Watercolor Painting: The Essential Guide

This beautifully produced book provides comprehensive guidance for anyone interested in watercolor painting, from beginners to experienced artists. Watercolor is an exquisite yet unforgiving medium, and a lack of good results can quickly dampen enthusiasm. However, the essential techniques, detailed explanations, and demonstrations presented in this volume will educate and encourage artists at all levels to achieve successful outcomes and enjoy the process.

Readers will discover a wide range of possible watercolor effects, thanks to a team of 20 internationally recognized guest artists who share some of their painting secrets in a series of 'life lessons'. These insightful contributions complement the expert instruction provided by author David Webb, who also includes 'Help!' panels that focus on common issues and advice on how to avoid typical mistakes. This combination ensures that new watercolor artists are quickly set on the path to progress.

The book covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:

• Different paper surfaces and weights, with examples of how they affect watercolor
• Brush shapes and sizes and their appropriate uses
• Step-by-step photo guide of the paper stretching process
• Basic brushwork techniques (wet-on-dry, wet-in-wet, graded wash, etc.)
• Building up a painting in washes, layer by layer
• Creating hard and soft edges
• Mixing color directly on the paper
• Selective seeing and editing what you observe
• Choosing effective viewpoints for landscape, portrait, and square formats
• Establishing a path through the composition
• Utilizing perspective, color, and tone
• Evoking atmosphere and mood
• Presenting your work professionally, including photographing your artwork and exhibiting.

Throughout the book, the author shares personal tips and fixes gained over decades of painting experience. Problems are tackled with proven solutions, and advice is provided on how to avoid such issues in the first place. This comprehensive reference is an essential resource for watercolor artists, whether they are novices, experienced practitioners, or aspiring to improve their skills.

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