Rating: 
Summary: misleading title
Review: The artist does beautiful work and I'm sure her techniques are helpful and inspiring to more advanced watercolorists. However, for a beginner such as myself, this book is little help. There are many examples of Ms. Engle's work, but very few step by step photos to illustrate the text. The author should have realized that we beginners are not in a workshop to actually see the techniques of which she is writing and that detailed photos would be necessary for us. The title gives the impression that a beginner could follow along. My suggestions: a change of title or more detailed step by step photos. I'll keep my copy in the hope that someday I'll have enough of the basics down for me to use this.
Rating: 
Summary: Amazing technique and some startling tricks
Review: The realistic effects Nita Engle achieves are even more amazing when she reveals how they're done.Her wash technique looks completely random (swirling paint into a wash, some spatters, streaks) but when overpainted with trees or other landscape elements, the washes become reflecting water, weather, all in excitingly "better-than-real" effect. This book is valuable for the wash technique alone, but the wonderful pictures are also inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Artist,, story-teller, adventurer -- that's Nita Engle
Review: The title of this book intrigued me because I am new to watercolor and sometimes I see the paper sip the color without much help from me. Someone once told me that if an artist wants to understand painting, then learn to write. I studied that first and must congratulate Ms. Engle on her ability to take her readers (and viewers) on an adventure that feels both personal and inspiring. This may be the greatest book on watercolor that I have seen. I'll bet she is incredible at a workshop, stopping at nothing to achieve what she wants to express. Her vitality, interest, stamina, and creativity jump off of the pages and glow on my palette. I will carve into the wall of my studio her advice of "if something tips over on the rug, forget it. The painting is the thing." We've just got to remember our priorities!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely splendid!
Review: This book could be better, but I don't know how! From the gorgeous pics of the author's own work to all the wonderful techniques she exposes, this book is a delight. I would highly recommend this for intermediate to advanced painters, & as an inspiration to beginners. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Not For Beginners
Review: This book is definitely not for a beginning watercolorist and I don't think the author and publishers intended it to be. If you are just beginning to paint in watercolor in a realistic style I recommend starting with books aimed for beginners first. That said, for high-intermediate to advanced watercolorists who want to learn new ways to add life to their paintings this is one of the best books out there using the pouring process as the primary means vs. painting with a brush. That doesn't mean Ms. Engle doesn't use brushes, it's just that they are only one of several techniques at her disposal. I got this book after having read Creative Discoveries in Watermedia. So I understand why the title says 'Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects'. Many of the same techniques from the Creative Discoveries book are used here as well. Everything from squirt bottles to pouring the paints and tipping the board to let the paint run where it will to textural techniqes for added interest. All the chapters introduce fun methods for paiting but I'm glad design (aka composition) has a chapter of its own. All the techniques in the world won't save a painting with a poor design (that's when you just crop it and make it a mixed media experimental painting!) :) My favorite chapter is the last one. It discusses experimental techiques, mediums, methods, etc. This is the only watercolor book I've ever seen that mentions W&N's Aquapasto medium, a product I love for adding texture elements to some of my more experimental paintings. If you're an intermediate to advanced watercolorist looking for new ideas you'll find plenty of them here.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent instruction
Review: This book is full to the brim with advice by the truckloads. I have read the book only twice, and have not yet - by far - tried out all the ideas and suggestions. Personally I will start trying to master the masking fluid, which hitherto have given me more trouble than pleasure. I favour very much the freedom demonstrated by Nita Engle, and will try out all the ideas even if I go broke on the way.
Rating:
Summary: how to make a watercolor paint itself
Review: This book is not only an instructional book but an inspirational book; to all artists who love watercolor. Nita Engle is intelligent and innovative. Her fresh approach and methods left me wanting to learn more about not only her painting style but Nita Engle the artist. She is truly a modern American Master.
Rating:
Summary: WAY TOO HARD FOR A BEGINNER!!
Review: This book is UNBELIEVABLE. When I first read it I wandered around saying "this woman is way out of the nine dots". When I tried her techniques I discovered that was where I wanted to be also!
Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: This book is UNBELIEVABLE. When I first read it I wandered around saying "this woman is way out of the nine dots". When I tried her techniques I discovered that was where I wanted to be also!
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome and Inspirational
Review: This book not only provides painting enthusiasts of every skill level with new techniques, it provides each with the courage to be bold and exciting in the application of those techniques. I thought this book was excellent and have enjoyed trying out the techniques.
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