Basic Water Color Answer Book

My name is Jerry Little. I am the president of the California Watercolor association.It is the largest regional Watercolor association in Calif. I am a juror, Lecturer/ demonstrator and professional artist. I also am in the process of writing a book. I purchased and have read Miss Andersons book. As an artist for over 40 years I have read many,many art books and this one rates as the best one I have ever read from a total informative standpoint. Miss Anderson way of presenting information in a question and answer way is truly informative to both the amature artist and professional alike. The questions are ones that all artists are confronted with day to day. The book also explains good color, design and texture. One of the things that Catherine explains in her book that is unique is the way to being a good artist is to isolate yourself when you are painting so as to allow the creartive juices to work without interuption. She also explains to us about taking a risk. If we dont take risks in our art we will not grow as artists. I also believe that. Catherine as a gift that few artists have and that is being able to put emotion into her art work. That comes to few artists unless you are willing to take changes as Catherine points out.This book is a must in any art library Jerry Little E-mail [email protected]

Having had almost no experience in using watercolor paints, this book gave me what I needed to begin the challenge of painting with watercolors, and it even gave me more. As a beginner I knew nothing about what papers to use, what a wash was, what brushes to use, what the difference was between paints, and most importantly how to put them all together. Each chapter of this book gave me what I needed. Most importantly it gave me this information in plently of detail so I could go the next step.As I stated it even gave me more. Catherine did not skimp on offering her encouragement to try different things, make mistakes which opens the eyes so that you see the light of a new challenge, and that good old slap on the back to say you've done a great job.In addition, the book is well designed, easy to read, has plenty of good clear examples, and art which emphasizes the points made in the book.A 5-star rating is not good enough for this book, it should be given a 10.

if you are starting out in watercolors, or want to rebuild your technique from the basics, this is an excellent book to consider. anderson brilliantly uses the "frequently asked questions" format, with many side bars and captioned photos, to present a great amount of accurate information and wise advice in a casual and exploratory way. she can point with pictures, offer lists, respond to queries, and throw in marginal comments. but she doesn't lose her way. she starts by explaining watercolor papers, then brushes, and after a simple demonstration painting to get you to use the different brushes effectively, she's off into color, color mixing, value, and composition. throughout she repeats that "there are no rules," that it's good to take risks, and that mistakes can be creative opportunities. a special book not quite like any other ... and worth owning, whatever your skill in painting, for anderson's gentle and artistic spirit.

As someone who understands how difficult it can be to try to paint with watercolors, I must say that this book was one of the most helpful that I have found in terms of providing clear technique suggestions, a well organized approach, and interesting text. Often basic watercolor books are too simplistic. The illustrations in this book give you something to aspire to. The color reproductions of Catherine's own work are exquisite. The chapter entitled IS THIS A MISTAKE OR A CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY? spoke directly to me and my consistent insecurities in my work. Catherine's dictum that "mistakes are gifts" is a message I am trying to integrate into my art. The whale story in the introduction and the sidebars are very inspirational and you might even say spiritual. And . . . I am now painting watercolors with no more fear. Thank you Catherine Anderson.