Painting Watercolors (First Steps)

This book arrived in like-new condition, and thumbing through I quickly found that this will be a book to keep me busy for HOURS. The book is fun and results-oriented as far as techniques. I will be going through all the exercises to practice all the advice offered. An awesome deal in my book! Top quality.

I've been using watercolors seriously for about 20 years (if you count what I did as a kid, and I'm not, then it's much longer.)
I've taken several classes, and continued to use this medium throughout my architecture education and career, as it was fast, and I had learned a few things that made it my medium of choice, outside of computer graphics.

So I have to say that I'm a bit jaded with these books, that show some very flimsy washes over a pen and ink sketch and call themselves "watercolor sketch books." Anyone can apply thin washes over indelible ink, friends (you should never be afraid to try!)

So let me qualify this review by saying that I did not purchase this book (yet) [edit: I have since purchased this book, and still love it! 12/03/14) but checked it out from my local library and find many of the tips and tricks to be aimed at the beginner, but that I also learned a few new things, and was reminded of a few rudiments that I've let slip out of mind, which may help my watercolors if I re-incorporate them back into the forefront of my mind when sketching and painting.

I've left architecture years ago, and now work in healthcare, but I still travel and bring my watercolor sketch box and a sketch book with me everywhere I go. This book (I will try to upload some images after I post this) is great for pulling off the shelf when you need a quick reference but also, leaving it out on your work desk to inspire you. Well-worth the price!

I think this is an excellent intro for the absolute beginner.

After early training, I stopped painting for about 40 years. I've now been back to it for about 4.5 years. Since returning, I've taken classes, workshops. Even so, I learned a few things from this book! My advice for those with more watercolor experience, skim the book to look for new techniques. I still struggle with clouds and water. Cathy's brief suggestions on those subjects were a help.

This book is loaded with great resources. I found the pictures particularly helpful, especially in regards to fruit and florals. I am a visual learner and that helped me with perspective. There are also several instructional pictures for those who paint landscapes. I don't right now, but am open to trying them someday. I am sure this will be a book I refer to often.

A very good techniques book that opens up the possibilities of texturing your painting.
Includes different brush types, non-brush tools, ways to look at your subject and see the details.

A small book with a wealth of info, great for carrying around to different locations as a reference or for small personal libraries who don't need (want) a giant hardback tome of painting lore.

Cathy Johnson is a down to earth and talented instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed working through "Painting Watercolors" and it came highly recommended to me. I used this book as my basic guideline for studying watercolor and I greatly improved by doing all of the exercises she recommends. She is a very natural teacher and I found it very easy to follow her demonstrations. I am encouraged and feel as if I am really on my way to becoming the kind of artist I always wanted to be.

I do not have an extensive art background. Without becoming arcane, the author gives sufficient knowledge and support TO GET YOU GOING. This is the right book for someone who wants to try watercolor but lacks the art background and/or the creative support one would get from an instructor.

Wonderful Book. Came in Allowed time. Excellent condition. Explains things simply. Los of pictures of "How To" make watercolor paintings. Especially learning to work with various colors used in Many Seasons throughout the year. Even Winter Snow. Many steps to lead you into your own painting and progressing each time along the way. A Worthwhile Investment. I would Encourage Anyone to Enjoy this Book. To Get Painting.

This book is loaded with great resources. I found the pictures particularly helpful, especially in regards to fruit and florals. I am a visual learner and that helped me with perspective. There are also several instructional pictures for those who paint landscapes. I don't right now, but am open to trying them someday. I am sure this will be a book I refer to often.