Unravel the mysteries of colour and learn how to be more confident with your watercolour choices.
Many painters are confused by their watercolour palettes and lack the confidence to experiment with colour mixing. This book demystifies colour, and helps artists understand how colour works in a highly visual way through the use of colour charts accompanied by examples, practical exercises, and analyses of watercolour paintings.
Numerous artworks by a variety of contemporary artists are featured in the book, covering a broad range of subjects and palettes. Topics such as granulation, iridescence, staining strength, and transparent and opaque colours will be explained clearly and simply, and there is practical guidance on colour relationships, using colour to create space, and how to be more creative with colour.
Armed with a clearer understanding of colour and how it looks and behaves on paper, artists will be encouraged to be more bold and creative in their use of colour in their art.
Table of Contents
Introduction6
Materials8
The Language of Colour14
Pigments Demystified38
Tone & Value58
Step-by-step project: Leaf66
Palettes62
Step-by-step project: Carte Postale Birds86
The Interaction of Colour98
Step-by-step project: Christmas Cactus104
Modifying your Colours96
Step-by-step project: Daina’s Teapot120
Glazing126
Step-by-step project: Still Life with Tulips132
Mineral Pigments & Luminescent Watercolours136
Step-by-step project: Inside, Outside144
Experimentation & Inspiration148
Step-by-step project: Trees and Birds154
Glossary158
Index160
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About Julie Collins
Julie Collins studied Fine Art at the University of Reading and has been an artist, writer and teacher since then. She has written colour mixing guides and artists' problem-solving books and also writes for The Artist magazine. She works from her studio in Hampshire, UK, where she explores her passion for painting, drawing and crafts.
Julie has won numerous prestigious awards for her watercolour paintings, including, most recently, the award of first prize for Watercolour at the Royal West of England Academy Annual Exhibition 2019. Julie was also elected an associate Member of the Society of Women Artists in August 2019.
Julie is the author of the Colour Mixing Guides in Acrylics, Oils and Watercolour, published by Search Press.
