| As
this is one of Search Press occasional hardcover books, expect
a visual treat and something rather special. Flowers lend
themselves to lushly illustrated large format books like this
one and this book lives up to its subtitle of creating vibrant
botanical portraits in watercolour.
The book is in two halves, firstly getting to grips with the
materials and secondly several staged paintings to work through.
You can find some outlines at the back to trace so here is
a nod to the popular Ready To Paint series that ought
to work well with beginners, and those new to watercolor.
The pictures here are well described as portraits, and combine
the botanical appearance of old prints with a modern, vibrantly
colorful approach. There are all the usual features in here
from what you need to buy to color wheels, perspective, mixing
colors etc., as well as intriguing sections on learning to
see, getting the paint consistency right, laying out a palette
and creating tone and hue. I don't think I have seen such
an in-depth look at the medium before and it certainly bears
reading and having a go even if you think you are past that
stage. The author then shows us her six stage method of painting
and works though a picture of a rose, before going onto the
six staged projects which are handily arranged in order of
difficulty. If you can't get onto a real course here is the
next best thing.
If you cannot find a good range of watercolor materials locally
try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
Reviews
of other titles by this author
The
Modern Flower Painter
Anna
Mason’s Watercolour World |