepts like color and perspective. It doesn’t dwell overly long on any one thing or belabor the point.
What a refreshing concept.
As a watercolor artist at an intermediate level, I continue to learn, absorb ideas, and practice, practice, practice. This book covered aspects of landscape, portrait and botanical watercolor painting.
This makes it practical for all artists regardless of their particular style or subject matter. It also included, abstract as well as patterned painting. It touched on other types of watercolor besides cakes and tubes, such as watercolor crayons and pencils. There was a section on correcting common mistakes as well.
The step by step instructions would be very helpful for the beginner. However, as an indexed reference it would be very appropriate for the experienced or professional artist to have in their own reference art library.
August 30, 2020
If you've ever wanted to get into watercolor painting, this is the book for you. It is the most comprehensive and complete book I've seen on the subject.
It starts with the basics: the tools, color theory&mixing and how to apply the paint. How to observe your subject. Basics of drawing and perspective and planning.
And then it gets into techniques which have a beginner, intermediate and advanced section. Tons and tons of techniques in this book. You can practice one daily or weekly and won't run out for a long, long time.
And my favorite section is all the subjects. From people to pets to cityscapes to abstract to everything in between, this book doesn't spare anything. It has examples, tips, advice and techniques for any subject. It has absolutely beautiful paintings and it makes you want to drop all you're doing and pull out your watercolors.
I cannot recommend it enough.
With gratitude to netgalley and DK for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
It starts with the basics: the tools, color theory&mixing and how to apply the paint. How to observe your subject. Basics of drawing and perspective and planning.
And then it gets into techniques which have a beginner, intermediate and advanced section. Tons and tons of techniques in this book. You can practice one daily or weekly and won't run out for a long, long time.
And my favorite section is all the subjects. From people to pets to cityscapes to abstract to everything in between, this book doesn't spare anything. It has examples, tips, advice and techniques for any subject. It has absolutely beautiful paintings and it makes you want to drop all you're doing and pull out your watercolors.
I cannot recommend it enough.
With gratitude to netgalley and DK for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2020
Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators is a really solid reference for artists. I was impressed by how comprehensive it is.
This book covers a larger range of styles and levels of difficulty and the flow and layout of the book is visually pleasing, clear and easy to follow.
This is fantastic because beginners can select an easier project and move on to more advanced projects as they feel more confident. The more advanced artists have a wealth of information to improve and expand on techniques, a list of what tools are useful or even just a fantastic source of inspiration.
I feel this book would make a fantastic gift for any artist interested in watercolor. I just loved it and I can’t recommend it enough.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
This book covers a larger range of styles and levels of difficulty and the flow and layout of the book is visually pleasing, clear and easy to follow.
This is fantastic because beginners can select an easier project and move on to more advanced projects as they feel more confident. The more advanced artists have a wealth of information to improve and expand on techniques, a list of what tools are useful or even just a fantastic source of inspiration.
I feel this book would make a fantastic gift for any artist interested in watercolor. I just loved it and I can’t recommend it enough.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
November 18, 2023
Like every DK book, this one is very beautiful. It is full of awesome, expressive and vivid watercolor artworks by 19 different painters from all over the world. It covers almost every topic related to watercolor medium, ranging from choice of brushes and tools, painting skills to various techniques and approaches of particular subjects matters.
Well-written, engaging and useful to a certain extent. I think this book can serve as a good reference guidebook to watercolorists with intermediate ability. But for beginners, it is not really suitable as it lacks understandable step-by-step instructions. In fact, this book does have step-by-step guide, but this guide seems not really practical.
Well-written, engaging and useful to a certain extent. I think this book can serve as a good reference guidebook to watercolorists with intermediate ability. But for beginners, it is not really suitable as it lacks understandable step-by-step instructions. In fact, this book does have step-by-step guide, but this guide seems not really practical.
August 19, 2024
A bit conflicted on how to review this but...
--> Was a great book for me, as someone who has recently started learning how to paint with watercolours.
-This was good in that it showed me a great range of watercolour techniques and opened my eyes to the possibilities of what can be done with watercolour.
- Great range of styles and exposed me to some good artists to look into (loooove the art of Yong Hong Zhong)
-The first chapter was great
HOWEVER...
Oftentimes I found the text accompanying tutorials didn't match or explain all that well, and it kinda sucked the excitement out of it a bit for me...
-There were also a couple of typos
But anyway. All in all, could have been better, but I definitely found it worth having a look through, if not reading all of it
--> Was a great book for me, as someone who has recently started learning how to paint with watercolours.
-This was good in that it showed me a great range of watercolour techniques and opened my eyes to the possibilities of what can be done with watercolour.
- Great range of styles and exposed me to some good artists to look into (loooove the art of Yong Hong Zhong)
-The first chapter was great
HOWEVER...
Oftentimes I found the text accompanying tutorials didn't match or explain all that well, and it kinda sucked the excitement out of it a bit for me...
-There were also a couple of typos
But anyway. All in all, could have been better, but I definitely found it worth having a look through, if not reading all of it
August 12, 2020
This book is amazing for learning watercolor techniques!
My daughters love painting and they were enthralled by going through the book and the great wealth of information found within it.
I think anyone can master the art of watercolors by poring over the contents of this book and trying out the different techniques for themselves. The amount of in depth knowledge found in this book is impressive!
I love the way they have explained everything so meticulously- started from the basics of painting and gradually moved on to the more complicated techniques.
Thank you to the artists, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader’s copy for an honest review.
My daughters love painting and they were enthralled by going through the book and the great wealth of information found within it.
I think anyone can master the art of watercolors by poring over the contents of this book and trying out the different techniques for themselves. The amount of in depth knowledge found in this book is impressive!
I love the way they have explained everything so meticulously- started from the basics of painting and gradually moved on to the more complicated techniques.
Thank you to the artists, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader’s copy for an honest review.
December 31, 2023
The very best water color instructional book I’ve used, and I have quite a collection! Start at the beginning or jump to a specific technique chapter, it’s helpful either way. The instructions are clear, the images bright and steps well illustrated. I pick this up often to refresh my memory or practice a technique.
September 26, 2020
Great book! I love watercolor but I'm still a beginner. This books teaches you everything you need to know about watercolor and all the techniques for beginners, intermediates and advancers. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
June 28, 2021
Very helpful
Lots of great info with good step- by step illustrations. The color detail is most instructive to see exactly which colors the artist lays out on the palette. This is a book I’ll be purchasing soon.
Lots of great info with good step- by step illustrations. The color detail is most instructive to see exactly which colors the artist lays out on the palette. This is a book I’ll be purchasing soon.
September 5, 2020
I have not used water colour in ages but this did remind me of techniques I for got and showed me new one . It did get me using watercolour again.
March 11, 2021
Wow. Beautiful book, great for inspiration. Definitely professional level, but still fun to explore.
April 12, 2021
Absolutely brilliant. Will come back to it again and again.
December 28, 2022
Great book! Wide range of techniques and how to use them. Good book for a beginner or someone who is wanting to improve their watercolor skills.
October 21, 2023
A wonderful reference book with numerous priceless but simple tips.
December 14, 2020
Great "toolbox" for watercolor enthusiast!
Excellence overview of watercolor techniques. The presentation of each one is beautiful, concise, and easy to grasp. This can be used as a reference guide for enthusiasts.
Excellence overview of watercolor techniques. The presentation of each one is beautiful, concise, and easy to grasp. This can be used as a reference guide for enthusiasts.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews