Robert Wade's Watercolor Workshop Handbook

Mr. Wade is a tremendously talented artist who has won numerous awards for his watercolor paintings. This book does mention the paper he likes to use, his color palette, and the type of brushes that he uses, but this is not a beginning watercolor book. It goes straight into a discussion on the importance of tonal values, with a charming story of a white cat on white, gray, or black surface, followed by the black cat on black, gray, or white surface. He shows several examples of the same scene painted with different tonal values to show the importance of tone. He then goes into "visioneering". "Visioneering" is how the artist would paint the subject if he were God. He shows several beautiful examples of what he is talking about. He discusses how he works on site, dividing his half-sheet of watercolor paper into 4 or 5 different size areas to paint small impressions of the same site. ( He said that he learned this from Charles Reid.) His examples are Amazingly inspiring! There are many do-it-yourself exercises throughout the book. The exercises on color mixing start on page 56. Page 68 to 71 show 11 examples of paintings of "Pulpit Rock" , one of his favorite places to paint. He shows how color changes the feel of the scene. Then he goes into his glazes of paint. . . Each area of the book encourages you to be brave and give it a go!

What a wonderful book with terrific instructions and insights. Replaces 20 books in my collection which don't come close to the wisdom this book provides.

I have a library of over 60 watercolor books, and this is by far my favorite. I also own all of Wades's tapes, and his new CD. I find them to be an extension of the book. I took a workshop from a famous watercolor teacher who had us doing wash on top of wash. She must have gotten the idea from Wade as he has a section on just that topic. He covers washes on top of finished paintings that changes the character of the painting completely. A fasinating book that I return to over and over again.

A great book for those wanting to advance their watercolor skills and gain confidence in creativity. Not for the detailed photographic artist but providing an excellent balance between realism and impressionism. The author has outstanding technical skills in selecting and using different pigments. The included examples of his work are outstanding. Excellent printing and production.

This book has become one of my best reading and reference books I own.He takes you through every step of his techniques simply and right to the point.I love the fact that he points out mistakes that he and other poeple have made from their experiences.His humor makes it an even more enjoyable read!I love this book

Wade's book takes the aspiring artist through all of the techniques and approaches that make him such an engaging painter. He does this with detailed and very systematic discussions and lots and lots of paintings (many more than in most watercolor books). This book (as does Robert Lovett's companion book) covers as much territory as 4 usual books. I've learned a great deal from Wade's book and continue to learn from him. I cannot recommend it too highly.