Lessons from a Lifetime of Watercolor Painting

I think this is an excellent book overall on watercolor. The only real issue I have is that the author does not explain the individual characteristics of the watercolor paint colors available. Watercolor is tricky, and it's imperative for the beginning watercolorist to understand the properties of the paints. Watercolors are either transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque; they are either staining or nonstaining; have sediment or do not have sediment. To understand and be successful in the medium it's so important to learn which of these properties each color has, otherwise you will end up frustrated and with a dull mess, and this the author barely covers, only mentioning the colors in his personal palette and a brief description. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book, as the author is clearly an excellent watercolorist in his own right and has some wonderful tips and tricks to teach. But please, in addition to this book, take the time to go online and study, or purchase another book on watercolor color theory.

This book was recommended to me by my Art teacher, who has been painting for years. He thinks it is the best resource for water color painting. It goes through the process of creating a water color painting from the very start - perspective, shading, etc. I used it as an aid for class projects and it walked me through a class I missed. It also gives lots of hints on what tools are needed and useful. The price was very affordable.

I've only been painting with watercolours for 6 months, but I'm painting pretty much full time. I own lots of 'how to' painting books, but as soon as I saw "A lifetime of painting with watercolours" book on the bookstore shelf, I knew it would be my favorite book. I couldn't wait to get home from the book store to start painting. I've painted about six paintings from the book so far, and I've learnt so much. I encourage every beginner or intermediate watercolour artist to buy the book. Donald explains perspective is an easy to understand way. (I struggle with perspective). He uses white paint, which is opaque. Why not...? Teachers and other books say not to, but it's magical to use white paint in the right circumstance. He has alternative methods of masking to just using masking fluid. He also explains the importance of getting the drawing right. I've bought a "T" square and triangle, and steel ruler so I can be more precise. Donalds tips have really lifted my drawing. I'm starting to get to end of the book in terms of reading and painting lessons, but I feel its given me the confidence to start painting from my own digital photographs and, as soon as summer arrives, I will get out in the field. Thanks Donald. Hopefully there will be another book forthcoming... Carolyn

I have been painting for many years and own several "How To" painting books. This is far and away the best of all. Donald holds nothing back, as do many books seem to do,including some of the best painters' books. It is written in simple, easy to understand language, leaving no questions to be asked. Congratulations on the finest book. Marvin R. Odom l423 Carrillo St., Lady Lake, FL 32162

Don Voorhees book hits the right mark and should help a lot of artists better there own work. Don's book is full of ideas and information that is only gained by a lifetime of painting. the instructions in the book I have read and some I heard before, but only from the most experanced artists who have in deed spent a lifetime watercolor painting. Don V's Book is well worth five stars and a copy should be kept close to the art table.