Book Review: The New Encyclopedia of Watercolour Techniques

 "The New Encyclopedia of Watercolour Techniques" by Diana Craig & Hazel Harrison is the third edition of its series.

  I found the first edition in one of my local library and read it, cover-to-cover. It had good details, with colored pictures and all, however, the layout of the book was a little off, and I felt it could have used more editing.

  Thus, when I found this edition, (the third) I was thrilled. The layout used is much more cohesive and easy-to-follow, and it has more techniques and explanations.

Enough with design, let's talk about content:
  The book opens with a gallery of watercolor paintings by different artists. I actually really enjoy looking at good Art. (Who doesn't?) Books that showcase other Artists' works are brilliant books, most of the time. The selection of works that were chosen for this book covered a wide range of styles one could achieve with Watercolor, from gestral to tight-and-lots-of-details.

  The next Chapter talks about materials and workspace, which is an improvement from the first edition.The layout, as I've said previously, is much more "cleaner" than the first edition, and covers pretty much everything you would need to know.

  The third Chapter is the meat of the book, the techniques in Watercolor. From basic washes to more interesting techniques, like misting and using textures. What I like about this Chapter is that the authors have scattered other Artists' works throughout it to keep it lively and engaging, and of course, to show readers the extent that the technique can be used.

  Lastly, a new Chapter has been added to this edition- Theory in Art. In the first edition, this information was scattered in the book. However, the authors thought that theory was important and they dedicated a Chapter for it. From palette colors, to warm-and-cool, and working from photographs. It covers most things that an Artist should keep in mind when drawing/painting. Although, if you wanted a real in-depth understanding of some theories, I would recommend reading a book based solely on that topic. (Such as, perspective, composition, and how to render an object to look three dimensional.)

  All in all, there has been a marked improvement in the layout of the book, and if you were thinking of getting this book, I suggest you get the latest edition. I would say though, this is a book suited for Artists looking for a refresher course, or if you wanted to get inspiration from other Watercolorists' works. Beginners reading this book will get an idea of the possibilities that this medium is capable of, but it is no where an instrutional step-by-step guide book.

My rating for this book:
  7.2 out of 10

Which book do you think I should write a review on? Leave me your answer in the comment section below.

Recommended Artist: Skinny Andy

   Why is his name "Skinny"? Is it a designer name (to stand out from the crowd.) or did his parents really name him that? I have no idea. All I know is that his designs are brilliantly simple, creative, and interesting, and the palette of color he chooses is gorgeous.

  See his flickr page here.

"Notebook Birds"

Who doesn't like design that makes you smile?

"Simple Pattern" 

  I like "Simple Pattern" because of, well, the simple geometrical  shapes he used. The harmonic hues of greens he has chosen is also really pleasing to the eye.

"The Titanic hates Argyle"

"Five color halftone experiment"

  And I chose this as the last picture because it touches on color mixing. A brilliant concept on his part.

  Other post you might like:
"Digital Art, is it Art?"

Digital Art, is it Art?

  The first touchy topic I cover... Is digital art, Art? To answer this question, we must first ask ourselves, what constitutes as Art?

  I haven't said it yet, but I would like to make myself clear on this subject. I feel (and this is an opinion, feel free to disagree with me, but I do have the rights to have an opinion.) that Abstract Art, if you can call it that, is not Art at all. And before you flame me, hear my argument out first.

  Abstract Artist totally disregard the rules set by the old Masters. Yes, we can bend the rules that the old Masters have set out, but we cannot disregard them completely. It is because of those time-tested rules that their Art works.

  A painting does not have to be beautiful, but it must have substance, and be able to stand for itself. Meaning, if you put the painting into a white room, and let people view it, they should be able to say something nice about the painting. There shouldn't be a need to say who the Artist was, or what the painting is about. Let the Art speak for itself. Our job as Artist is to convey something to the viewers. However, sometimes, the message that viewers get isn't what we were trying to say, but that's okay, because when people view Art, their past experiences, culture, feelings, and emotions tint the Art work. We need to, as Artists, send a message, any message.

  Abtract Artist say, "Art should mirror the world. That is why Art should now be ugly, because the world is now ugly." But as the late Hundertwasser said, "There is enough ugly things in the world. We as artist should add beauty to the world." There is nothing wrong with just a pretty picture.

  Digital art, like all Art, has its good works and bad works, just like anything else in the world. The difference between Digital art and traditional Art is that we use different mediums. Digital Artists use stylus pens and a computer, we use paper, pencils, Acylic, Oil, canvas. etc.

  The arguement that some people put forth is that, just because we use different mediums, Digital art is NOT Art. That is utter ribbish. Just because Watercolorist use paper and not a canvas as a surport, are they less of an Artist? Just because Colored Pencil Artists use colored pencils and not brushes, are they less of an Artist? No. A medium is something that aids an Artist in his/her quest to give viewers a message.

  Writers use words to convey their message. Dancers use dance and movements. Singers use their voices. Musicians make music. Artists use various mediums on various surports to convey this message. We are all Artists. Just because we are vastly different from one another, does not make us less of an Artist when comparred to another individual.

  We are vastly different, but what makes us the same is our passion for the Art that we do.

  That is why, yes, I believe Digital art is an Art, and thus should be respected as such. (I purposely made the "art" behind Digital in small.) It isn't "Digital art", but is "Digital Art", if you get what I'm trying to put across here.

  Just like dying trades, like fashion illustration, or mural advertisment Artists, Digital Art is an Art just like any other trade. It's just that they use different mediums to express their creativity. That is why you will be seeing Digital Art, along Fashion Illustrations and Designs on this blog, along side what we consider traditional Art.


  What do you think about Digital Art? Should it be considered as Fine Art or not, and why? Leave your comments in the section below.

Painting of the Day: by Konstantin Novosadov

Konstantin Novosadov, that's a really long and complicated name. Her Art is really good, though. Originally, she had a DeviantArt account, but the link now leads to nowhere. So I had to change this post to a Pinting of the Day. If you have any information on this artist, please tell me in the comment section below.

 

Recommended Artist: Alvaro Castagnet

  Among the few Artists whom I really look up to and strive to learn from, is Alvaro Castagnet. He is one of my idols in the Art world. Refer to my full list of Art idols here.

  He is a waterclorist, and a brilliant one at that. I found him through a book.

This painting Times Square, New York was awarded the 1st prize in 2012 at the 

3rd Annual Signature American Watercolor Exhibition.

  Now, I would like to talk about his book; Beyond Technique, Painting with Passion. As I said, I found him through this book, and it was the Art work, his Art work that I saw in this book that caught my attention.

  Reviews about the book say that it's nice and all, but that there isn't enough demonstration in the book. May I just turn your attention to the book title: "Beyond Technique". The book does not focus on technique. It focuses on your passion for watercolors. If you look at it this way, I feel there is a generous enough section of photographs of his Art Work to work well.

  His paintings have an emotional conection to the viewers, or me, for that matter. There's a sort of rawness to his paintings that I really enjoy. Watercolor is meant to be bold and free, and Alvaro Castagnet does exactly so.

  I strive to be bold with my colors like him, and to learn to draw the subjects with as much passion as he does. He made it to "The List" because he has a great underlying understanding of form and structure, and knows how to reduce details for the sake of a great painting. (Something that Artists forget a lot.)

Here is his Art blog.


BONUS!
  I looked around the net to get information on him and I might have found an unofficial list of the colors he uses. They are:-

1. Ultramarine Blue
2. Cobalt Blue
3. Cerulean Blue
4. Cobalt Turquoise
5. Burnt Umber
6. Permanent Alizarin Crimson
7. A certain Lilac / Lavender
8. An shade of Light Red
9. Brown Madder
10. Burnt Sienna
11. Yellow ochre
12. Cadmium red light
13. Neutral Tint
14. Cobalt Violet
15. Indian yellow
16. Viridian

Recommended Artist: Vladimir Kush

"(A) metaphor can easily reflect the complexities of our modern life,

 with its ambiguity and contradictions. The painter's mission is to find a

 metaphorical “parallel” for every side of real life."  

  That's a quote from the Artist's website. I found him through another site, quite by accident, and what drew me to him is the whimsical nature of his paintings, yet profound understanding about light, form, structure, and perspective.

  I would say he goes by the Surrealism approach to things. Using very well thought out palettes of colors. I almost thought they were made digitally. Here are a few of the paintings I like, done by him:

"Fish in the City"

"Treasure Island"

"Haven"

"Breakfast on the Lake"

  His website is slightly complicated, and a little hard to navigate, but still.

Visit his Art.

Recommended Artist: Robert Sewel

  RWSewell, as his profile name shows, joined WetCanvas is 2006. His real name is Robert Sewel. He is from the US of A, in New Bedford.

  Other than that, there isn't much information on his profile, but I'm sure you'll be amazed at what he draws.

["Oh, God, I have to sign up to comment and view his profile.", I hear you say. For reasons as to why you should join Wetcanvas, click here.]

  I really love the stylistic approach he has to some of his paintings as it breathes a new breath of life into things we see in this world. The jellyfish just glows with the colors used.

  He has done a drawing of a jellyfish but hasn't had the time to finish it. If you're a member of Wetcanvas, visit this link to see the entire thread and leave him a nice message. It's a work in progress. (WIP)

Reasons to join Wetcanvas.com

  Ever seen the questions on Yahoo! Answers where the question asks to rate one of their paintings? The answers usually just give them a rating out of 10, with little or no constructive criticism at all.

  In late 2010, I browsed the world wide web for a website that would provide me a platform to show my Art and get constructive criticism to improve. And I found WetCanvas.com.

 Wetcanvas is a brilliant website that has many different forums to get critique from. The Colored Pencil forum is one that I visit regularly, All Media Art Events (AMAE, for short. Where they host their Weekend Drawing Event.) and the Reference Image Library. (Of which, only members can access.)

  I highly recommend becoming a member, because:

1. it's free,
2. you get access to their image library, and 
3. you get a place where you can get constructive critisism from other Artists who know what you're stuggling with.

  And if you do become a member, I go by the name "Paris Girl", so add me as a friend or come talk to me.

Disclaimer: I am not paid by Wetcanvas and this is NOT an advertisment. It is purely because I truly enjoy Wetcanvas, that is why I'm recommending the website to you.

Inspiration, where does it come from?

  It comes from everywhere, really.

  Nature, people, objects, places, a season, an event. Sometimes, an emotion or a feeling spurs an Artist to paint or draw. Other times, an Artist draws because he or she wants to make a stand for or against something.

  An Artist should NEVER say "I don't know what to draw." because you can draw everything and anything you want.

However, we all have our bad days, so here are 15 ideas on fun projects to do when you have a "down day". They are accompanied by drawings of mine. Some are pretty old, (2010) some are products of experimentation, others are actual drawings that I am satisfied with. But they all serve to show you that you an idea of what you can do.

15 ideas on fun projects to get your creative juices flowing: 

     1.  A traditional still life. Think of apples, pears, wine bottles, bread, flowers. etc.

Forgive the bad picture and lighting. This is a pretty old drawing. This was done using student grade pencils back in 2010, but I've kept it well, so it hasn't degraded... yet.

 (I do not advocate drawing with student grade materials because if you do like your drawing, there's no way to make it last longer than it will.)

     2.  A natural landscape. The country side, hills, valleys, cottages, a stream, lake, or the sea.

     3.  A man-made landscape. New York, any city skyline.

 (I've not drawn any city skyline yet. But here's a drawing with a sort of backdrop. Done in Pastels.)

     4.  Water. For the adventurous. I suggest reading up on how to draw water correctly. Here's a link to a lesson in drawing water. Or you could try here too.
     5.  A painting of an interior. One of Van Gogh's famous paintings was of an interior. Do you know the name of the painting? Hint: Heavy brushstrokes and a yellow hue, it had.
     6.  A close up (macro) of a flower.
  For the fun of it, here's my drawing of a macro flower. It's titled "Molee's Flower" because it was given, as a birthday present, to one of my Mum's friend. The white outside the line is the canvas in which I stuck it upon. Done in Prismacolors.

     7.  A drawing of a single object. A wine opener, a stapler. An object that is simple in shape but has details is a good candidate. 

  And here's one of my "single object" drawings done on the 31st of May, back in 2010. It's a wine opener. Signed and dated.

     8.  Do a drawing in a medium you're not familiar with.

I did this small painting in Pastels.

     9. Draw a wild animal. Tigers, jaguars, elephants, giraffes. Think big animals.

Initially, I had thought of a background for this painting, but gave up on it at this stage. Blame the low quality paper and the student grade pencils. I know better than that now.

     10. Draw your pet. Or if you don't have a pet, your friends'/neighbors' pet(s). They make good birthday gifts too.

Photo reference.

Actual drawing. Again, this is pretty old and was done with bad quality paper and student grade pencils. At that time, I thought it was nice. Now... not so much. Still, I post it up here for you to see.

     11.  A graphite drawing of a still life. Keep it simple. Also, I might do a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this kind of drawings at a later date, so, keep an eye on this blog.

     12.   Do a fun "word project". Draw with words. I used markers to write the word "tuscan" over and over again in different colours to create a picture of a tuscan. This is more of a fun project than "real Art", but still...

   

     13.   Draw a small bird.  Like the ones that my Dad draws. I'm currently doing a "my Dad inspired" painting.

Here's one of his paintings. Japanese Ink on Chinese Rice Paper. 24cm by 27cm.

     14.  Learn to draw humans. Yes, it is difficult. But just look at humans just as you draw anything else. Learn to see in terms of shapes and shadows.

Here's another of my Dad's painting, cause' I haven't learnt how to quite draw humans, yet.

     15. Mix mediums. It's not all that easy, but it can result in beautiful works.

Not my best, but still. You get an idea.

  I hope this list has given you an idea of what to draw when you're stuck in a creative down. Leave me a comment below to tell me what you do when you're feeling un-creative.

Coloured Pencil Tips

Scrumbling:
Scrumbling is a brilliant technique to use. You need a very sharp, needle point on your pencils, and patience.

Lots of Artists say to go in a circular motion with a very light touch. I agree with the light touch, but I've actually used a linear method to great success.

The linear way to go utilizes the lines that your drawing paper naturally has. I use Fabriano 50% cotton paper for most of my colored pencil work. Do note that Fabriano's "right side" is on the OPPOSITE SIDE of the watermark. But, as always, feel free to use the other side if you're more comfortable with that.

The Fabriano paper I use has lines, and so if you follow these lines, you'll get a great linear feel. Also, you could always try to go AGAINST the direction of the lines. I'd think that it would make for interesting patterns.

The Brush Technique:
The Brush Technique. That's what I call it, and only because it's a technique widely used by colored pencil Artists, but doesn't have a coined term yet.

 

It's relatively simple. You lay on your layers of colored pencils onto the paper and after a couple of layers are done, you blend them using a dry, stiff haired brush.

  At left,  you can see the stiff haired brush I use for this technique.

First layer.

After brushing. You can't really see the effect on camera, but try it yourself and you'll be amazed at the difference it can make.

I was apprehensive about this technique at first because Prismacolors are wax based pencils and I thought a brush wouldn't be able to push the pigments around. I tried the technique just for a test, and I've been using the technique ever since.

What's the use of a colorless blender?:
In the past, I bought a colorless blender in the form of a pencil. I use Prismacolors to draw, thus, their line of colorless blender is just pure wax. However, I didn't really like it because it just built up wax on the paper and I couldn't get an more pigment onto the paper subsequently.

However, I've found a good use for the colorless blender stick. You can use it to lighten colors. Yes. Have you ever had to draw an object that had the slightest hint of a colour, but then found that even the lightest colour that you had was too dark for the job? Well, then a colorless blender will work wonders.

The point of it, (pardon the pun) is that you sharpen your colorless blender to a point, then very lightly lay a layer of it on the paper. It works better if the colorless blender is the first layer on your paper because then, more wax will lay on and your colors will be lighter. After the layer of colorless blender, you lay on the color that you want, and it'll magically be lighter.

  The swab on the extreme left in the photo above shows colorless blender laid only in the middle, to show clearly how colorless blender can lighten your layers.

Brilliant, isn't it?

The Use Of Turpentine, Zest It, and Other Solvents:
I've not tried any solvents for my Art before. One of the reasons is that you have to buy quite a large quantity here, and that some solvents are harmful to your health. Like turpentine, for example. Other substitutes like alcohol sound alright, and I've heard good reviews about Zest It.

However, another reason is that I feel overworking the paper makes the subject loose it's "life". In my Dad's words, "You'll work the paper to death, and the objects in your painting will not be able to so-called breathe."

I'm all up for the Brush Technique and a sharp pencil point with a lot of scrambling (see above) as a substitute for solvents. But it's an artistic choice. And it's your choice, at that.

My rule of thumb is "a little goes a long way." I try not to overuse anything.

What about you? What's your take on solvents? Leave your comments below telling me whether you FOR or AGAINST solvents, and why.