Painting Vibrant Watercolors: Discover the Magic of Light, Color and Contrast

How to paint your world in watercolor … and have fun doing it!

The day Sterling Edwards watched an artist paint an entire sky with three deft brushstrokes was the day he committed to trading his tiny oil brushes and photorealistic style in favor of big, bold strokes of watercolor. In the years since, he's developed not only a wonderfully fresh, luminous painting style, but also an approach that takes the intimidation out of this beautiful but often-mystifying medium. In this book, he shares both.

• Initial chapters lay the foundation for successful paintings, from choosing the right brushes to achieving vibrant colors, interesting textures and strong compositions.
• Step-by-step demonstrations illustrate techniques for painting rocks, skies, trees, foliage, buildings, water and other landscape elements.
• An easy-to-follow, four-step painting process makes for easier starts and stronger finishes, complete with rich darks and sparkling highlights.
• Eight complete painting projects cover a range of breathtaking scenes and seasons.

• Learn to draw each basic flower shape and then paint a single detailed bloom
• Gain full, practical guidance for painting each flower through clear illustrations, step-by-step instruction, and the essential color palette
• Refer to Jill's beautiful finished paintings for further inspiration
• Use the indispensable introduction to discover basic flower painting materials, techniques and color considerations

Want to paint light-filled watercolors that reach out and draw viewers in? In this book, award-winning watercolorist and teacher Susan Bourdet shows you how. Through simple concepts and detailed step-by-step demonstrations, Susan demystifies the process of successfully depicting light in watercolor. You'll learn how to:

• Create convincing light effects and rich shadows
• Depict different light angles and times of day
• Render light on a variety of subjects, from feathers and fur to flowers, water and textures
• Take reference photos with exciting light and combine them into a believable composition that speaks to your viewers

Painting pretty, prized flowers is easier than you think!

Using an uncomplicated palette and simple techniques, Mary Backer shares the secrets behind her prize-winning watercolor flowers. From first strokes to final touches, you'll learn everything you need to know to paint brilliant orange poppies, plump peonies, graceful lotus blossoms, classic roses and other garden favorites.

• an exciting variety of flowers and compositions, from individual flower studies to more elaborate, mixed arrangements
• 12 full-length demonstrations take you from first sketch to final brushstroke
• Illustrates step-by-step watercolor techniques for achieving luscious color, complementary backgrounds and dramatic, up-close compositions
• Plus a unique acrylic finishing technique that makes colors really pop

Experienced and novice artists alike will revel in the inspiration and easy-to-follow instruction inside. Watercolor in Bloom makes painting flowers as pleasurable as a stroll through the garden!

Simple secrets for colors that sing

Don't settle for colors that just sit there. Inspired by the work of the great Impressionists, Color Harmonies shows you how to use analogous colors (colors next to each other on the color wheel) and their complements to achieve lively, glowing effects. By keeping palette-mixing to a minimum, placing pure color notes side by side, and applying other simple but powerful color tricks, you'll create sparkling passages of color that attract your viewer's eye, engage the imagination, and make your paintings shine.

• 5 demonstrations illustrate the step-by-step creation of stunning light-filled paintings.
• Includes expert instruction on drawing and composition, techniques for adding texture and interest, making the most of light and shadow, and more.
• Richly illustrated with gorgeous landscape, flower and figure paintings.

Using a few brushes, some rice paper and a small number of inks and paints, you can explore new realms of artistic expression in your watercolors. Author and artist Lian Quan Zhen shows you how, providing you with the clear, practical instruction you need to master every element of this intriguing style - from holding a bamboo brush to applying Chinese composition techniques.

Watercolor is a fun, challenging medium that captures the magic of light and color. Now world-renowned artist and instructor Claudia Nice helps you get started in watercolor today.

In Watercolor Made Simple with Claudia Nice, you'll start with the very basics, learning new techniques as you paint. Detailed instructions and step-by-step artwork show you how to:

• Explore the amazing variety of effects you can get by painting watercolors on dry, damp or wet paper
• Mix paint and water to create a variety of soft, beautiful washes
• Use fun and easy techniques such as spatter, sponging and stamping to bring a lively new look to your work
• Blend colors on your palette to capture the precise shade you're seeking
• Use your brushes, papers and paints to produce wonderful textural effects