Watercolor: A Beginner's Guide

by Elizabeth Horowitz

A foundation course for the novice watercolor painter, Watercolor, A Beginner’s Guide keeps both subject matter and instructions simple enough for any beginner to follow – from young student to retired people trying their hand at art for the first time. Easy, enjoyable exercises encourage readers to work at their own pace an develop their own style. Examples of beginners’ art run throughout the book, showing readers how novices like themselves have succeeded in creating charming watercolor paintings.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for beginners.

[Crash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is good book. I got it from the library and it was one that I renewed and worked from. For reference my skill level when taking it out was rank beginner. The exercises are explained fairly well and some of the early ones are definitely accessible to the absolute beginner trying things at home without an instructor. One of my favorite things was the student gallery shown after many exercises showing a range of expected results from the best students who are nearly as impressive as the instructor to the average students. I took away a couple of stars for having some more advanced exercises without showing absolute beginners how to work up to them and for the common issue of some small reference pictures.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good techniques, ideas. One word, every author has their own favorite types of paints, paper and brushes. What one author names as a color may not be the same name in a different book. I think this is more of when the book was written, as some paint names may not still be used. I tend to go by the "it looks close to me" philosophy when painting one of their pictures and using my paint. It mostly works out.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good basic information. A book to work .

[Cameron Toney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a pretty technical guide to watercolor, with an emphasis on a particular kind of realism. I wasn't grabbed by the lessons, but the information is very comprehensive!

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An EXCELLENT book! Got this at the Lake Arrowhead (Blue Jay) Library, and I may have to buy it!

Didn't really understand dry brush technique until now; it's true, leaving miskit on over a week makes it stick to the paper; her "Yellow Interior", using liquid mask / miskit / friskit is masterful the more I look at it; don't understand HOW she painted "Paris, La Seine"; using a sponge on trees ("don't overdo it" ): her water looks like some of Van Gogh's oils; and the Aniskina girls are better than, well, I hate to say the teacher, but there it is. This book covers it all. Ms. Horowitz is a little simplistic in her finished product, but then I don't have so much to live up to! She covers ALL the techniques, carefully, and then some.

[Cortney Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned how to paint a pretty good tree if I do say so myself from this book. I loved all the suggestions and helpful tips. This is one of those books I'm going to have to buy cause I keep renewing it from the library because I don't want to give it back!! This book breaks things down in a understandable way for anyone who wants to watercolor paint. Great teaching book!!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very nice intro to watercolor painting. The author provides various exercises to demo different techniques. She provides a supply list of materials useful for her exercises, which is very helpful for the true beginner. I borrowed this from the library but will consider purchasing the book so I can have it as a reference.

[scherzo♫ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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