Watercolours or pastels Books

Book SynopsisThis portfolio contains fifty watercolor prints and an accompanying hardback book that celebrates architectural drawings from Skurman Architects.This portfolio contains 50 watercolor prints and an accompanying hardback book. These architectural drawings come from the San Francisco office of Skurman Architects, founded by Andrew Skurman in 1992, which is known for the elegance of its work in the different classical styles. Accompanied by a text explaining the context of the projects and photographs showing the richness of the finished buildings, the drawings have been printed as separate sheets which can be taken out and unfolded, for close study or so that they can be framed and displayed. Showing some of the most luxurious private houses in the United States and beyond, these watercolor elevations are a tribute to the clients who commissioned such beautiful dwellings, whether in the city, the suburbs or on large plots in the country. Drawing is the essence of architecture, expressing the architect’s ideas in as clear a manner as possible. Skurman Architects'' drawings are as clear as they are beautiful. Shape and proportion are expressed in their purest form. The included prints: 21 prints. 270mm x 270mm.; 18 prints. 270mm x 540mm.; 8 prints. 270mm x 810mm.; 3 prints. 270mm x 1080mm. Overall portfolio size is 287mm (h) x 287mm (w) x 50mm (d) .

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Book Synopsis'This is an extraordinary book.' Review of Jean Haines' Atmospheric Watercolours in The Artist Magazine 'It simply dazzles on the page and makes you want to grab your brushes and get going straight away.' Review of Jean Haines' Atmospheric Watercolours in The Leisure Painter Jean Haines is arguably one of the world’s most accomplished and inspirational artists, and in this, her fifth book, she explores one of her most beloved subjects - flowers. Taking inspiration from her own beautiful garden in the English countryside where she lives, Jean takes you on an artistic journey that not only teaches you how to create gorgeous paintings, but also shares with you the joy to be gained from the simple act of painting flowers. In this beautiful book, Jean explains with passion and enthusiasm how to loosen up your painting style and include just enough detail in your paintings to portray the essence of flowers, bringing them to life on the paper and infusing them with vibrancy and energy. She shares unreservedly the materials and techniques she uses, provides a wealth of expert tips and advice, and guides you step-by-step through numerous studies and projects. Throughout the book there are many glorious examples of Jean’s paintings of a dazzling variety of flowers, providing an abundance of inspiration for artists of all abilities. Jean uses Daniel Smith materials in this book but other materials can be used to achieve similar results. Trade ReviewJean uses watercolour about as loosely as it's possible to do so and her paintings have an almost iridescent quality that celebrates colour, atmosphere and life. Her flowers shimmer in the light and seem almost to possess movement. There are demonstrations, but they are not at the heart of the project - this book is about learning to see and how to communicate beauty and vision. -- The SAA * The SAA Catalogue 19/20 *'Jean is very good at explaining her working methods, so the lessons and demonstrations are admirably clear.' 'The essence of not just flower, but species is retained and you get the sense of a plant growing in the wild, dancing in the breeze and seen with the lack of distinction brought on by distance. When Jean is painting figures, it’s natural to say that she captures character and soul. While that’s not such an obvious factor with flowers, it’s hard not to make the comparison. This is what flowers are about more than what they are.' Read the full review here. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *Jean Haines just gets better and better. There have been hints for some time of what's here - subjects that appear as if out of a mist, painted with washes that are so wet they're practically tinctures. If the techniques look like magic, the results certainly are. Not everyone is going to want to paint like this. These are flowers as you've never seen them - indistinct semi-abstract shapes and colours that tell you nothing about structure, little about form and everything about appearance. Jean is a very spiritual painter (she's written about using painting as an aid to mindfulness) and this is a book about painting your emotional response to a popular subject she understands perfectly. If flowers have soul, Jeans has captured it. Although there are demonstrations here, they are short, because details of technique are not important. What matters is to understand your subject, and Jean does intimately. -- Henry Malt * The Artist, October 2018 *Already as a child, the artist loved flowers and studied their coloring, the variety of shapes and the seasonal changes. Through intense observation of nature and, of course, through exercises as often as possible, she was able to achieve masterful expressive power in the course of her career. Like any good instructional book, it begins by listing the materials she uses, such as paints, brushes, paper, and other useful things. Many tips about working with neat pigments and water help to understand why Jean Haine's watercolours are so vibrant and expressive. Numerous step-by-step instructions follow arranged according to colours and seasons. The extraordinary feature of this book is the lovingly worded accompanying text which reveals the painter's passion for nature that has grown over many decades. In many exercises, you will perfect the art of omission and abstraction, the harmonious use of colour and learn to add excitement to a picture. Summary: “Atmospheric Flowers” is at the same time a textbook and a relaxing reading book for all art lovers. Especially for the advanced painter, Jean Haines offers an inexhaustible source of inspiration, useful tips and painting instructions. After a thorough study of text and pictures, you will be able to improve and develop your own style. Novices can enjoy very personal text contributions and the variety of lively, expressive watercolours by Jean Haines. -- Nina Hartmann * www.kreativereview.blogspot.com *Jean Haines is an amazing painter. Her watercolours are about as far from representation you can get without venturing into abstraction, yet they capture the essence of her subjects perfectly. These are not flowers for the botanist - theres almost no detail and they appear as if out of the mist, shimmering, even moving in the light. Jean's interest is in colours and shapes and how these can be manipulated to reveal not just the appearance of her subjects but their spirit. These flowers are not specimens on a page but living entities that suprise and delight. It's impossible not to feel uplifted by them. To help you achieve this, Jean includes discussions about her subjects, as well as exercises that help you get to grips with her personal way of working. You'll kearn not just to paint, but to see, observe and understand. You may have gathered that I'm a fan. I love how Jean creates not just an image but a way of expressing your inner feelings and soul of your subject. * SAA Paint *Table of ContentsAuthor’s welcome Introduction Why paint flowers? The bare necessities Materials All about colour Seeds of ideas First steps Simply blue The point of no return To Bee or Not to Bee Painting white flowers Simplifying complicated shapes Standing tall Taking flight with white Seasons of life Spring Primroses Daffodils Bluebells Summer Roses Sweet Pea Sunflowers Autumn Winter The journey Using our imagination A change in direction Abstract impressions Going for gold Thinking outside the box

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBased on the premise that good art is founded on good observation, Liz encourages you to sketch what you see wherever you are. Basic watercolour techniques, as well as ideas for more experienced watercolourists are included along with plenty of step by step demonstrations and of course, the book is full of Liz's delightful watercolours of birds. Whether you read it from cover to cover or dip into it, Liz provides you with the tools and ideas to turn your observations into paintings. -- painters-online.co.uk * painters-online.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisJ.M.W. Turner's elegant pencil sketches and watercolours of Venice are so poignant and evocative that the gentle sound of water lapping against gondolas can almost be heard when looking at them. In this beautiful selection, Ian Warrell employs the very finest examples of Turner's Venetian studies to either guide your next visit or awaken your memories of trips past. Join Turner as he progresses through the city, beginning at St. Mark's Basilica with the Campanile towering above and the coral-coloured exterior of the Doge's Palace. Drift onward toward the Bridge of Sighs and take a detour past the Hotel Europa where Turner preferred to stay. Travel onwards past the Giardini Reali, the Punta della Dogana and Santa Maria della Salute on your way to San Giorgio Maggiore and the Accademia. Drift away from the bustling markets around the Rialto on the Grand Canal heading toward the Frari and the Scuola di San Rocco, demonstrating the inspiration taken from Venetian masters such as Tintoretto and Veronese.

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Book SynopsisEven if you have never picked up a paintbrush before, professional watercolour teacher and artist Stephen Coates will show you how to paint lakes and rivers in watercolour using just three brushes, three colours, a plastic palette and a watercolour pad. Using just red, blue and yellow paint Stephen shows you how to paint nine realistic watercolour scenes. There is no off-putting colour theory or long-winded mixing information, just a practical absolute beginner’s course that shows the three colours in action. Build your skills through each of the nine easy paintings, starting from the simplest of scenes and ending with a more challenging, stunning picture you’ll be proud to have painted. There are step-by-step photographs for each project, clear instruction and advice throughout, and handy tips and jargon busters. Each of Stephen’s finished paintings is shown at full size for easy reference, which you can even use to trace from for a stress-free painting experience. This is a straightforward, economical, practical progressive course to painting lakes and river scenes in watercolour. Stephen uses the following paints and brushes in this book: Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolours - Raw Sienna, Light Red and Ultramarine. Brushes - Proarte Series 101 round size 2, Series 101 round size 8, Proarte 3/4inch Mini hake flat goat hair brush. Trade ReviewTo build anew, you first have to take apart what was there and this delightful book will help you see the world through fresh eyes. * Paint Magazine *From the oopular Take Three Colours series comes Stephen's Coate's Water Lakes & Rivers. Using just three colours- red,blue and yellow- Stephen shows us how to paint lakes and rivers in watercolour. And it's not just the colours that are limited: a plastic palette and watercolour pad and three brushes are all you need to begin. The projects have been carefully chosen so that even the most novice painter will be able to achieve encouraging results straight away. Clear step-by-step photographs cover each stage of the process and the finished paintings are shown full size so that you can trace over them to further ease your journey. * Leisure Painter *Take 3 Colours is a brilliantly simple idea that’s been brilliantly presented. All of the authors so far have understood the brief impeccably and Stephen Coates is no exception. The strapline is “3 colours, 3 brushes, 9 easy projects” and it’s not just a superb way to get started with painting, but also an approach that strips your technique back to essentials if you’re feeling it’s got just too complicated and that you may be over-working. -- Henry Malt * Art Book Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Using the colours 8 Using the brushes 10 Projects - Derwent Water 12 - Swans on The Broads 16 - Highland Lake 21 - Autumn Trees by the Riverside 26 - Eilean Donan Castle 32 - River Tweed in Winter 38 - River Brathay 43 - Bridge over the Stream 49 - Brograve Windmill 56 Transferring a drawing 64

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Book SynopsisThe man behind the paintings: the extraordinary life of J. M. W Turner, one of Britain''s most admired, misunderstood and celebrated artistsJ. M. W. Turner is Britain''s most famous landscape painter. Yet beyond his artistic achievements, little is known of the man himself and the events of his life: the tragic committal of his mother to a lunatic asylum, the personal sacrifices he made to effect his stratospheric rise, and the bizarre double life he chose to lead in the last years of his life.A near mythical figure in his own lifetime, Franny Moyle tells the story of the man who was considered visionary at best and ludicrous at worst. A resolute adventurer, he found new ways of revealing Britain to the British, astounding his audience with his invention and intelligence. Set against the backdrop of the finest homes in Britain, the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, this is an astonishing portrait of one of the most important figures in Western art and a vivid evocation of Britain and Europe in flux.Trade ReviewMoyle's superb biography rigorously tackles the myths surrounding Turner's life and presents a vivid portrait of a man whose ideas and behaviour were rooted in the 18th century - and whose work is too often taken out of context * Mail on Sunday *An exemplary work... Moyle explores the whole of his long life, expertly charting the artist's development from his precocious conquering of the Royal Academy to his late, experimental paintings.Moyle is especially good at delineating Turner's artistic methods and her enthralling account is filled with an impressive understanding of his unique talent. -- Ian Critchley * Sunday Times *A thorough, balanced and wonderfully fluent account. Franny Moyle [is] one of the best in the long line of [Turner's] biographersOne of Turner's many achievements was to paint Britain in all its moods ... and show his peers the real nature and variety of their own country. In her immaculate biography Moyle has done something similar with the man himself. -- Michael Prodger * Times *Fresh and lively ... Turner's life is given a vivid colour and depth as Moyle deftly interweaves his professional career with his private life. Moyle writes with sensitivity about individual pictures and series, and is good at explaining the context -- Jenny Uglow * BBC History Magazine *Elegant and thorough.Moyle's superb evocation of these aspects of her subject allows us to see Turner less as the "misunderstood genius" who moved in a sphere untouched by the realities of the day, and "more as an arch manipulator and central player in the great game of art that evolved across the late 18th and 19th centuries, a man praised to the hilt by a great many of his contemporaries [who] acknowledged his significance in the creation of the idea of the independent artist".It is to Moyle's credit that she is able to make this persuasive case while narrating Turner's life with verve, intelligence and insight, and while bringing to life the world in which he lived with care and subtlety. This is a biography that leaves you with a fresh impression of both Turner and his time. It frees its subjects from myth, and imbues them with the quality of wonder. -- Matthew Adams * I News *Moyle is good on Turner's momentous times, interweaving history, the history of art and the public's attitude toward art. -- Claudia Fitzherbert * Telegraph *It is hard, on one level, to believe his sublime canvases ... come with a character attached at all. But Moyle tells the human story well in a book of rigorous scholarship and beauty.She offers an earthy, warts-and-all depiction of the Romantic master JMW Turner that is shaped by the dogged realism of a low-born man who had an exceptional artistic vision.This is well written and meticulously researched.All we once had left of Turner were his paintings, now we have another vibrant biography to commemorate his art, and where it took us. -- Lorraine Courtenay * Irish Independent *Franny Moyle tells a compelling story of a self-taught prodigy... A restless painter who always sought new forms of expression in watercolour and oils.Moyle is an unpretentious art historian, and she has written an inviting and easily digested biography of the best of British painters -- Stephen Fay * Economist *Of the two recent books on Turner, Moyle's is the more satisfying, not least because it allows for the intimacy of reading. Less is more when it comes to biography - and Moyle gives Turner's restless life a perspective and a frame -- Frances Wilson * New Statesman *Very well researched . . . Moyle achieves an unusual level of empathy * Time Out (on 'Desperate Romantics') *Moyle's art-historical perceptions make this detailed and beautifully balanced biography a compelling read... Turner emerges from it larger... revealed as a man of his moment -- Brian Morton * Scottish Herald *The words on the page offer views every bit as captivating as Turner's ageless panoramas * Big Issue *A fat, satisfying popular history of the man who was arguably Britain's greatest painter * Financial Review *Miss Moyle tells a very good story. She is sound on the art without allowing art historicism toweigh her down. She is also excellent on the complicated politics of the Royal Academy. We get a feel for the man in all his cantankerousness and eccentricity, but she also brings out the humour and -at least after he had made his own fortune-the generosity, especially towards his fellow artists -- Huon Mallalieu * Country Life *Moyle is consistently perceptive about Turner's work, especially the way in which he sought to portray both what he could see in front of him and what he couldn't see - things like air and space. Her narrative is as colourful as it is pacy. -- John Preston * Daily Mail *What Ruskin misses, but Moyle writes about so persuasively, is Turner's ambition -- Laura Freeman * Mail on Sunday *Moyle is excellent at establishing these stylistic contexts. ... her art-historical perceptions are what make this detailed and beautifully balanced biography so compelling a read. It's rare that one finishes a modern biography feeling that the subject has been enhanced and not merely dissected. McKern and Spall can step aside. The real Turner is onstage * Herald *

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Book SynopsisCaptures some of the famous scenes of London from St Pancras Station to the Barbican, from the Thames Barrier to parliament Square.

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Book SynopsisWatercolour is a difficult medium to master, and even experienced artists are prone to making mistakes. Over the years he has spent working as a professional artist and demonstrator, Charles Evans has built up a huge bank of expert advice, tricks, tips and techniques for fixing common watercolour problems, correcting mistakes, and learning how to avoid them in the first place. These problems include how to remove ‘cauliflowers’, avoiding or fixing water spillages, preventing colours from bleeding into one another, making distant hills look, well, distant, and making less muddy colour mixes. Each problem is one that Charles is commonly asked to solve, (such as My trees look like lollipops), followed by Charles' solution, and a short demonstration of how to prevent the problem occurring next time you paint.Trade ReviewExperienced watercolourist, Charles Evans brings us a first-aid kit with his new book, Charles Evans' Watercolour Rescue. Building on his wealth of experience, and answering frequently asked questions from his students, Charles offers tips and techniques on how to fix common watercolour problems and offers how to avoid them in the first place. Whether it's correcting muddy watercolour, removing 'cauliflowers' or preventing colours from bleeding into one another, Charles has the answer and a short demonstration to show how to prevent the problem occurring in future. * Leisure Painter *The history of art publishing is littered with hints and tips books, Q&A guides and troubleshooters. This is not dissimilar to all those approaches, but comes with a reassuring title and the provenance of a popular and established tutor. Charles’ reputation rightly precedes him. The first thing to say is that this is much more than just a lazy rehash of what has been done before, which my earlier description might have suggested. The implication in the title that things can and do go wrong is an honest one and we’re starting from a point which doesn’t pretend the opposite. What really marks the book out as different, though, is that the “mistakes” aren’t just cartoon versions painted deliberately badly to make a point. In fact, just glancing through, you might wonder what exactly the problem is. This is because not everything is wrong at once. That inharmonious landscape looks relatively acceptable until Charles points out that the blue used for the water is too deep. The revised version, using slightly less pigment is better, but not the game changer you’ll usually find in this kind of book. There are 75 suggestions in this pocket-sized book, which has a nicely soft cover that makes reading without breaking the spine easy. None occupies more than 4 pages, and frequently less. It’s succinct – identify, analyse, get out. Where the sections are longer, a little more work is required and there may be half a dozen or so stages. For the most part, it’s a simple fix, largely because the error (if we can call it that) is relatively minor. You could, I suppose, pack this with your painting kit and take it on location with you. Whether you really pull out a portable library on your travels, I doubt. I think the best approach would be to keep it by your chair or bed and dip into it. You’ll have plenty of “oh, that’s where I’m going wrong” moments and simply not make that mistake again. You might even get some ideas for new approaches as well. It’s fun, and there’s nothing wrong with that. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *With all books on troubleshooting, the elephant in the room is the 'wrong' image. Too often, it's a caricature that no-one, even a complete beginner picking up a brush for the first time, would produce. In this compact guide, Charles has hit the sweet spot so perfectly that it's sometimes hard to figure out what's actually wrong and you need to look, rather, for what's not quite right. Does that sound familiar? Welcome to the real world. Charles is an experienced author and demonstrator and knows how to talk up, rather than down, to both aspiring and experienced artists. Here, he analyses many common problem areas, such as unconvincing trees, working from photographs, getting water to look like water and simply creating form and depth. This is a book that's entirely relatable and works with real-world areas of difficulty rather than problems manufactured for a convenient appearance on the page. -- Henry Malt * The Artist, February 2023 *Each one of Charles’s tips and tricks are so useful to know and help us through painting with watercolour. Having been a fan of Charles for many years, it is great to have his problem solving and help in a book. This is such a great book that I will be returning to again and again to find a solution to a watercolour problem and look for tips and tricks for watercolour painting. It is so clearly laid out and explained in such a good, clear way that the advice can be applied easily. Colour mixing, composition, reflections, painting clouds, shapes are but a few of the subjects of his 70 tips and tricks. Simplifying a painting is one of Charles’s recommendations that really resonates with me as I can often over paint a subject! I will be reading his book again and again, and will definitely be recommending it to my arty friends. Thanks for this, what a gem! -- Melanie Bettridge * Customer Review *I love this book, great quality, it has a strong wipe clean cover for any of those little mishaps. The book is easy to follow, it addresses the problem and gives a good explanation of how it can be fixed as well as alternative options too. Ideal book if you are struggling with a certain area or just want to give your picture that extra lift. Highly recommended. -- Liz Pib * Customer Review *This is an extremely useful book. I took up watercolour painting when covid first kicked off and found it to be a rewarding and, at times, frustrating hobby. I wish I'd had this book from the start to help me through some of the problems. It is written in a straightforward, no-nonsense way with plenty of step-by-step illustrations. If you are about to try watercolour painting for the first time the information on which, and how many, brushes and paints to buy will most probably save you more than the cost of the book. Charles Evans also has some instructional videos to paint along with on YouTube which are very good and full of sound advice. I can't recommend this book highly enough. * Customer Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Where to get help 8 Equipment 10 Techniques and composition 32 Colour mixing and water control 46 Achieving realism... ... in nature 62 ... in buildings and structures 100 Endgame 122 Index 128

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Book SynopsisCreative Watercolor offers beginners a fun, modern, and practical approach to a timeless medium with instructions on how to paint simple motifs, create elegant lettering, and embellish projects beautifully. Popular watercolor artist and workshop instructor Ana Victoria Calderon shares her step-by-step techniques for painting modern designs in this classic medium. All the fundamentals needed to get started in watercolor are here, allowing you to quickly learn how to create beautiful watercolor paintings. Through a series of easy tutorials and projects, you will: Discover basic materials and tools, plus options for embellishing your paintings Master essential techniques, starting with easy warm-up activities. Then, learn to layer, and get into the flow with watercolor Get an introduction to scanning and digital editing for making multiples Paint a variety of simple, beautiful designs: flowers and leaves, butterflies and critters, fruits and vegetables, and delightful lettering Use what you’ve learned to create unique, stylish stationery, including beautiful invitations, place cards, menus, monograms, recipe gift cards, thank you notes—any project you can imagine, for any kind of event you can think of! There’s never been a better time to dive into the world of watercolor, so why wait? Grab a brush and get painting! Perfect for all skill levels, the books in the Art for Modern Makers series take a fun, practical approach to learning about and working with paints and other art mediums to create beautiful DIY projects and crafts.

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Book SynopsisA classic medium, watercolor is practiced by many but mastered by few. This accessible and clear workbook is both a practical guide and an informative history. Beginning with a "1-day course," the chapters cover technique, equipment, general theory, painting plein air, and conservation. The authors also examine the work of watercolor masters, among them Claude Lorrain, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, John Constable, J. M. W. Turner, and John Ruskin. Each chapter includes photographs and helpful examples of works in progress, explanations of methods, and how-to demonstra tions. Designed for those who have not picked up a paintbrush since high-school art class as well as more seasoned practitioners, this guide is a must-have for anyone who wants to start out in watercolors, become a more assured and better artist, or simply gain a new understanding of the great watercolorists.

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Book SynopsisBilly Showell is a well-respected contemporary artist whose watercolour flower portraits have earned her the respect of watercolour artists all over the world. Worked to the same degree of accuracy as traditional botanical paintings, Billy's compositions are given a more contemporary twist, combining her unique eye for design with her love of flowers. In this book, 40 flower portraits are presented, arranged in alphabetical order, each one accompanied by small studies, details, step-by-step instructions and the colour mixes used to accomplish the finished work. At the start of the book there are useful sections on the materials and equipment needed and the main techniques used, including wet-into-wet, colour blending, lifting out, layering glazes, dry brushing and colour mixing, and at the end of the book Billy gives her own unique slant on composition and discusses the importance of creating a sketchbook. Whether you love to paint, or simply love flowers, this book will delight and inspire you.Trade ReviewBilly shows you how to complete beautiful flower portraits with the same degree of accuracy as traditional botanical paintings but with a unique contemporary feel. Guiding you through 40 flower portraits, each one is accompanied by small studies, details, colour mixes and step-by-step instructions. -- The SAA * The SAA Catalogue 19/20 *Dec 10 If you want to paint professional and attractive botanical pictures of flowers, here is a good place to start. Ms Showell’s earlier book on Watercolor Fruit and Vegetable Portraits (also reviewed on this site) showed how lovely even the humble spud could look when transformed into the sort of painting you could encounter in a priceless 18th century book. Now this talented artist turns her hand to flower painting, and it is time to get those watercolors out once again. Actually you can also find my review of Watercolour Flower Portraits in our archives as well, so prepare for more beautiful floral studies. Search Press is not known for their hardcover books but this is one, which will perhaps give you a clue that this is going to be something special. I love the way the flowers look so three-dimensional against the starkness of the white paper, and if your watercolors manage to look insipid then this is one lesson you can learn from this book to start with. There is good advice about composition, keeping a sketchbook and of course what to buy as well as mastering techniques such as wet-in-wet, color mixing, masking etc. Of course much of this is common to watercolor painting of any type, but I liked how it was all applied to florals with plenty of examples. Here too is advice on veining your leaves; painting fine hairs on stems, creating realistic water droplets and what colors you need to buy for flower painting. The flowers chosen are all garden favourites, ranging from traditional roses and lilies to daffodils and fritillaries, as well as yuccas, pitcher plants and quesnelia. Each project features a large, whole page study of the bloom along with a pencil sketch of part of it with some color added. There are instructions (not the type with staged photographs but just in writing) as well as a color swatch of all the paints you need to buy and what they look like mixed into the relevant shades. A short piece about the flowers together with the artist’s own reason for choosing them completes the entry, making it eminently suitable for all those watercolorists who have progressed beyond beginner primers and are wanting something more intermediate and relevant to their chosen subject. This is also just a lovely book to gaze at, a celebration of flowers and a handsome addition to bookshelves (and coffee tables) everywhere. Highly recommended. * Myshelf.com *Oct 10 Billy Showell approaches her subjects with the same level of accuracy as botanical artists. Her flowers are meticulous and realistic, but infused with her distinctive sense of design to give them a modern twist. This book gives information on materials and equipment needed, as well as clear instructions on the main techniques used, including wet-in-wet, laying glazes, dry brushing, lifting out, using body colour, masking and creating texture and pattern. There are details on colour mixing and on how to get the best out of brushes as well as insights into composition ideas and on keeping a sketchbook. There are also detailed step-by-step instructions showing how to paint 40 specific flower portraits, each accompanied by small studies, including a colour swatch illustrating the palette and paint mixes used for the work. Billy Showell's fans will need no further recommendation. If you are new to her work, you will be delighted at the clarity of instruction, the delicacy and vibrancy of the paintings, and the invaluable advice and inspiration this book offers. * Artist, The *Oct 10 Following her successful volumes on flowers, fruit and veg, Billy Showell returns with a collection of step-by-step instructions for painting a variety of plant species, alongside information on specific techniques like masking out and glazing. Showell doesn't aim for strict botanical accuracy, instead opting for a fresher artistic flourish in her work. While the practical aspect of the book is undebiably useful, this is also a great chance to see the artist's intricate flower portraits reproduced across many of the spreads. From anemone seeds to spots on the petals of a Stargazer, the level of detail she has achieved is astonishing, particulary considering these are watercolours. It all confirms Showell not just as an impressive floral painter, but also as one of the UK's leading watercolour artists in any genre. * Artists & Illustrators, The *Oct 10 Billy Showell is a fantastic watercolour artist. When I first saw her work I was amazed at how she takes the subject and renders is with an almost botanical attention to detail and yet has that magic touch that transforms work from what could be a somewhat stilted reproduction of flower, fruit or vegetable into a stunning and attractive work of art. Needless to say – I simply love her work and as very excited to read about her new book. In this book she takes 40 different flowers and shows us simple touches from simply observing closely tiny details specific to each flower, to the colour mixes she uses to create works, and different techniques such as wet in wet and lifting out. Its the clever extra touches such as the tulips on page 9 where she has used their natural tendency to curve and bend to form a heart shape from two stems that make her works so special. Of course its Billy's love for flowers and constant observation that allows her to know these differing characteristics to each plant. By observing plants around us and using a sketchbook as she advises we can learn this too. The paintings themselves are not quite the usual step by step paintings so common to art books but present a bit more of a challenge. I'm sure that will appeal to many artist who want to develop their own style rather than just follow other peoples instructions. Its certainly one of the things that make her books so exciting for me. Billy tells us the colour mixes needed for each flower and from observing the full page illustration we follow her instructions to complete that flower. With some of the more complex flowers she gives additional “mini demos” to show the best way to render the petals. The beauty of working this way is that it allows the artist to become a participant in the painting rather than simply a follower of instruction, and once confident that your rose or tulip you've painted following her advice is competent you will feel encouraged to do it again with one from the garden or supermarket with new colours and shapes. A superb book, full of exciting ideas for the artist who wants to do more than just follow instructions. * JeannieZelos.com *Dec 10 Following her first two books on painting flowers – Watercolour Flower Portraits and Watercolour Fruit & Vegetable Portraits, Billy Showell brings us her A-Z of Flower Portraits. The book opens with a section on composition, followed by useful advice on keeping a sketchbook, placing the flowers on the paper, and the importance of lighting. A chapter on materials and equipment precedes several pages on techniques, including such subjects as colour blending, lifting out, negative veining (a way of creating pale veins by lifting out fine, bright lines), layering glazes, masking out and texture and pattern. Billy realises that most of us don’t have endless time to experiment with colour mixes and helps us on our way by giving us details of her own mixes resulting from hours of trial and error. The colour mixes (which are beautifully reproduced by the publisher) start each section, describing the colours you need to combine to get the desired subtlety of colour for your subject. Less experienced artists can work through these preliminary sections, while more experienced artists may prefer to go straight to the projects. Forty painting projects are included, with subjects ranging from flower names of every letter of the alphabet, starting with anemones and aquilegia and ending with the zantedeschia (white arum lily to you and me). Billy is an inspirational flower painter, taking the best of the traditions of botanical painting yet imbuing her work with her own contemporary signature - a skill that has earned her five certificates of botanical merit from the Society of Botanical Artists. * Leisure Painter, The *Summer Catalogue 2014 This enchanting book and DVD set is bursting with top tips & detailed demonstrations to help you paint 40 breathtaking blooms. * SAA *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Composition 10 Materials & equipment 22 Techniques 24 Index 128 The Flowers Anemone 48, Aquilegia 46, Bergenia 50, Camellia 52, Clematis 54, Dicentra 56, Erythronium 58, Freesia 60, Fritillaria 62, 64, Galanthus 66, Gerbera 68, Helleborus 70, Hydrangea 72 & 74, Iris 76, Jasminum 78, Knautia 80, Lathyrus 82, Lilium 84, Lonicera 86, Magnolia 88, Narcissus 90, Nerine 92, Ornithogalum 94, Philadelphus 96, Podranea 98, Quesnelia 100, Rosa 102, Sarracenia 104, Spathiphyllum 106, Trachelospermum 108, Tulipa 110 & 112, Uvularia 114, Verbena 116, Weigela 118, Wisteria 120, Xeranthemum 122, Yucca 124, Zantedeschia 126

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Book SynopsisMeditative, peaceful and calming, watercolour painting offers a sense of control and self-worth to everyone, with no judgement or goal beyond the joy of painting itself. This book shows you how to calm and enhance your outlook through the movement of brush on paper. Master artist Jean Haines leads you on a journey through paint, showing you how to wipe away your worries with the soothing, gentle strokes of watercolour paint.Trade ReviewI am a crafter, but not a painterm so I wondered if I would like this book, From its opening of "colourful, creative mindfulness through watercolour" to "finding energy and strength... red is a powerful colour", it grabbed my attention. I like how Jean describes the different colours and, as the rainbow is seen all around at the moment, it was nice to start "...thinking about colours as blankets to wrap around you." I decided to follow Jean's guidance and paint a poppy. I read it through and immediately wanted to paint one. With clear instructions, nice anecdotes, and no pressure for it to be a certain way, I enjoyed going with the flow. While we are being peaceful and mindful (using calming blues and greens), it is important to remember we also need to re-energise (energising red, orange, yellow). This is an uplifting and calming book for stressful times. * Third Age Matters *This book is absolutely beautiful, full of gorgeous images, colour and inspiring quotes, 'Anyone can paint. Not only anyone, but everyone.' In Paint Yourself Calm, Jean has created an inspiring and uplifting book that will encourage anyone to pick up a paintbrush, dip it in your favourite colour and experiment. Magical! * Hot Brands Cool Places *Longtime watercolor art instructor and painting how-to author Haines (Jean Haines’ World of Watercolour) tries something a bit different in her latest title. Starting from the premise that everyone can paint, Haines frees readers of the goals and expectations of end results, and encourages simply enjoyment of painting. Open-ended, detailed exercises guide readers through experimenting with paint to gain a sense of control; to relieve stress; to escape; or to be in a better mood. The emotional and psychological properties of color are discussed as are obstacles to creativity and happiness. VERDICT Open-minded readers of all ages and skill levels can benefit from the unique blend of self-care and expression offered here. * Library Journal *September 2016 This is a really beautiful book about learning to paint, but with a real difference. Jean takes you on her own personal journey, revealing how her career has brought her to a magical realisation: that painting is therapeutic and calming for the soul. This book shows you how you can calm and enhance your outlook thorugh the movement of a brush. Jean leads you page-by-page on a journey through paint, showing you how to wip away your worries with the soothing gentle strokes of watercolour paint. She says 'Painting is something that you can do at any stage in your life... and no painting experience is necessary * Love to Make *Anyone can escape a stressful life and find inner peace, simply by playing with colors. These words of introduction by the artist Jean Haines describe aptly the content of her latest book. This time it is not the teachings of her fascinating watercolour technique in the foreground, but the process of painting itself. Many people believe they cannot meet the high demands of painting because they consider themselves untalented. But Jean Haines believes we do not paint to please others, but we should paint to relieve stress and find peace. In addition to her expressive watercolors we find meditative texts that reflect the personal attitude of the artist to the creative process in aptly. It is therefore worth the thorough reading before the first drawing exercises. The lessons build progressively on each other. We learn the ink flow to control and observe the interaction of two colors. Each chapter impressed by one hand, color-rich, on the other hand also by delicate screens. The accompanying texts are easy to understand and fun and with the heart and soul of the painter incorporated. Now the most impressive chapters of the book follow: The calming effect of nature. Each section covers a different color. From experience we know that red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet evoke certain moods in us. Jean Haines explains the effect of each color on the viewer. It shows step by step - instructions the watercolors of large-sized flowers, delicate grasses, feathery painted plants and the creation of sky blue. With this acquired knowledge we can apply this to a delicate landscape. In the final pages, the artist note summarizes the positive effect of painting on the inner peace of mind. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of relaxing learning is generally known and is practiced in many rehabilitation facilities. Jean Haines shows us that every person can find by simple drawing exercises an oasis of calm, allay fears and worries can forget. Without having the coercive attend a painting class, succeed with simple exercises in a very short time stunning images. For advanced watercolor artist, this book is recommended as we can free ourselves from the pressure of expectations of a perfect view through the learning of a loose brushwork. Originally publishing in german: http://kreativreview.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/paint-yourself-calm-von-jean-haines.html * Kreative Review *Summer 2016, Issue 2 There are many of us who just don't do art, for whatever reason. The beauty of this book is that it coaxes us into painting for therapeutic purposes and takes away the pressure and takes away the pressue of any self judgement for what we create. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is large format and rich in stunning illustration (of course). The author was a painter first, then she became a painting teacher and now she is teaching calm through painting. When you become fully absorbed in an activity - and painting is a supreme example of this - your mind becomes much quieter. * Cygnus Review *This book should appeal to both the beginner who would like to paint but doesn't know where to begin and the 'improver' like myself. I found painting relaxing and exciting when I started some years ago but now tend to get bogged down in the complexities of techniques and different media. This book takes you back to colour and 'playing'. Not trying to create anything for exhibition or sale but just enjoying painting. Jean has suggested just the basic materials required and that is ample to get started. The book is very readable and would make an excellent gift. beautifully illustrated. The text contains descriptions and simple exercises with the emphasis on easy methods and keeping yourself relaxed and calm. I particularly liked the sections on herbs at the end as I felt it introduced a sense of reality with looking at and painting an object. The fragrance of herbs around is well known for providing a calming atmosphere. This would make an excellent gift for any painter. * Dorothy Barton *This is a visually stunning book. My first thought when I opened my parcel was of the impact of it's gorgeous colour. Inside the beautiful watercolour painting continues. Jean Haines strives to make her reader comfortable with the concept of simply 'playing with colour' and the wonderful examples of abstract painting which fill the beginning of the book help with that - they look so playful and not at all intimidating. While I understand Haines' need to make her reader comfortable, I do find the intro pages a little repetitive - really trying to drive the point home that anyone can pick up a brush, it could be a fantastic experience, etc. I do love her concept of 'playing with colour', though, it takes a step back from 'Art' with a capital 'A' and introduces an idea that one can simply play and experiment - what better way to learn? Even better, it sounds far more relaxing that launching in with the idea that you'll be creating beautiful masterpieces. I do love the materials section as well - it's very concise and to the point: you don't need masses of expensive materials and equipment, just two brushes, an old white plate, a clear jar, and three tubes of paint will do. That makes things less intimidating for a beginner. I've read several 'beginners' art books that contain pages and pages of different materials and tools that leave even someone with experience wondering where to begin. The practical section starts with 'Colour Experiments', getting you used to different techniques, the way the colours flow - the 'playful' part. It's about building up confidence. It flows almost seamlessly into the more complex and less abstract exercises. Again, the art is beautiful yet not intimidating - encouraging the reader to 'give it a go'. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. At the end of the book, there's a quick summary about 'painting yourself calm' and positive thinking, and a useful index, and yet more wonderful watercolour paintings. Even just flicking through the pages is a lovely experience. Looking forward to working my way through the book! * Leanne Cane *With no painting experience necessary, Jean proves that anyone can put paint to paper with the object of relieving stress and exploring emotion to achieve a sense of calm. I can most heartily verify that painting is calming, because I feel that myself when I paint. It is all about the experience of painting and not the end result. The exercises are rather simple and basic shown as step-by-step. All in all, if you want some very basic ideas to get you into the routine of painting without taxing the mind, and to use painting as a way to find solace, you will find this book useful. It covers techniques such as salt, clingfilm, pouring and some ideas on colour. Jean's excellent use of colour and her finished paintings hold this book together * Karen Platt -yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *As I have been reading about the preparation and build up for this book the overall impression I have had is that it would be different and that is just what it is.... different! Not the usual format of materials, techniques, step by steps.... there is a small section on materials where Jean talks about what you will need to get started and how good paper is the most important thing, but this book doesn't dwell too much on things mundane!! It does however dwell on the joy and happiness we can find by pursuing this lovely pastime, how painting somehow helps us find a special place unknown to us before we painted. Since reading it I have been trying to think where it might fit into the painting population at large and I have come to the conclusion that although it isn't an instructional painting book per se it actually transcends all abilities and levels and I found myself once again inspired by Jean Haines, this time in a totally different way. As I am a painter who teaches, sells my work and occasionally exhibits I have worked hard on the techniques I have been taught by Jean and a number of other artists to the point where I have more recently been finding my own way but decided that as I have all Jean's other books I "needed" this one to add to my collection. While it isn't a teaching book in the way her others are, it has some wonderful inspiration, some beautiful illustrations ( I do like pictures in a book!!) and it gives a "can do " message to its' readers which a lot of painters need. I had read some of Jeans' blogs where she has talked about the book and how it was a departure from her previous publications and I honestly think this book is one which would be a fit for artists at any level including complete beginners. I have always felt that painting is available to anyone and everyone and it is very encouraging to read Jean's conviction that anyone can paint, how painting can enrich lives beyond comprehension and that no-one needs any special talent or skill to start. Joy to my ears! Art Therapy is known to have very beneficial effects and while we're not actually talking about that here Jean talks about aspects of colour and it's mood enhancing qualities, about the joy of creating, not for a finished masterpiece, but for the sole purpose of enjoyment and how painting for it's own sake can bring about a wonderful calmness and contentment. She very eloquently puts into words what a lot of us who are passionate about our art feel as we are creating and have the brush in our hand. As for my own inspiration, I don't tend to spend as much time playing with my paint as I once did and have had some art work I want to do for my own home which has been on the back burner for some time. Having read this book and looked at some of the simple exercises Jean has put together to get people started I have had lots of ideas as to how I might go about creating this illusive work!! The exercises look quite simple but the end results in turn look so effective leading me to feel that the book is worth buying for these little studies alone. I don't want to say anything frivolous about this book as it carries a more serious message beyond that of regular painting books. It talks about the mental benefits of painting, how we can escape to our little painting havens and become completely consumed and absorbed during the time we spend watching the paint and water do their magic on the paper. It also provides very persuasive arguments for allowing us to spend time painting... Finally, I loved the quote "It was only when I made a conscious decision to treat painting like eating, as part of my daily routine that my life and art career changed" That really struck a chord and separates the artists from the wannabes and something I need to incorporate into my daily routine too, another snippet of inspiration. * Judith Farnworth Art *July 2016 Jean Haines' Paint Yourself Calm shows you how to use the medium of watercolour to overcome anxiety and escape the stresses of everyday life. Aimed at the complete beginner, Jean describes how the action applying paint to paper can help you control your life, enhance your mood and improve watercolour painting at the same time. Illustrated with watercolour paintings this is a truly 'feel good' book. * The Leisure Painter *It’s hard to convey just how much I hate all that new-agey stuff. Most of it’s just an excuse for a load of self-obsessed navel gazing. And it’s never cheap, either. Do please feel free to disagree with me, but please read the rest of this before you write in! It would be a shame to dismiss this on the basis I’ve outlined, or even to regard it as having nothing to do with practical art. It has everything to do with the practice of painting and, above all, of getting yourself into the state of mind where you can put down on paper what you feel in your head and see with your mind’s eye. If you want a book that explains the creative process in a way that’s completely relevant and comprehensible, this is it. It may or may not be Jean’s prime purpose, but, for the artist at least, it’s the result she’s produced. The thing about painting is that it’s so much more than a mechanical process. Sure, there are things you have to do, such as prepare grounds, mix colours and lay washes, but these can take on Zen-like properties if you let them. A lot of people say that routine helps set them in the right frame of mind for what comes next, which is pretty much the same thing. A lot of the content of this genuinely intriguing book is what might be called pure watercolour. This isn’t a step-by-step how-to manual at all, not one that tells you how to paint specific subjects. Rather, it’s about the use and application of colour to create a state of mind. Jean’s intention, I think, is that this should be within yourself, but the thing is that paintings have an audience: other people will see them and that state can be induced in them as well. Art, as Edgar Degas said, is not what you see but what you make others see. It’s not exactly abstraction – most of the illustrations are entirely recognisable – but the form is definitely more important than the function. If you know how to paint, but want to understand why, and why that why is important, read this book. It’s beautiful, rewarding and full of insights. * Artbookreview.net *Table of ContentsTAKING A LEAP 10 Anyone can paint 12 Why you should paint 16 Mood changing 22 What we need 28 COLOUR FLOW 32 Simple landscapes 34 Simple colour flow exercises 38 Facing obstacles 44 Nature’s calming influence 54 Calming thoughts 60 THE PEACEFUL ZONE 64 What is the peaceful zone? 66 Lifting the mood 70 Finding energy and strength 74 Sands of time 82 Colour from the sun 88 Healing herbs 94 Nothing but blue skies 100 Healing lavender 104 Well-being 110 INNER PEACE 116 That peaceful feeling 118 Life experiences 120 A positive attitude 124 Index 128

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Book SynopsisA stunning new colouring book that will take you through a year in the life of the English countryside. Nearly 40 years ago, a rediscovered diary enchanted the nation. Edith Holden's 'Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady' from 1906 captured her observations on the English countryside's changing seasons, accompanied by exquisite illustrations of its flora and fauna. Now, for the first time, Edith's work been turned into an beautiful colouring book. Featuring black & white ink illustrations based on her paintings, alongside the original handwriting from the lost journal, this is a captivating colouring book that guides you through a year in the world of this truly remarkable Edwardian lady.Trade ReviewA stunning new colouring book that will take you through a year in the life of the English countryside. * From the publisher's description *

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Book SynopsisTake your art in a bold new direction—go gouache! In Creative Gouache, artist Ruth Wilshaw shares her step-by-step techniques for creating brilliantly vibrant effects with this easy-to-master medium, a perfect companion for transparent watercolor. In this comprehensive guide to gouache, you’ll: Get an overview of essential materials and surfaces. Learn basic handling and coloring-mixing techniques, including layering, creating blends, and adjusting opacity, plus troubleshooting tips for common challenges, such as dealing with shifts in color and value from wet to dry. Explore how to paint fun, simple motifs, flowers, butterflies, landscapes, and lettering. Discover fun gouache techniques, such as adding texture and painting gradients and blends. Learn how to incorporate other mediums with gouache, including paint pens, colored pencil, and watercolor. Use what you learn to create inspiring projects such as dimensional artwork, clay décor pieces, and cheerful banners. See what you can create with gorgeous, wall-to-wall color with Creative Gouache! Perfect for creative beginners, the books in the Art for Modern Makers series take a fun, practical approach to learning about and working with paints and other art mediums to create beautiful DIY projects and crafts. Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES Types of gouache, paper, brushes, other materials, alternative surfaces, and protecting gouache 2 BASIC TECHNIQUES The unusual properties of gouache, layering, finding the perfect consistency, and blending 3 INSPIRED BY NATURE 4 LANDSCAPES 5 LETTERING 6 GOUACHE AND MIXED MEDIA 7 PROJECTS Bullet Journal Spread Wrapping Paper and Gift Tag Notebook Cover Leaf Triptych Night Garden Dimensional Painting Butterfly Case Campfire Panel Celebration Garland Painted Jewelry Dish TEMPLATES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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Book SynopsisA unique artist's reference offering easy-to-follow, ingenious ideas and techniques for painting 50 popular landscapes in watercolour.

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Book SynopsisThis is the definitive instructional guide to the art of botanical illustration, published in association with The Society of Botanical Artists and featuring detailed step-by-step demonstrations by members of the Society.Botanical illustration has been a popular art form for many centuries, with its appealing traditions of detail and beauty. This beautifully illustrated book covers all aspects of the subject and is an essential book for all serious students of botanical painting.The book includes useful information about materials, basic plant anatomy, flower and leaf shapes, and then explores the techniques for drawing and coloured pencil work, as well as painting with watercolour and gouache. Subjects include exotic and common plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers in the garden. Packed with step-by-step demonstrations and stunning illustrations, this is an inspiring, practical guide, as well as a visual treat.

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Book SynopsisThe Watercolour Sourcebook is a compilation of four selected titles from the What to Paint series, chosen specially to illustrate the wide range of scenes and subjects that can be captured in watercolour. The works of four master watercolourists – Geoff Kersey, Terry Harrison, Peter Woolley and Wendy Tait – are brought together in a collection of 60 beautiful, detailed projects on the subjects of trees, woodlands and forests; landscapes; hills and mountains and flowers respectively. Each project results in a full painting that is accompanied at the end of the book by a full-size outline that can be copied and applied to the artist's own watercolour paper using tracedown paper and pencil. The Watercolour Sourcebook aims to provide a wealth of inspiration to the painter who struggles to decide upon their subject matter, and arms the artist with everything they need to know about what they're about to paint, from colour palette to useful techniques.Trade ReviewIn this exciting and informative book, four of your favourite artists present easy to follow demonstrations of landscapes, flowers, trees and mountains. Each one is accompanied by an outline drawing for you to trace onto watercolour paper, getting the composition right every time. By keeping everything simple, the instructions can be kept to a single two-page spread. In this way, you're not constantly switching about and trying to work out where you are. You can see everything from the colour palette to the finished result at all times, with highlights of the important details picked out just where you need them. Terry Harrison works with rural scenes that include buildings, water, sunshine, clouds and snow. Wendy Tait's flowers demonstrate single varieties as well as settings and bouquets, taking full advantage of the variety of colours available. Geoff Kersey paints trees in all seasons from bare branches to full canopy and he includes spring flowers as well as boats and figures. Peter Woolley illustrates wide mountain vistas and single crags and shows you how to create effective foregrounds and skies in a variety of weather conditions. This is packed with subjects, projects and ideas and will give you as much material to work with as you could wish. * SAA Catalogue *The Watercolour Sourcebook contains material previously published in Search Press's What to Paint series, including the work of four popular watercolourists, Geoff Kersey, Terry Harrison, Peter Wooley and Wendy Tait. This new book contains 60 detailed projects, each of them resulting in a full painting, in a range of subject, from trees, woodlands and landscapes to hills, mountains and flowers. Full-size outlines are included at the end of the book so that you can get painting straight away. The book follows a well-tested formula, that allows painters to build their confidence and produce work they are proud of with helpful tips, techniques and colour palette information shred along the way. * Leisure Painter *Another great release! This book has given me the renewed interest to try painting subjects other than landscapes, such as different flowers, woods and cottages. So many to choose from, with sketches in the back of the book to get you started and advice at the front of the book. You can even merge two pictures so that you have different flowers in one picture. I’ve regained my interest in painting, have purchased new paintbrushes, I’m going to try in both watercolour and acrylic paints, even my mum and sister have read with interest and want to give it a go. I’d recommend this book as it offers great pictures and advice. Search Press have excelled again in releasing a great book. -- Jenny Nixon * Customer Review *With 60 images ready to trace and get the composition right before you start, there’s plenty of variety in this attractive compilation. It’s also worth saying that the material comes from the What to Paint series, so, if you have those, you probably won’t need this. If you haven’t, however, you’ll find Terry Harrison on landscapes, Wendy Tait on flowers, Geoff Kersey on trees and woodlands and Peter Woolley on hills and mountains. All these experienced and popular teachers include more than just the basics, with surroundings, perspectives and settings, providing images that should satisfy the most demanding student. * Paint Magazine (SAA) *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Transferring the image 8, Composing from the outlines 10, Techniques and effects 12 Landscapes 16 Poppies by the Track 18, Millstream Cottage 20, Winter's Day 22, First Footprints 24, After the Rain 26, Tide Mill 28, A Walk Along the Lane 30, Cornish Harbour 32, Waterside Walk 34, Cooling Off 36, Hard Day's Work 38, Castle Combe 40, The Village Gossips 42, Another Winter 44, The Mountain Stream 46 Flowers 48 Tulips 50, Snake's Head Fritillary 52, Anemones 54, Pansies 56, Canary Bird Roses 58, Fuchsias 60, Sweet Peas 62, Cherry Blossom in Glass Jar 64, Oriental Poppies 66, Snowdrops 68, Golden Lilies 70, Pink & White Roses 72, Hollyhocks 74, Japanese Anemones & Lavender 76, Sunflowers 78 Trees, Woodlands & Forests 80 Woodland Stream 82, Manhattan Park 84, Footbridge in the Woods 86, Winter Silhouettes 88, Rowing Boats 90, Winter Walkers 92, Golden Light 94, Kensington Gardens 96, Autumn at Chatsworth 98, Winter Glow 100, Woodland Bridge 102, Bluebell Wood 104, Forest Firs 106, New Forest Ponies 108, Woodland Reflections 110 Hills & Mountains 112 Mountain Mist 114, Snowy Peaks 116, Sea of Cloud 118, Winter Crags 120, The View from the Summit 122, The Last of the Sun 124, Rocks and Scree 126, Mountain Stream 128, Traversing the Ridge 130, Sunset: Best Time of Day 132, Snow and Shadows 134, The Illusion of Space 136, Hills and Lakes 138, The Weather in the Hills 140, Iconic Peak 142 Index & Outlines 144

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Book SynopsisAngela Lord invites readers to develop their own colour insights with materials and techniques, exploring colours, painting rainbows, colour clashes, complementary colours, after-images, painting the colour circle and complementary colours, enhancing colours, a new colour circle, the interplay of light and dark, sunrise and sunset, colour dynamics and composition, an overview of colour through history, watercolour painting and the Steiner Waldorf curriculum, resources, glossary and references.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis Artists & Illustrators magazine's Book of the Month Taking inspiration from iconic paintings in the Tate collection, discover the techniques of the masters and improve your own painting skills with 30 guided projects. As you work through the exercises, you'll learn how to work 'wet into wet' with Maggi Hambling, master colour temperature with John Singer Sargent and create rhythm and unity in your paintings with John Nash.Whether you are looking to reinvigorate your watercolour practice with new techniques, try your hand at a wide variety of painting styles, or discover a new, inspiring master of the art, this book offers something new for every watercolourist.

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Book SynopsisExplore and create expressive palettes and paintings with Color Harmony for Artists. Watercolor author, artist, and teacher Ana Victoria Calderon guides you through choosing, mixing, and using color with watercolor and mixed media to create the most expressive and appealing combinations and effects for a wide range of moods and subjects. You'll explore a variety of subjects and themes, including flowers, foliage, landscapes, skies, cities, figures, art movements, and historical eras. Begin with a quick overview of the basics of color, color mixing, and mixed media. Explore a variety of color and media combinations, including brilliant brights, muted neutrals, high-contrast complements, and special effects. Find inspiration in evocative photos, abundant palettes, and beautiful paintings. With Color Harmony for Artists, every artist, from beginner to advanced, will be inspired to embrace the creative possibilities of color and paint!Table of ContentsPREFACE HANDS-ON COLOR THEORY The Color Wheel Color Harmonies Color & Temperature Warm & Cool Variations Watercolor Paints for Swatching INSPIRED PALETTES Capturing moods and playing with textures in beautiful swatches of watercolor mixes that reflect a variety of visual inspirations Notable Art Movements Expressive Skies Colorful Cultures Animal Wonders Cities, Towns & Destinations Influential Eras Remarkable Landscapes Florals & Still Life Mineral Riches Human Hues TEMPLATE RESOURCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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Book SynopsisThis popular book provides all the information you need to get started in watercolour painting. Full of clear, simple advice and more than 70 step-by-step demonstrations, Watercolour for the Absolute Beginner will teach even the least confident of beginners the skills and techniques needed to start painting.In this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide, three professional artists explain all the basic watercolour techniques.Top TV artist Alwyn Crawshaw demonstrates the basic techniques including brushstrokes, colour mixing and depicting distance and foreground to get you started in watercolour.Lecturer and Artist Sharon Finmark explains how you can paint realistic figures, covering scale and proportion, mixing convincing skin colours and portraying movement and light effectively.Artist and teacher Trevor Waugh demonstrates techniques for painting animals - domestic, farmyard and wild. Starting with simple animal shapes, Trevor takes you through the rudiments of 3D shapes, tone and colour Table of ContentsTop TV artist Alwyn Crawshaw teaches you the basic watercolour techniques Artist and lecturer Sharon Finmark shows you how to paint people in a variety of poses and settings Artist and teacher Trevor Waugh shows yu how to paint pets, farmyard and wild animals

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Book SynopsisA brand new edition of the bestselling book, endorsed by the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew, by renowned watercolour artist Adelene Fletcher. From azalea to zantedeschia, this unique watercolour artist's guide offers easy-to-follow, plant-specific information on how to paint over 50 of the most popular species of flower in a crisp and natural style. Adelene teaches you the essential skills of creating a realistic structure and form of a flower by close observation of the pattern of light and shade on petals and foliage. Included are step-by-step photographs, details, and instructions on capturing the individual essence of the flower, together with comprehensive information on the appropriate techniques and colour mixes to use. Glorious full-colour photographs of the finished watercolour show the depth and variety of the plant portraits, from the exquisitely executed passion flower to the bold luminosity of the oriental poppy. Finally, a handy colour key is included for every flower, helping you prepare your palette before delving into your floral portait. If you have never painted flowers before, or have always wanted to capture that specific species on canvas that you've never managed to grow in your own garden, this is the book for you.Trade ReviewEach demonstration occupies a single spread and covers the palette, working sequence and further examination of the detailed areas, covering 50 popular flowers. The full-page illustrations of the finished results show you exactly what you are trying to achieve and the enlarged detail photographs ensure that you'll get the fine work right every time. -- The SAA * The SAA Catalogue 19/20 *'Re-publication has brought this under the umbrella of Search Press’s relationship with Kew, and this is no bad thing. Kew are a world authority and don’t issue their imprimatur lightly, so there’s considerable added authority here. The crispness of the illustrations also suggests re-origination, so there’s really rather a lot to like here.' Read the full review here. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *Paint lovely studies of fifty popular flowers with this useful primer. Every book sold donates money to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, funding their vital work. Aimed at anybody who has some basic skills but wants to extend their art repertoire to include flowers, there is a useful lesson in every project. As it says on the cover this is an “illustrated directory of techniques” and if you work your way through all the flowers you will amass a wealth of useful watercolor skills. Start by learning what colors you need to buy plus a brief overview of other materials, and progress though some short techniques which are particularly associated with painting flowers. Most of these are common to all watercolor work but the examples shown are all of plants so you can discover how to use them in context with floral depiction. A true beginner will probably require more in-depth instruction for basics such as wet-in-wet, dry brushing, masking out etc but anybody of at least improver level used to painting other subjects will find it useful. The rest of the book mostly consists of the fifty projects, taking you from agapanthus to zantedeschia. Each project covers two pages, one showing a picture of the finished work plus a few enlarged areas with notes and the other the method. Colors are listed with a blob of each which is helpful. These are all mentioned in the method, which is separated into a staged “Sequence” and at the bottom “Special Detail” which highlights a particular technique which you can learn or perfect with the project. At the back of the book is further help on composing floral groups plus a glossary and index. The glossary contains both watercolor and botanical terms, and each flower has a short piece describing it. Choose from a large range of garden and house favorites such as roses, sunflower, waterlily, poppies, tulip, nasturtium, passion flower, bird of paradise, poinsettia, carnation and many more. The rewards will not only include a wealth of lovely paintings and new skills but also the knowledge that buying this book has helped Kew Gardens’ important work including their Seed Bank. A good book for anybody who wants to learn how to paint flowers in watercolor. -- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *Table of ContentsIntroduction Essentials Directory of Flowers Composition Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisUnwind and get creative as you learn all about watercolor painting one of the fastest-growing activities for everyday adults who are looking for a hobby to easily relax and relieve stress! Modern Watercolor Botanicals is a comprehensive guide for all skill levels beginner to advanced that teaches everything you need to know about watercolor using easy-to-follow diagrams, pictures, and instructions. Learn how to paint and advance your skills using pieces of beautiful, traceable artwork, including detailed wildflowers, shade tropical leaves, eucalyptus wreaths, and more. Lessons in Modern Watercolor Botanicals include: Instructions for every skill level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced Easy-to-follow diagrams, pictures, and instructions Each lesson builds upon skills learned in the previous lessons 15 pieces of traceable artwork to paint, no drawing experience required! Lessons that promote focus and mindfulness and help you reduce stress through the enjoyment of the artistic process All you need to know to create frame-worthy masterpieces and thoughtful gifts Prompts, challenges, and ideas to take your creativity to the next level Author Sarah Simon (@themintgardener), a Seattle-based artist who leads sold-out watercolor workshops across the U.S., shares everything she teaches her students in this book. She also answers some of the most common questions from watercolor artists at all levels: What tools do I need? How do I mix interesting colors? How do I create shape, movement, and definition in my piece? How do I find my own creative style? Delve into Modern Watercolor Botanicals to develop your skills and form your own unique artistic approach to the world of modern watercolor!Trade Review"If you're thinking about experimenting with watercolor and/or gouache, look no further. Sarah's stunning imagery paired with thorough and extensive direction will bring you back again and again. It's a must-have staple for both beginners, hobbyists, and professional creatives." -Peggy Dean, Best-selling Author, Illustrator, Designer, Founder of The Pigeon Letters "Sarah has penned (and painted) the complete book of watercolor & gouache for anyone ready to dive into the wonderful world of painting. From mindfulness to technique, this book is not only an introduction to painting but a complete guide to the skilled art of color movement and blending. Sarah's botanical imagery is captivating and her descriptive instructions dance across the page as fluidly as her art. What a wonderful way to spend a season immersed in watercolor, what an incredibly inspiring how-to book." -The Crafter's Box

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Book SynopsisLet this innovative and indispensable book be your painting companion: simply dip in and out whenever you need advice and guidance from best-selling author, Matthew Palmer. Start with watercolour basics and learn to plan successful pictures, then select expert guidance, tips for success, and beginner-friendly troubleshooting from within the sections on flowers, trees, buildings, water, people and wildlife. Discover how to make your moonlit sky really glow; learn how to paint lush, realistic foliage; add believable figures; and create driving rain and sparkling water. Unique to this book are Matthew’s key mix swatches. These allow you to achieve perfect results every time; explaining the colours you need and in what proportion. The paint mix is shown both wet and dry, so you can compare your palette with the wet mix, and know what it'll look like once applied. The dry swatches stretch to the edge of the page, so you can also simply hold the book up to the object you’re painting, find a colour match and create the right mix with ease. The book also includes a pull-out picture finder, which will help you create the best composition from the scene in front of you, isolate and identify a colour, try different picture formats and help with proportion and size. Designed to aid you whilst painting either indoors or out, the small format and hard cover make the book easy to transport and to store with the rest of your painting kit.Trade ReviewIt's always a good sign when a book feels welcoming before you even get to the content. This small-format hardback fits nicely in the hand and has just enough heft to make you feel that it's taking both you and its subject seriously. An elastic closure betokens a vade mecum that'll accompany you everywhere. But enough of the form, what of the function? At heart, this is basically a hints and tips book. There are plenty of basic ideas, simply presented, for handling a variety of subjects: trees, flowers, animals, buildings, water - the usual gamut - as well as technical matters such as colour selection and mixing, which are handled rather well. A handy viewfinder is included too. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *A very handy book packed with information, but small enough to take out with you or to refer to in the studio. The mixing proportions are useful and explained very clearly. The pull out picture finder has handy proportional rulers for estimating distance. Matthew Palmer is a good teacher and explains everything well. -- Lynn Woodcock * Amazon Customer Review *This brilliantly simple book brings all the watercolour techniques together under one pocket-sized cover. Designed to be used in the field, this book covers a wide range of techniques and subjects including skies, flowers, buildings mountains, people and much more. Each section is complete yet concise and Matthew's straightforward explanations are a breath of fresh air. Matthew is a master of explaining things in a way that's always east to follow and understand and his illustrations are pitch-perfect. * Paint & Create, March 2023 *Table of ContentsPainting basics: Getting started 6, Preparing paint 8, What are key mixes? 10, Water and flow 12, Test your strength 14, Brushes and brushmarks 16, What paper? 18, Selecting colours 20, Adding more paints 22 Planning successful pictures: Using the picture finder 24, Finding time to paint 26, What to paint 28, Skies and light, Clear sky 30, Fresh cloudy sky 32, Evening sky 34, Key mixes for shadows 36, Sunset 38, Silhouettes 40, Moonlit sky 42, Stormy sky 44, Rainfall 46 Flowers: Masses of flowers 48, Daisies 50, Foxgloves 52, Poppies 54, Carpet of bluebells 56 Trees and woodlands: Trees in your paintings 58, Midground trees 60, Mixes for spring foliage 62, Cherry blossom 64, Distant woodland 66, Key mixes for summer foliage 68, Palm tree 70, Trees in rows 72, Key mixes for autumn foliage 74, Branches 76, Woodland 78 Building and mountains: Buildings in the landscape 80, Stonework 82, Doorways 84, Architectural accuracy 86, Rocks and cliffs 88, Mountains 90, Snow-capped peaks 92 Water and the sea: Key mixes for the sea 94, Waves and sea spray 96, The beach 98, Reflections 100, Boats 102 People and wildlife: Key mixes for skintones 104, Figures in your pictures 106, Adding a sense of life 108, Stag in wood 110, Small animals 112, Animals in the landscape 114, Kingfisher 116 Watercolour secrets and special effects: Falling snow 118, Fixing cauliflowers 120, Splashes and splatters 122, Leaf stencils 124, Beams of light 126 Glossary 128

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Book SynopsisThis is a practical and comprehensive guide for all watercolour enthusiasts, from the beginner who wishes to explore this popular painting medium to the experienced artist looking for inspiration and ideas. Starting with advice on materials, colour and composition, the book goes on to describe basic and more advanced techniques and the wonderful effects they can produce. Fourteen easy-to-follow, step-by-step demonstrations show the reader how to paint skies, trees, water, buildings and flowers, and each section is accompanied by a selection of inspirational paintings by the seven featured artists, in a rich variety of styles. Originally published as 'Working with Watercolour', this book uses material from the 'Leisure Arts' series.Trade ReviewIdeal for budding artists, Search Press is publishing Watercolour Painting Step-by-Step and Painting Step-by-Step. Both titles feature a variety of styles and subjects, as well as advice from well-known art world figures. Demonstrations, photographs and instructions are included. Each title retails at £9.99. * Craft Focus *Table of ContentsIntroduction Materials Colour Techniques Composition and perspective Understanding tone Farmhouse step-by-step Skies Cumulus clouds step-by-step A wet-into-wet sky step-by-step Trees Old oak tree step-by-step Early morning step-by-step Country Lane step-by-step Water and reflections Scottish Loch step-by-step Farm Pond step-by-step Chub stream step-by-step Buildings Chapel at last light step-by-step Flowers Daffodils and catkins step-by-step Roses step-by-step Backlit lily step-by-step Irises step-by-step Index

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Book SynopsisAn exciting new approach to flower painting with step-by-step demonstrations for creating contemporary flower portraits and landscapes that are truly unique. This is more than a ‘how-to’ on flower painting. It is a guide encouraging artists to explore new and exciting ways to create flower paintings bursting with individuality and moving towards a contemporary and impressionist style. Mixed-media artist Soraya French, well known for her gloriously vibrant flower paintings, shares the secrets of her work, with expert advice on all aspects of this endlessly rewarding subject. The book covers: Colours, shapes, patterns and textures particular to various flowers through the seasons, from fresh green foliage in the spring to rich red and gold hues in the autumn. How to incorporate flowers in both still life and landscape paintings, pictured in woodlands, seascapes, meadows and hedgerows as well as vases. How to assemble the perfect palette for flower painting and how to mix vibrant secondary colours, subtle tints and natural greens. The huge range of painting materials available today, from traditional watercolour to vividly coloured wax pastels to innovative textural mediums such as crackle paste and glass bead gel. The secrets of good composition and how to lead the eye around a painting, giving a sense of rhythm and movement while maintaining unity and harmony. Packed with exciting new ideas and illustrated with stunning examples of Soraya’s own work, this book will take your flower painting to a new level and help you find your unique visual voice.Trade Review‘A thoroughly thought through guide to flower painting … a book that will lift your spirits’ -- Art Book Review‘There is so much to like about this impressive volume … This is a book that’s a riot of colour, instruction and inspiration’ -- Henry Malt * The Artist *Table of ContentsWelcome Exploring the media Dynamic design strategies The language of colour Seductive surfaces Explore further Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisThis stunning book follows the rhythm of nature through the year. Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons begins with a detailed introduction to Sandrine's ethically-sourced materials and tools, her workspace and an exploration of the key techniques employed in painting botanical watercolours. Sandrine explains colour theory in relation to botanical subjects, as well as colour bias and the key to creating realistic shadows without resorting to an unnatural 'grey'. The four main chapters focus on a particular season and contains techniques for painting its plants: for example, papery bulbs in spring and jewel-like berries in winter, along with examples of the author’s stunning botanical artwork. Each chapter includes three step-by-step tutorials: the first for relative beginners; the second for artists of intermediate level and the third for more experienced artist. Subjects range from bold spring daffodils, delicate summer sweet peas, through to whimsical autumn ginkgo biloba leaves, and finishing with a striking holly star composition to close the winter chapter. With a foreword from Tom Brown, Head Gardener at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation: "It is Sandrine’s botanical knowledge that sets her apart, [...] through [her] guidance we can learn to celebrate and document the natural rhythms of our green spaces around us." Readers can work through the book season-by-season, or focus on the plants they know and love. All the recommended materials used in the book are ethically sourced: the paper is from sustainable sources, the brushes are cruelty-free and the paints are vegan.Trade ReviewAbsolutely a mine of information for levels of botanical art. The ultimate botanical and watercolour book, if you’re looking to purchase a botanical book with lots of information, tips and practical advice then you will not be disappointed with this book by Sandrine Maugy. -- Christine Van Oorschot * Amazon Customer Review *There are many ways to organise flower painting books, but seasonal makes a lot of sense. It groups plants as they are likely to be found, providing natural models at all times and also encourages continuing study as new opportunities appear. As the blurb proudly announces, the book follows the rhythm of nature through the year. The excellent introduction to materials and methods is concise yet thorough and includes an interesting aside on the ethical studio – where do materials come from and what is their environmental impact? Structurally, the demonstrations are divided into three levels, allowing you to develop your skills progressively. Subjects include flowers, fruit and vegetation and Sandrine pays plenty of attention to structure and detail as discussing colour and suitable palettes for both the item in question and the time of year. Sewn binding ensures the book lies flat in use, a notable bonus. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *As we cosy up indoors with the arrival of cooler climes, why not immerse yourself in art that transports you to lush pastures? Let Sandrine Maugy whisk you off on a flower-filled journey through the seasons, exploring everything from bold spring daffodils to striking frosty-weather holly from the comfort of your craft room. Each chapter includes recommendations for materials (which, by the way, are all ethically sourced) and step-by-step watercolour tutorials at varying difficulty levels, meaning there's something here for every crafter. * Crafts Beautiful Issue 376 *Sandrine Maugy is an award-winning botanical artist, author and illustrator, whose first book, Colours of Nature, was published in 2013. For her latest book, Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons, she explores the delicate art of painting flowers, concentrating specifically on the four seasons, each including there step-by-step tutorials. These are carefully designed to suit artists at different levels of experience - the first for beginners, the second for artists of intermediate level, and the third for more experienced artists. Of course, readers may want to work through the book season by season, but you can also dot around to find your favourite flowers, whether it's the drama of spring tulips, the delicacy of sweet peas in summer, a magnificent hydrangea in autumn or holly leaves in winter. There's information on important techniques, colour theory and tone, and stunning illustrations throughout. -- Leisure Painter * Leisure Painter *Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons begins with a detailed introduction to Sandrine’s ethically-sourced materials and tools, her workspace and an exploration of the key techniques employed in painting botanical watercolours. Sandrine explains colour theory in relation to botanical subjects, as well as colour bias and the key to creating realistic shadows without resorting to an unnatural ‘grey’. The four main chapters focus on a particular season and contains techniques for painting its plants: for example. Papery bulbs in spring and jewel-like berries in winter, along with examples of the author’s stunning botanical artwork. We say: Ever so helpful, each chapter includes three step-by-step tutorials: the first for relative beginners, the second for artists of intermediate level and the third for more experienced artists. * Craft Focus Issue 91 *Table of ContentsForeword 6, Introduction 8, My ethical studio 10, Working space 12, Painting from life 13, Drawing kit 14, Painting kit 16, Paints and pigments 18, Colour mixing theory 20, My palette 22, Tone 24, Technique 28 Spring 32: Spring subjects and their palette 34, Anatomy of a daffodil 36, Level 1: Daffodil 38, Anatomy of an anemone 46, Level 2: Anemone 48, Anatomy of a tulip 56, Level 3: Tulip ‘Queen of Night’ 58 Summer 66: Summer subjects and their palette 68, Anatomy of a sweet pea 70, Level 1: Sweet pea 72, Anatomy of a rose 82, Drawing a rose 84, Painting a rose 86, Level 2: Rosa 'Odyssey' 88, Anatomy of a sunflower 98, Level 3: Sunflower 100 Autumn 108: Autumn subjects and their palette 110, Anatomy of a ginkgo biloba 112, Level 1: Ginkgo biloba 114, Anatomy of a pear 120, Level 2: Catillac pear 122, Anatomy of a hydrangea 128, Level 3: Hydrangea 130 Winter 140: Winter subjects and their palette 142, Anatomy of a pansy 144, Level 1: Pansy ‘Midnight Glow’ 146, Anatomy of an echeveria 152, Level 2: Echeveria 154, Anatomy of holly 162, Level 3: Holly star 164 Conclusion 170, Paint conversion table 172, Glossary 174, Credits 175, Index 176.

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Book SynopsisIn this new and extended edition of her best-selling book in the 'How to Paint' series: 'Colour and Light in Watercolour' (first published 2010), Jean Haines has produced a book even more inspirational than the first. With 40 per cent new material in the form of new hands-on demonstrations, examples of her work and extended text, Jean provides a valuable insight into the materials and techniques she uses to inject colour and light into her stunningly beautiful, award-winning watercolour paintings. Jean's enthusiasm and passion for art is evident throughout the book, which is packed full of ideas, useful tips, expert advice and over 20 step-by-step demonstrations. with subjects ranging from atmospheric winter landscapes to bright colourful cockerels, all painted in Jean's loose and expressive style, artists of all tastes and abilities will not fail to be inspired by her imaginative and exciting use of light and colour.Trade ReviewSummer 2016, Issue 2 This is a new edition of Jean Haine's first and bestselling title.We have included it for people who want to go a little bit deeper into painting and learn more skills and techniques. Just like Paint Yourself Calm, this is also large format and full of colour. It's not intended for absolute beginners but there are certainly no concepts or requirements that make this impentrable to someone new to watercolour painting. * Cygnus Review *July 2016 This is a reissue of Jean's first book which originally appeared as part of a series aimed at beginners. It was never well suited to the format and length always made the artist's work feel constrained. A redesigned and more than doubled extent have give it wings that are more in keeping with her later books. Extended re-issues do not work, authors move on a what they wanted to say on the subject in question was usually there in the original. Additions can feel at best bolted on or, at worst out-takes that should have stayed on the cutting room floor. This emphatically is not the case here. The original has promise and that has been realised now, the result being a triumph. * The Leisure Painter *The range of its capabilities, it shows in numerous illustrations, instructions and important advice on watercolours. We see exotic dressed people, foreign cityscapes, delicate flowers, fruits and animals repeatedly. But looking at the sun-drenched images, the indicated details, the harmony of color selection arouses enthusiasm. However, learning this particular style of painting requires fundamental knowledge. Painters who represent very realistically and in detail, will have difficulties with the implementation. The experimental artist, however, will have the courage to do so and the casual use of the brush is love, this technique can be learned easily. The prerequisite is to develop each chapter of the book. To better understand the painting Jean Haines shows detailed examples to brush selection and their handling. Many mixtures of their eleven favorite colors are presented, with which it has this book also painted most of the pictures. In the chapter "light and how we see it" it gives an insight into their distinctive way of representation of light and strong contrasts. Known techniques such as wet-on-wet, glazes, salt, negative painting, spraying technique, are demonstrated. But what good is the perfect mastery of basic skills, if in the end produced a boring image? Only the composition makes the picture into a unique and unusual artwork. From their many years of painting experience knows the artist that before painting the thinking is. First we have to decide what we want to paint. As the object is lively and compelling? What foreground and background should we choose? What colors cause a harmonious whole? How are the brush strokes are performed? Only after these preliminary we should start painting. In the penultimate chapter "Summary" shows Jean Haines progressive image formation on the example of two taps, a fleeing rabbit and a Seascape with boats. The detailed imaging that brief but informative texts and useful tips make Technique clearly and comprehensibly. What I personally have missed something, is the lack of photographic pictures. I would have been interested in whether the artist paints with no pictures or sketches and photos to help take the reaction of light and shadow, the search for interesting details not easy for me without visual aids. For the advanced experimental watercolourist looking for a loose style of painting, the book is recommended "Colour and light". In der überarbeiteten Neuauflage ihres Buches „Colour and light“ widmet sich die Künstlerin Jean Haines dem Thema „Farbe und Licht“. Die Bandbreite ihres Könnens zeigt sie in zahlreichen Abbildungen, Anleitungen und wichtigen Tipps zum Aquarellmalen.Die vielfältigen Eindrücke ihrer Fernreisen lässt sie in ihre impressionistisch wirkenden Bilder einfließen. Wir sehen exotische gekleidete Menschen, fremde Stadtansichten, zarte Blumen, Früchte und immer wieder Tiere. * Kreative review *Jean's passion for art shows as she guides you through a variety of exciting projects. With subjects ranging from atmospheric winter landscapes to bright colourful cockerels you are sure to be inspired! -- The SAA * The SAA Catalogue 19/20 *I'm not normally a fan of revised re-issues. Artists move on and what they wanted to say on a subject was pretty much perfectly formed at the time. Unpicking a thread and trying to make it into sommething else all to often lands up with a mess. But... and it's a very big but. Jean Haines and Search Press have done a superb job here. This was Jean's first book and it appeared in a beginner's series to which it and her style, were never really suited. Jean belongs to the broder canvas, as it were and her loose impressionistic style needs room to breathe. Basic instruction and 48 pages felt more like an eagle in a cage - you could see the potential, but not the spread of the wings. For this version which has enlarged the format and more than doubled the extent, there's been a complete redesign that's in keeping with the later books. The paper is bright white just like the original paintings and it shows the colour and its subtle tints, hues and washes much better. The larger paint size means that nothing's reduced down to where you can't see the brushwork. On top of that there's additional material and more demonstrations. This is no longer a book that hints at what might be possible, but one which celebrates Jean's work and what can be done if you're brave with watercolour. The result is a triumph and something you'll want even if you have the first version. * SAA Paint *Well, this is a first! I've seen books dragged out of well-deserved retirement, kept current by revamped covers and re-issued as "classics", but I've never seen one given a complete makeover that doubles the original extent. I had reservations about this when it first appeared. It's not that it wasn't good, or that I didn't like it, just that I didn't feel that Jean's loose and somewhat idiosyncratic style fitted comfortably into a series of what were largely technical manuals. All that clearly didn't harm sales and Jean has, of course, gone on to become a bestselling and highly respected author. Later volumes have given her work the freedom it needs and it's blossomed as a result. Re-workings of what for the moment we'll call juvenilia are rarely successful. Authors move on, their style develops and things that are largely historical are best left as pieces of history. If that means they're a footnote, so be it. It's often better than being something everyone comes to regret and has to make excuses for later. And now, gentle reader, I'm going to eat my words: both my previous reservations and my suspicion of the re-vamp. This is everything the book should have been in the first place. It hasn't been shoe-horned into a series format, for a start. Series are great and are often a way of introducing new authors who may not have the gravitas to stand alone, but can be carried on by the momentum a series provides and given a toe-hold in the water (yes, I do know that's a mixed metaphor, but it was kind of you to mention it). It's also been completely re-designed and there are vastly more illustrations. Now, it has room to spread its wings and to breathe, which is exactly what Jean's work needs. She's not about small illustrations that populate a detailed text, she's about illustrations, illustrations and illustrations. You need to see her work full-page and preferably on a crisp white background and that's what you have here. I haven't done a word-by-word comparison, but I'm pretty sure this is the original text and it now becomes an adjunct to the pictures, rather than the other way round. The best art books usually lead on the paintings and use the text just as a caption to explain what you're looking at when you need a nudge or it isn't immediately obvious. This is a hard trick to pull off because, if the original book was any good, it'll have been properly put together and be a perfect sphere it's very hard to pull apart. No matter how much you want to, it is, as I've hinted above, usually better to leave well alone and start something new from scratch. So, congratulations to Search Press, whose editorial and design teams are on a bit of a roll at the moment, and to Jean too. With this many new illustrations, she's had a pretty large part in the exercise as well. You need this book. * Artbookreview.net *

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Book SynopsisOne of Europe's most beautiful cities is celebrated through the talents of artist Tom Mairs The city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a historic city with cobblestone streets lined with buildings that tell the story of past centuries, offering an architecture that blends Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. Prague is an open-air museum, where each building tells a story and each street reveals an architectural treasure, offering its visitors a journey through history and showcasing the timeless beauty of this city with its thousand towers, thousand spires, and colorful buildings.

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Book SynopsisInstagram star Jeannie Dickson has created a modern and inviting introductory watercolor painting book for adults, beginners, aspiring young artists, and journalers that will be a source of inspiration and art instruction for their creative journey.Hello, Watercolor! offers a fresh approach to painting watercolors with concise and accessible information. Aspiring artists and journalers will immediately be able to apply the techniques they learn on these pages—including brush lettering—to more than 15 exciting step-by-step projects, from painting origami animals, sparkling glass shards, and beautiful alphabets to still life painting of luscious florals, fruits, and fanciful unicorns. Among the features that make this handbook both a valuable learning tool and source of inspiration: Projects include a list of techniques with cross-references. Each project includes watercolors used with swatches so readers can make substitutions easily. Popular color palettes and color “recipes” for foolproof paint mixing. 12 monthly challenges with daily or weekly prompts to inspire painting all year long. Templates to trace and watercolor paint for some projects. Ideas to share work and connect with other expert or beginner watercolor artists!

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Book SynopsisInspired by the works of French Post-Impressionist and Fauvist artists, the Scottish Colourists (Samuel Peploe, J.D. Fergusson, Leslie Hunter and F.C.B. Cadell) introduced 1920s Britain to a whole new style of painting. While they did not regard themselves as a collective, they are known for their bold use of colour, vigorous brushwork and affinity for painting en plein air. Though each had a distinct style and focus, they were united by pioneering efforts to buck the prevailing artistic conventions of their time, creating works of art that burst with life and beauty. With over 80 images and a broad introduction, this is a fine addition to Flame Tree's ever-increasing series on painting and illustration, Masterpieces of Art.

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Book SynopsisIncludes a 42-page book with fun facts and colouring pages5 double-tipped markers (10 colours in all) provide a travel-friendlycolouring set to get started right awaySpecial pre-printed designs let Pokémon fans create window art

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Book SynopsisThere are some areas of watercolour painting that beginners often have trouble with, and one of these is skies. A sky can make or break a landscape painting. In this invaluable guide, Stephen Coates leads you through some highly effective techniques that will demystify sky painting and turn a good watercolour landscape into a brilliant one. Stephen takes a unique, no-fuss approach to watercolour, emphasizing the importance of planning, preparation and practise and explaining clearly which tools and materials you need, and how to prepare your palette before embarking on a painting. He then guides you through seven awe-inspiring skies, from blue summer skies to dramatic sunsets and storm clouds, introducing new skills and techniques as you progress through the book. With numerous handy tips and many examples of Stephen’s stunning landscapes throughout, this book will both instruct and inspire you to create beautiful, realistic skies with confidence.Trade ReviewStephen Coates will be well known to many amateur painters for his courses to art societies all over England and his articles in Leisure Painter. His new book, The Easy Guide to Painting Skies in Watercolour, addresses the problem of skies – a common issue for beginners. All-important to a landscape painting, a successfully painted sky can turn an average painting into a fantastic one. In his clear and concise style, Stephen shows you how to plan ahead for success, exploring materials and techniques, including watercolour, brushes and paper, so that you are prepared to make those first marks with confidence. There is also useful advice on working from photographs before Stephen embarks on describing how to paint skies of all kinds, from white clouds and sunbeams to the drama of stormy clouds, mist and sunsets. * Leisure Painter *Books on skies are not too hard to find and this important element (arguably the most important) of any landscape has been well-covered. The danger, of course, is of producing a masterclass that only serves to muddy the waters with over-complication. Regular readers will know how wary I am about “easy” guides. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it and it wouldn’t take a lifetime of study. Intelligently approached, however, they can be reassuring and progress in simple, straightforward steps that don’t tax the beginner or those struggling a bit to keep up. On those counts, this is absolutely admirable. Stephen starts with an analysis and explanations of materials and equipment, moving quickly to basic techniques, of which the first is a large, blended wash. The initial exercise uses one colour, then we move to two. It’s simple and progressive and we’re ready to start looking at white clouds. Nothing to frighten the horses, results that will satisfy and I think we’re ready to agree that, yes, it was pretty easy. Moving on, you’ll find heavy clouds, sunsets, storms, shafts of sunlight and mists as well as a look at perspective and focal points. Throughout, you’re really only painting skies, with rudimentary foregrounds that add only balance, without becoming an exercise in themselves – actually, if you want lessons in simplicity, you have them right there, an unexpected Brucie bonus. Easy? Well, maybe. Not too taxing? Absolutely. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net *This book gives you a better view on painting many different skies. Easy to understand and in pictorial format. Step-by-step guide that holds your hand through every brush stroke. Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, giving me a better view on those dramatic skies, I could never work out. I know now with Stephen's guidelines, I can produce a much better sky. This is a must have book. -- Jean Scott * Customer Review *I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, so as a beginner to watercolour I was looking forward to the contents of this book and I was really pleased with it. Firstly it is a very visual guide; not only do you get lots of photographs of the painting process but the Author has included pencil sketches to guide you and also source photographs so you can see the view that's been used to develop the painting. The author also has dotted the text with teaching points and these have pictures of how the effects should be accomplished and also what happens if you don't follow the author's advice. He even provides pictures of the consistency of different mixes of paint to water. Although the books is aimed at painting skies There is plenty of help to turn these skies into simple landscapes and seascapes that any beginner would be proud to produce. This is an excellent book, well written for the beginner to painting skies and I highly recommend it. -- Christine Jones * Customer Review *Books on skies appear from time to time, and most are based around a particular artist's methods of interpretation. Anyone with a reasonably comprehensive library will probably have Norman Battershill's and Ron Ranson's and refer to them for both information and pleasure. The practical approach is more usually a chapter in a wider guide to landscapes. So, do you, gentle reader of this august journal, need something that is clearly a beginners' guide? Well, there will be plenty there that you'll check off as 'knew that', but if I added the word comprehensive to the description, I'd probably have at least half your attention. There's light here, there are clouds, composition and balance as well as washes, wet-in-wet, perspective and recession. The book is a pleasure to read and full of ideas and information. Even if you are well experienced, the clear layout and excellent execution make it all worthwile. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *The sky is probably the most important part of any landscape painting. Stephen will show you not just how to look at colours and clouds, but also how to use washes and all the properties of your palette to capture look, feel and aesthetics. Stephen is well-versed in the techniques required to do all this, and he explains them clearly and concisely. This is a thorough and complete guide that will tell you everything you need and want to know. * SAA Catalogue *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 The challenge of watercolour skies 8 Planning 9 Understanding the paint 10 Brushes and brushing techniques 16 Watercolour paper 21 Tools and materials 24 Working from photographs 26 SKIES Large Blended Washes 30, White Clouds 38, Sunset Skies 50, Sunbeams 60, Stormy Skies 70, Low Clouds and Mist 84, Perspective and Focal Points 94 Building your repertoire of skies 106 Index 112

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewVibrant Botanical Painting gives the botanical artist a thorough grounding in every aspect of achieving a successful plant portrait. I appreciate the fact that Jarnie has both written and illustrated her book; her no-frills approach comes through and you feel as though you are in safe hands! -- Emma van Klaveren, Association of Botanical Artists' * Association of Botanical Artists' *

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Book SynopsisPainting on canvas poses many exciting opportunities for the artist. Along with the immediacy, vibrancy and unpredictability of watercolours, it is a liberating and creative process. This practical book explains how to start painting with watercolours on canvas and goes on to encourage new style and experimentation. It gives step-by-step demonstrations on different techniques to achieve loose, dynamic images. It is a beautiful and passionate account of how to work on a non-traditional surface to achieve striking and innovative paintings.

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Book SynopsisEverybody loves flowers, and here are 100 beautiful blooms for you to draw! Whether you prefer the understated beauty of a simple daisy or the garish good looks of a flamingo lily, you're bound to discover a flower in this book that you will find irresistible – and you will just want to pick up your pencil and start drawing! There are everyday garden blooms such as roses and tulips, delicate wild varieties such as primroses and bluebells, and a whole range of exotics, too, if you want to try something a bit different. Each flower is broken down into six simple stages that lead you effortlessly through to the finished drawing. There are no written instructions to follow – just basic shapes and pencil strokes. Even if you’ve never drawn anything before, you will be amazed at how quickly you will achieve incredibly impressive drawings. Every project also shows two finished examples of the flower – one shaded with pencil and the other with colour. This is the perfect book for budding artists yearning to draw their favourite posies, or the experienced artist looking for a variety of subjects to inspire. The material in this book is taken from the following books in Search Press's successful How to Draw series: Flowers, Garden Flowers, Wild Flowers, Exotic Flowers.Trade ReviewThis is a beautiful collection of flowers for the beginner artist, with step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations. Each flower is broken down into six easy steps. By adding a few simple shapes a stage at a time, it is possible to create a very realistic drawing of a flower. There is then the opportunity to either create a shaded version either in pencil, or in colour. There is such a wide variety of flowers within the 100 images, from African Blue Lily to Yellow Loosestrife, with examples of both wild flowers and garden flowers, each one with exquisite, but achievable detail. Whether you are looking to improve your drawing skills or want to find a perfect way to relax, this delightful book is full of inspiration. Highly Recommended! -- Kaye Thorne * Escape Learn Create.co.uk *As part of the Draw 100 series from Search Press come Draw 100: Flowers and Draw 100: Animals. These books are aimed at the complete beginner, promising to take you ‘from basic shapes to amazing drawings in super-easy steps.’ Draw 100: Flowers is written and illustrated by Janet Whittle – a professional artist and qualified teacher, and Penny Brown – a designer and illustrator. From delicate blooms to exotic species, each flower is broken down into six simple stages. There is no text included, just basic shapes and pencil strokes, making it easy to follow, and every project includes two finished examples – one shaded with pencil and the other with colour so you are able to build up your tonal skills as well. Using this tried and tested formula, budding artists will be able to produce striking drawings and paintings with ease. * Leisure Painter *Table of ContentsIntroduction 8 What do you need? 9 How to use this book 10 Flowers 12–111

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Book SynopsisLearn to paint 50 vibrant watercolour animals in seven simple stages, with award-winning artist Marina Bakasova. Paint 50 Watercolour Animals is the first title in a new beginner-friendly 'how-to-paint' series. This book will focus on a range of animals, from popular pets to wild creatures; from fun flamingos and doting dogs to mischievous monkeys. Over the course of 50 simple watercolour projects, this title will teach you how to paint! Each project can be completed in just seven simple steps from initial line drawing to finished creation, using a small selection of colours and a handful of easy-to-follow watercolour techniques. Whether you want to create a hand-painted card, decorate your wall or maybe you simply want to learn the relaxing art of painting with watercolours, with 50 cute motifs to choose from, you’ll easily find something to inspire you. No prior knowledge of watercolour techniques needed – This book contains a short list of tools and materials needed to get started and a clear and informative guide to the basic techniques needed to paint this varied collection of animals. No drawing skills required – The line drawings are provided at full size, ready to copy or trace – and all the information on how to do so is included. The line drawings are also available to download for free from Bookmarked (www.bookmarkedhub.com). Suitable for artists of all levels – Marina’s clear instructions guide the reader from start to finish in a way that makes it easy for anyone to pick up a brush and learn how to paint in her loose, characterful style.Trade ReviewPaint 50 Watercolour Animals is the first title in a new beginners' series that teaches you how to paint popular subjects by simplifying them into shapes, lines and colours. The book focuses on a range of animals - from household pets to wild creatures, including meerkats and monkeys. There are 50 watercolour projects included and each of them can be completed in just seven steps. No prior knowledge is needed, so these books are ideal for complete beginners and each of the projects come complete with a line drawing provided at full size so it's ready to copy or trace. -- Leisure Painter * Issue 646 *Table of ContentsIntroduction 4, Drawing 5, Materials for painting 6, Painting techniques 8, Useful tips and tricks 10, Colours 11 Projects Llama 12, Giraffe 14, Baby deer, 16, Hippopotamus 18, Cow 20, Dog 22, Polar bear 24, Camel 26, Panda 28, Deer 30, Woodpecker 32, Frog 34, Shark 36, Gecko 38, Seal 40, Goat, Koi carp 44, Sloth 46, Meerkat 48, Beaver 50, Crab 52, Seagull 54, Stork 56, Lion 58, Tiger 60, Zebra 62, Hamster 64, Squirrel 66, Toucan 68, Gopher 70, Elephant 72, Monkey 74, Pig 76, Wolf 78, Skunk 80, Swan 82, Rabbit 84, Flamingo 86, Fox 88, Rhinoceros 90, Crocodile 92, Pufferfish 94, Peacock 96, Lemur 98, Bird 100, Butterfly 102, Owl 104, Ram 106, Mouse 108, Ostrich 110.

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Book SynopsisA unique body of work and a radical contribution to our understanding of magic, art, sexual enlightenment and female desire, this exquisitely illustrated book provides an introduction to Ithell Colquhoun’s enigmatic series of paintings, drawings and poems: Diagrams of Love. Exploring Colquhoun's blend of alchemical, Kabbalistic and Tantric imagery and placed within the context of theories of sex magic extant in the occult subcultures of the early twentieth century, this beautiful little book of erotic art and poetry is one to treasure.

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Book SynopsisAt first glance, Walton Ford’s large-scale, highly detailed watercolors of animals recall the prints of 19th-century illustrators John James Audubon and Edward Lear. A closer look reveals a complex and disturbingly anthropomorphic universe, full of symbols, sly jokes, and allusions to the ‘operatic’ quality of traditional natural history.In this stunning but sinister visual universe, beasts and birds are not mere aesthetic objects but dynamic actors in allegorical struggles: a wild turkey crushes a small parrot in its claw; a troupe of monkeys wreaks havoc on a formal dinner table; an American buffalo is surrounded by bloodied white wolves. In dazzling watercolor, the images impress as much for their impeccable realism as they do for their complex narratives.First available as a signed and limited volume, this updated edition of Pancha Tantra is the most comprehensive survey of Ford’s oeuvre to date, with more than 20 new works. It features dazzling details, an in-depth exploration of his visual universe, a complete biography, and excerpts from his textual inspirations: from Indian folktales and the letters of Benjamin Franklin to the Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini and Audubon’s Ornithological Biography.Trade Review“Walton Ford’s draftsmanship has Dürer’s woodcut muscularity, and his ambitious compositions have the sweep of Delacroix or Géricault.” * Men’s Vogue *“Think John James Audubon crossed with Hieronymus Bosch.” * Vogue *“Ford’s work in all its gory‚ hyper-real glory.” * Los Angeles Times *

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Book SynopsisA guide to capturing the beauty of birds using modern, expressive watercolour painting techniques. Painting watercolours in a loose style is a technique admired by many artists, yet there are a range of skills to master in order to achieve a sense of freedom and lightness of touch. Birds present us with a vibrant array of colours and textures – from the iridescent plumage of the hummingbird to the zingy turquoise blue of the kingfisher – and with such varied and lively characters they are a wonderful subject to paint. Supported by instructional photos throughout, experienced artist Sarah encourages you to let go of the detail whilst providing you with all the techniques required to paint beautiful and characterful portraits of birds with colour and verve. - 10 step-by-step projects accessible to complete beginners and more experienced artists alike. Learn the importance of shape and tone in depicting form. - Discover how watercolour works through experimentation and play with different tools and techniques. - Explore various colour palettes, composition techniques and background basics. - Develop your approach to key features such as feathers, feet, wingspans and faces and other tricky areas such as creating texture, adding shadows and achieving translucency.Trade ReviewThere’s much to learn and enjoy here. * The Artist *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part 1: Fundamentals 1. Importance of Shape and Tone - Project 1: Exploring tone – drawing a coal tit in charcoal 2. Exploring Watercolour Paint - Project 2: Discovering how watercolour works through experimentation and play 3. Introduction to Composition, Layering and Expressive Mark Making - Project 3: Mixing expressive and controlled techniques – painting a stork in flight 4. Introduction to Colour - Project 4: Exploring a Limited Colour Palette 5. Painting a Bird Using Three Colours and Black - Project 5: Controlling colours – painting a peacock 6. The Importance of Edges - Project 6: Depicting feathers, capturing light and movement – painting a hummingbird Part 2: Advanced Techniques 7. Developing a Loose, Intuitive Style - Project 7: Using watercolour pencils – ‘painting’ carmines 8. Rendering Details in an Expressive Fashion - Project 8: Creating wing markings intuitively – painting a barn owl 9. Painting Black Birds and Incorporating Environmental Aspects - Project 9: Utilising the blue/orange colour palette for a dynamic composition – painting a raven in flight 10. Depicting White Birds, and Creating Environmental Elements - Project 10: Exploiting shadow colours and supporting features - painting a swan 11. Making Your Mark and Finding Your Voice

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