Charles Reids Watercolor Secrets

Rating:
Summary: Reid's techniques and advice are unique
Review: Charles Reid is a noted watercolorist. His technique is loose yet structured; he does portraits, landscapes, florals all with exceptional dash yet clearly he is following rules of some kind. What are they? He reveals his ideas on composition, color and things specific to watercolor. His use of the white of the paper is extraordinary; he doesn't just restrict this to highlights, but leaves large patches of paper that lets the eye fill in the subject in a very exciting manner.

The book is in a longer-than-wide format and beautifully printed. The example paintings are lovely--you just want to stare at them and wonder how he could make something so uncontrived-looking. But the technique is not simple, so if you admire this style of watercolor and strive for looseness yet coherence in your own painting, I'd recoomend this book for your library. It gives you a lot to think about and try for yourself.

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring Watercolors
Review: I've learned a lot from Charles Reid's books, and so will you. For me, the most important lesson is to paint directly, avoiding overwashes, and you will see a dramatic difference in your watercolors. Mr. Reid reiterates this lesson in most of his books, and from his latest you can not only see examples of this principle in practice, but you can also see how his work has gotten bolder and more colorful with time.

He also stresses the importance of drawing (a skill developed easily enough by practice) and to not try to make a painting perfect (you never will).

Highly recommended.