This is a lovely book with many unintimidating project-based watercolor lessons. It is truly a beginner's book, which is often not the case with books with that label. I did not give it 5 stars for two reasons.
Firstly, the color mixing instruction is extremely confusing for a beginner. While I appreciate the author's choice to be paint brand agnostic, at least use traditional pigment names consistently and include those names in the lesson. I have no idea what "tint of green" means, and mixing instructions consisting of unlabeled colored dots on the page are zero help. A beginner needs more specific direction than this.
Secondly, the author doesn't help the reader diagnose what went wrong when their painting doesn't turn out like the example in the book. I've been a watercolor beginner for about a year now and I struggled with the very first lesson, throwing away at least six failures before I managed to get the right amount of water on my paper, paint in my brush and effective technique. If I hadn't known what I already knew of watercolor, I would have become discouraged and quit before I managed to figure it out.
I include a photo of my eventual success, but also a few of the fails as well, to demonstrate what I mean. Our society of the "curated life" often hides the work it takes to become good at something, which can discourage the beginner.
It's a pretty book, with a lot of projects I look forward to trying and I hope Anna continues to create this kind of book!
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103 reviews
MichelleB
A great beginner book, but watercolor is hard, first time ever painters may get discouraged
9 January 2020 -
Published on Amazon.comVerified Purchase
A great beginner book, but watercolor is hard, first time ever painters may get discouraged
Reviewed in the United States on 9 January 2020
This is a lovely book with many unintimidating project-based watercolor lessons. It is truly a beginner's book, which is often not the case with books with that label. I did not give it 5 stars for two reasons.Reviewed in the United States on 9 January 2020
Firstly, the color mixing instruction is extremely confusing for a beginner. While I appreciate the author's choice to be paint brand agnostic, at least use traditional pigment names consistently and include those names in the lesson. I have no idea what "tint of green" means, and mixing instructions consisting of unlabeled colored dots on the page are zero help. A beginner needs more specific direction than this.
Secondly, the author doesn't help the reader diagnose what went wrong when their painting doesn't turn out like the example in the book. I've been a watercolor beginner for about a year now and I struggled with the very first lesson, throwing away at least six failures before I managed to get the right amount of water on my paper, paint in my brush and effective technique. If I hadn't known what I already knew of watercolor, I would have become discouraged and quit before I managed to figure it out.
I include a photo of my eventual success, but also a few of the fails as well, to demonstrate what I mean. Our society of the "curated life" often hides the work it takes to become good at something, which can discourage the beginner.
It's a pretty book, with a lot of projects I look forward to trying and I hope Anna continues to create this kind of book!
Images in this review
Cyn
Finally! The Perfect Book For Beginners!
6 December 2019 -
Published on Amazon.comVerified Purchase
Finally! The Perfect Book For Beginners!
Reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2019
I have been following Anna Koliadych on social media for about two years. Her Step By Step watercolors tutorials are amazing and very easy to follow. I was so excited with the announcement of her book. This book is so much more than I thought it was going to be. The images with the details directions make it incredibly easy for a beginner like me to follow. Each project has a supply list, detailed step by step instructions and images to help you.Reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2019
This book is a must have for any person who loves watercolor painting and especially beginners wanting to learn!
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Newporter57
BEST BEGINNERS BOOK
23 January 2020 -
Published on Amazon.comVerified Purchase
S. Scott
This is a GREAT book!
10 December 2019 -
Published on Amazon.comVerified Purchase
This is a GREAT book!
Reviewed in the United States on 10 December 2019
This book is amazing! I bought it on a whim because in this season of my life with littles at home, 15-20 minute projects are exactly what I need. I’m trying to teach myself watercolor and just can’t devote 1-2 hours a day to learning.Reviewed in the United States on 10 December 2019
There are a wide range of subjects to paint. They’re beautiful and easy enough for a beginner. The artist/author also does a nice job of showing variations for some of the subjects. The instructions are clear and easily understandable. I wasn’t convinced I could learn much in 15-minute lessons, but I figured it could at least be fun and rewarding. I’m actually impressed by the little things I’m picking up as I go!
This has been the perfect book for a busy person wanting to learn watercolor.
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bettie lee II
Excellent for beginners and intermediate painters!
16 December 2019 -
Published on Amazon.comVerified Purchase