This invaluable handbook for all watercolourists takes a practical problem-and-solution approach to painting a range of popular subjects, showing common mistakes and how to rectify them. Mastering fundamental drawing and watercolour techniques forms the basis of successful watercolour painting - the author starts by leading readers through a series of examples and exercises that will introduce them to tonal drawing, colour mixing, applying washes, and much more. Readers will then be ready to move on to the eight themed sections designed to help them in their specific areas of interest. Each theme starts by demonstrating the basic brushstrokes required for that subject. Trudy then sets out a series of problem-and-solution pages that are packed with useful tips on how to paint those subjects and avoid common pitfalls. The information throughout is presented clearly with plenty of useful annotations in a handy portable size so readers can take it wherever their painting takes them.

Problem Solved! Expert fixes for not-quite-right watercolors. As one of today's most sought-after workshop instructors, Charles Reid knows the most common stumbling blocks faced by artists and the best ways to overcome them. With expert advice on everything from drawing and design to fine-tuning figure and landscape paintings, Charles Reid's Watercolor Solutions will help you identify shortcomings in your paintings, fix recurring problems, and become a better watercolorist—no matter what your skill level. Inside, you'll find masterful insights from one of North Light's best-selling authors: • Advice for successful color mixing, tips to avoid overworking and other straightforward information you can take straight to your easel • 10 step-by-step demonstrations make the lessons easy to understand and implement • Student work with critiques that call out strengths, weaknesses and tips on how the paintings can be improved Whether your portraits feel contrived, your landscapes lack depth, or your colors look unnatural, this book holds the secrets to stronger, looser and livelier paintings.

Watercolor is a magical and often challenging medium. Once mastered, it will reward you with the pleasure of creating striking works of art of infinite variety. This book is a culmination of many years of teaching. Through it, I set out to clear up widespread misconceptions about painting with watercolors. These common confusions hold watercolor artists back from achieving their full potential. Full of practical advice and techniques, my aim is to simplify watercolor painting to assist you in your personal watercolor adventure. Enjoy the journey!

Covers composition, light and shadow, color, subject matter, and use of photography, and tells how to solve common watercolor problems

Examines different paints available and discusses their strengths and weaknesses

The beauty of a watercolor painting lies in its diaphanous layers, delicate strokes, and luminous washes. However, the very features that define the beauty of the medium can make it difficult to master. This complete guide to understanding the relationships between color, value, wetness, and composition unravels the mysteries of watercolor to help your practice evolve. Experienced teacher and acclaimed artist Tom Hoffmann offers a unique, inquiry-based approach that shows you how to translate any subject into the language of watercolor. With Hoffmann as your guide, you’ll learn the key questions to ask yourself at every turn and time-tested methods to help you reach solutions. Hoffmann’s thorough explanations and step-by-step demonstrations delineate the process of composing a painting in watercolor, while art from more than thirty-five past and present masters, including John Singer Sargent, Ogden Pleissner, George Post, Emil Kosa, Jr., Mary Whyte, Trevor Chamberlain, Lars Lerin, Torgeir Schjølberg, Piet Lap, Leslie Frontz, and Alvaro Castagnet serve to illustrate and inspire. Whether you’re a serious beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this book will guide you toward the all-important balance between restraint and risk-taking that every watercolorist seeks.