e-artfinder

Combining four distinct watercolor tips and techniques books, this richly illustrated, highly informative compilation explores the versatility and beauty of watercolors in depth. With 19 detailed step-by-step demonstrations, the chapters cover every aspect of the medium in an easy-to-follow, inspirational way. Drawing from a vibrant and colorful palette, the guide starts off with expert advice on all the techniques needed for creating interesting pictures—from laying initial washes to adding interest and detail. Transforming sketches into finished paintings is also reviewed, including advice on capturing special moments, creating light and shade, and recording happy memories. Highlighting the importance of perspective in the painting process, the handbook shows how to create an impression of depth and distance using dramatic elements. Finally, an exploration of the effects of sunlight, shadows, mist, and stormy skies on a range of popular subjects is performed. An invaluable addition to any artist’s library, this reference depicts the delights of capturing early morning landscapes, rural buildings, seascapes, and more.

Appealing to amateur artists, decorators, and designers alike, each project in this collection of botanical still life by Charles Rennie Mackintosh captures the delicate balance and grace of his finest paintings. A principal figure of Art Nouveau design, Mackintosh spent many years studying the color and form of flowers, resulting in such signature works as Anemones (1916), Larkspur (1914), and Anemone & Pasque (1915), each included here and accompanied by Fiona Peart’s reassuring step-by-step instructions. Adding to the three Mackintosh orignals are two works of creative interpretation by the author herself, with instruction on how artists can apply the Art Nouveau style and pallet to their own original works. Each project is accompanied by pull-out tracing paper that easily transfers each still life onto watercolor paper—artists need only a soft graphite pencil and a rubbing tool to achieve the transfers—eliminating the time and trial of freehand drawing. Additional chapters include a brief biography of the artist, as well as a materials guide for buying paint, paper, and brushes.

Taking beginning artists and armchair travelers across the rocky, ancient landscape and blue waterways of the Mediterranean, this step-by-step watercolor tutorial includes five carefully selected scenes that evoke this beloved region of Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. Each project captures the stark heat and subtle beauty of the rich Mediterranean Basin with scenes that include a palm-fringed beach and a Tuscan farm, a domed Greek Orthodox church overlooking the blue sea, and a bicycle parked beneath bougainvillea on a sleepy, sunlit street. Author Geoff Kersey complements each original composition with reassuring advice and clear instructions that emphasize every detail. Tracing papers are included for each scene—requiring just a soft graphite pencil and a rubbing tool to transfer the basic layout—so getting started is quick and easy.