Watercolor: A Beginner's Guide

by Elizabeth Horowitz

Book Overview

A foundation course for the novice watercolor painter, Watercolor, A Beginner's Guide keeps both subject matter and instructions simple enough for any beginner to follow - from young student to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823033007
• ISBN13: 9780823033003
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill
• Length: 143 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.3" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

Watercolor a Beginner's Guide

While working with watercolor back in elementary school was never a problem, I find that working with it as an adult is quite a different story. I have painted with oils and acrylics for the past 20 years but when it came to watercolor I just didn't want to deal with the issue of "control." I was afraid of failure. This book has released me from that fear. It is well written and easy to understand. It is definitely geared to the beginner but I feel anyone regardless of experience could gain something from it. I think the thing I like the best is the projects or exercises given. Many books will describe a particular technique and give an example or two, but this book actually gives you step-by-step exercies. They are easy to follow. Along with the exercises are many examples of other students work. There are numerous helpful hints sprinkled throughout the book. I am very pleased with this purchase and am sure it will be in my permanent collection of art books for years to come. I would like to see other books by this author.

So Helpful

I found this book when I signed up for an introductory watercolor class and didn't want to go in not knowing anything. Well it now appears I didn't need the class. I think I could learn more from this book. The instructions are written so clearly and the tips are extremely helpful. As the other reviewers mentioned, I particularly enjoy seeing what Ms. Horowitz's students have done. And last but certainly not least, I love her painting style so for me it's not only an instruction manual but an art book.

Beginners and More

I have been painting for 2.5 years and have found that I refer to Ms. Horowitz' book all the time for tips and how to's, especially the chapter that describes the various pigments and their properties and the one dealing with textures. I really like to see the work of her students at the end of each chapter indicating that they have approached the subject matter in so many different ways. I have scribbled notes on many of the page margins, and, like other reviewers, appreciate the spiral binding which allows me to keep the book open while working. As for the author's own work, I really like "Peggy's Breakfast", a painting at the back of the book. I am striving to emulate that quality of light and shadow. This is not just a book for beginners.

Great book for all level painters

I've been painting for 10 years and still find this book invaluable. Chock full of color photos, tips, variations and stimulating ideas. The spiral bound allows you to lay the book flat and refer to it while painting. An excellent buy for painters of all levels!

Best watercolor how-to book

Horowitz makes the complex subject of watercolor simple. The illustrations and simple text make it easy to follow.The open ended approach is unique in "how to" watercolor books. Horowitz encourages you to master technique, develop your own style while doing your own thing. Chapter 3, Basic Techniques, "ABC'S of Watercolor" was reprinted in American Artists' quarterly magazine, "Watercolor" ... so it must be good. The student art gallery made me feel that I can paint as well as the students and gave me more ideas. The spiral cover opens flat for easy reference while painting and the glossy pages are wipeable. I highly recommend it to beginners, intermediate and advanced artists. It is a great "idea" book for art teachers or students in art schools who want to get into watercolor without drowning. Its the best watercolor, how-to book on the market today! A bargain for all the tips and info. A great xmas gift for a retired senior or shut-in, or anyone who wants to learn to paint in watercolor. Try it, you'll like it.