Watercolor from the Heart

This is not a step by step, how to book. But, it is the best watercolor book I have, (and I have many). Watercolor from the Heart will show you the true nature of the media. You gain understanding in what can bloom from this media, and how truely beautiful it can be. If I had only one watercolor book, this would be it.

I'm new to watercolor. Although this book is not intended for beginners, being about more advanced techniques, I found it inspirational to read. The author shares her ideas about how to approach the creative process, as well as her methods and images of her beautiful paintings. I enjoyed it and found it helpful in thinking about my own painting.

I thoroughly enjoy this book and would recommend this to anyone who likes to paint in watermedia. Barbara Nechis provides an approach to creativity in painting that is both thought provoking and pragmatic--a very difficult combination. I particularly like the humor in her tips about the "don't" myths of watercolor painting. There is also frankness in how she takes advantage of "mistakes" that actually illustrates her approach to creativity. She is generous with the techniques that she shares--I have tried them and they really work! So far what she has proposed as approaches to painting background are the most helpful to me--and other budding artists who are struggling with the balance of painting the subject and the background. Other books talk about planning the whole painting and working on the background first, Barbara gives you enough approaches and techniques for you to try with some confidence for success. I paid full price from a bookstore--still think it is worth every penny. Buy it.

I have read and re-reread this book many times, and each time I learn something new.I marvel at how Barbara Nechis lets the watercolor itself do the painting, and how we, the artist can aid in its completion, from our hearts and subconscious. I enjoy reading books like this which encourage departing from the 'rules' and letting the imagination take over.

Barbara Nechis is not only a gifted painter (a real original artist) but an excellent teacher, if this book is a way to judge her. Her techniques and explanations are as good as her beautiful impressionistic and very original painting style. A book to treasure and to learn from.