The Tao of Watercolor: A Revolutionary Approach to the Practice of Painting

If you are a painter trying to produce realistic paintings, this book isn't for you. Lots of people think that realism is the highest ideal, but if you are searching for a way to paint more impressionistically without resorting to flinging paint, this book IS for you. I am an art teacher and I find it very hard to help students realize that our world doesn't contain LINES, only shapes. It is also hard for students--and for me--to make fresh, lively paintings when we are trying for photorealism. By using the washes, controlling the edges, trying the layered washes, working from suggested shapes created by beginning washes rather than always beginning with realistic shapes, I get fresher work and the students make better work. It is true that we all can benefit from trying for accuracy in drawing, but when working with watercolor, why not go with the strengths of the medium and try Carbonetti's approach. To be absolutely honest, this book transformed my art. I refer to it again and again and have given it to my own grownup children who are working with art. Brava!

This is an excellent volume for beginning and advanced watercolorists. The technique is simple and yet commanding in the use of large color washes that appear to be ephemeral and mystic. The book gives good instructions in tapping into your own inner power and letting it flow forth, creating a loose and yet dynamic painting. This book is well worth the money and time to peruse it.

Even if you didn't paint, you might find this book worthwhile just to look at the paintings. But if you love watercolor and want to break out of the "box", this is for you. It is wonderful to see how Jeanne Carbonetti takes simple washes and splatters and creates glowing watercolors that make you say "Wow" over and over. Very inspiring to anyone who seeks to change how they paint.

If you started painting with watercolor because you love the color and flow of the paint, this is an excellent book. I found this book extremely helpful in learning watercolor techniques that focus on the flow of the watercolor itself and not drawing. Jeanne Carbonetti helps the painter understand how to let the watercolor itself dictate what the painting is to become by allowing colors to do what they will while still maintaining control of the medium. Reality is added only near the end. This book gave me a great start but actually working with the artist solidified my understanding of the techniques and my own style of painting with watercolor. Carbonetti's style really allows watercolors to sing and have depth.

This beautiful book will expand the horizons for artists of all mediums, abilities and experience. It uses the basic concepts of Eastern philosophies in conjunction with western techniques. Moreover, it is inspirational, and will be found so even by non-artists. This is an undiscovered treasure.