Mastering Light in Watercolor: 25 Stunning Projects That Explore Painting Sunsets, Nighttime Scenes, Sunny Landscapes, and More

by Kolbie Blume

Capture the Beauty of Light in Gorgeous Watercolor Scenes

From a lonely mountain highway bathed in midday sun and glittering city lights reflecting off a calm ocean, to a haunted house peeking out of early morning mist and a winter sunset illuminating a snowy forest, this brilliant collection of watercolor masterpieces is an essential primer on representing light in all its varied forms.

Artist and author Kolbie Blume breaks complex concepts into easily grasped steps, so that anyone―even beginners―can paint vibrant scenes full of light and luminance. Paintings like Ancient Glow, Twilight Seas and Magic in the Fields allow you to master everything from bright afternoon sunlight and glowing golden hour beams to shimmering starlight and magical misty dawn. Each gorgeous painting teaches you new tricks and techniques to beautifully represent outdoor scenes during any time of the day.

Kolbie’s thoughtful, easy-to-follow instructions make it simple to harness color and light in watercolor paintings transforming everyday scenes into something extraordinary.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Michmuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite hard to figure out which photos match which steps. The paragraph text is bigger than the photos and there wasn't any labeling to say this photo is step 2a/b/c/d. It would have been better to split the instructions into more steps and then put little circles on the photos to highlight.
I am used to other books especially from search press splitting out 10-20 steps and they are much easier to follow than this one

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mastering Light in Watercolor... The explanations and process images leave much to the imagination. Projects are all very similar methods: sketch design, apply masking fluid, paint, layer with deeper paint, then remove mask and paint some more. I guess I was just expecting some variety of example projects and methods of painting. It was just okay, not inspiring.

[Juliet Checketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book for anyone wanting to learn how to paint light with watercolour. Kolbie breaks down the different light zones and provides step by step pictures and instructions for each piece. I like that there is variety in the pieces too, it's pushing me as an artist to try something new! Great book, highly recommend.

[SkyGrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!!!

The projects are “Stunning” and easy to follow along with Kolbie. I totally hear her talking to me as I’ve watched so many of her videos. Definitely a fan! Really loved this book! Thanks Kolbie for all you do for artists!

[Rosalie Haizlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful, encouraging book from Kolbie! So many fun projects in here.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful art book is great for anyone wanting to try watercolor or get better at it. She makes it really accessible while providing some therapeutic encouragement along the way!