There’s a lot to like about this straightforward, patient and thorough guide. I might take slight issue with the idea of it being for “the complete beginner”. In truth, I think a little facility with the medium would probably help, although the explanations are simple and concise and certainly won’t blind you with terminology.
Paul explains materials, the basics of colour theory and technical matters such as brushstrokes and washes in short paragraphs and simple illustrations that are completely to the point. He even manages to cover perspective pretty adequately in just two pages. No, this isn’t exhaustive but, if you’ve been put off by some of the whole books dedicated to the subject, this one might be worth the cover price for that topic alone.
The rest of the book is devoted to a series of demonstrations, many of which I think the complete tyro might struggle with. Inevitably, the results are complex and the use of washes and wet-in-wet could well seem daunting. Paul has a facility with the medium that makes for excellent results and his clear explanations will probably make you think that following him is worth the effort, though.
The range of subjects covered is impressive and this is entirely teaching by example. There are buildings, landscapes, birds, still lifes, trees and clouds as well as handy hints on figures, skies, flowers and much more. If you’re serious about learning watercolour, this is a guide that should keep you satisfied for quite a long time and one which, in spite of the somewhat virtuoso illustrations, you won’t lose patience with.
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