2007-09-20 Not How to Paint a Tree

I live in France and don't like the heat so last summer I thought I would like to do something really worthwhile with the 6 weeks I am holed up in my house keeping out of the heat. Painting out of doors is no longer an option so I thought I'd work my way systematically through this book.

Unlike most watercolour books it doesn't labour on about brushes and basic techniques, wax resist and lifting out, it really is aimed at the improver - and there are so few books out there which are! What it won't tell you for example is how to paint a tree - for that you need a beginner's book

I particurlarly liked the fact (unlike most other painting books) that you get the original photo from which to paint, then at the back of the book is the gallery of his paintings so you can see how he has tackled the same photo. You begin to see not just what he has left out or added in but that he has perhaps used a limited palette or that colours are from half of the colour wheel or all warm or cool colours. Most artists seem to like to keep their secrets about how to get from the original scene to finished painting. This book is complete and a fabulous learning tool.

Outstanding book!