From Sketch to Watercolour Painting

Wendy Jelbert begins this book by asking the question 'why sketch?'. Her answer is that it is the best way to record inspirational scenes and to capture special moments. Through a series of step-by-step projects, Wendy demonstrates how to develop your sketching skills and to transform a sketch into a finished painting. Everything is covered from capturing detail, composition and texture to making the most of your sketchbooks. Many of Wendy's finished paintings and the sketches that inspired them are included throughout the book.

Whatever type of artist you are a professional, a serious amateur, a weekend artist, or a beginner a few crucial lines, some written notes and, maybe, a couple of photographs, will help capture forever a fleeting moment of time that sparks your interest. You never know when these moments are going to occur, so you must be prepared. Personally, I never leave home without a small sketchbook and a pen or pencil in my pocket; I might forget my keys, but never my sketchbook! Remember that you only have a brief time in which to record a scene, so it is important to get all the right information down quickly and accurately.