Watercolor Tricks & Techniques: 75 New and Classic Painting Secrets

by Cathy Johnson

Add life, color, texture and individuality to your work! If you're ready to go beyond the basics, and see what watercolor can "really" do, this is the book for you! Inside, a wealth of "creative departures" will take you out of your comfort zone, making the difference between pigment on paper and original, expressive works of art.

Updated and better than ever, this edition of "Watercolor Tricks & Techniques" features:


30+ new watercolor materials and applications along with fresh insights on many tried-and-true techniques
15 step-by-step demonstrations showing techniques in action for beautiful finished paintings
3 possibility-packed sections–Liquid Aids, Dry Helpers and Indispensable Tools–exploring the possibilities of powdered pigments, granulating mediums, liquid mask, Yupo paper and much more
Whether you're an advanced beginner ready to add a little zing to your repertoire or a seasoned painter looking to push your watercolor boundaries, this book will make the journey as exciting as the final destination.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Drawing

160 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

sometimes known as Kate, has worked as a naturalist, writer, and freelance artist for the past 30 years, and was staff naturalist and contributing editor for Country Living magazine for 11 years. She is a contributing editor to the Artist’s Magazine and Watercolor Magic and has had a regular column in Personal Journaling magazine, where she wrote on a subject she feels passionately about -- realizing the importance of creativity in our lives. She has written and illustrated -- her own work and that of others -- for a number of national magazines, including Science Digest, Harrowsmith Country Life, Sports Afield, Country Journal, Muzzlelader, Women's History, Early American Life, Sketchbook, Woodworker, Woman’s Day, Threads, Mother Earth News, National Wildlife Magazine, Sierra and additional magazines listed on the writer page. Her writing and artwork has been included in a number of nature anthologies and art books.

(from http://cathyjohnson.info/biography.html)

Reviews

[Parka · Rating 4 out of 5]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

This book has an interesting design. It's spiral-bound with a cover that can be attached together to make the book stand - like a spiral-bound calendar. I guess you can read this book while you're watercolour painting at the same time.

Most of the tricks and techniques are one page descriptions on how you can use various materials with watercolour. A lot of unusual and unexpected materials are featured. Some examples include using alcohol, soap, liquid mask, salt, plastic wrap, crayon and other tools like erasers, sponges, wax, etc. The book's goal is probably to encourage experimentation of all these different mediums.

However, not all the new mediums featured come with actual application on a painting. Some of the examples are just quick splashes to show the possibilities and effects you can achieve.

The techniques-side of the book is not much. There are way more tricks and too few short demonstrations. It does talk about the usual techniques like glazing, wet-on-wet, etc, but again, it's missing the process between the tool and the finished work. And the examples don't look particularly inspiring, which is surprising because Cathy Johnson is a artist with lots of beautiful paintings.

There are interesting ideas and tricks in the book, but if you're looking for more techniques, you should look for dedicated watercolour instructional art books.

[John Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for the beginner

Lots of tips on use of materials. Would have liked a little more in-depth demos and maybe some composition tips.

[Sharon Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned many tips from this book, one of which added a whole new theme to my list of paintings that I can undertake with confidence. I am so pleased. A must read for all watercolorists .

Whether a beginner or an accomplished painter, something can be learned by reading this book. And for the beginner, the mini paintings depicting the tips are extremely helpful. I will be rereading this book and referencing. It for individual techniques for years to come.

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-told how-to book. I love the step-by-step illustrations and photos. Great book.

[JJay Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on watercolor! Would recommend it to anyone who wants more than initial instruction.