Art book first impressions: Get up and Gouache. Also first ever gouache!

I just received this new book late last week. I was a little disappointed initially because it doesn't look like the level of the exercises builds very high? I was hoping to see some step by step breakdowns of the more exciting, storybook art pieces in the back such as "Lost". The only more complex piece with a breakdown is "Magical Mountains". However I probably just have hubris and the exercises will probably be very challenging. We will see.

I jumped right in and did the first project with my Turner Design Gouache. This was my first ever try with Gouache! This exercise turned out to be a great way to test the paints because there were lots of colours to mix. Main takeaway: Wow! Gouache is such a bright and rich medium! I can't believe this colour of red! However, I realized I screwed up when purchasing my basic set. I didn't purchase a dark blue or dark green. Those are now ordered and on the way.

I will update this review after I do a few more projects. I hope to try the second one this weekend.

Comments

Work from "101 Watercolor techniques" - Exercise 005

This exercise was a bit of a struggle for a beginner. Believe it or not the result below is the third attempt. The point of the exercise was to get a result of depth on the paper using only analogous colours and without using color gradation. I am sure I learned something from it. What I think I struggled with among other things was "water control" - keeping the water within the small leaf areas from running. Learning: As I went along I had a little bit more freedom with the strokes. I started to notice how the exercise author was using negative space and tried to replicate it. \

Learning resources: Books I am using, February 2021

Videos are the best but I still like learning from books. I purchased a few. I get some in physical form from the library and I get a lot of books in e-book form from the library. I am currently working though the following books of tutorials to improve my technique. Everyday Watercolor, Jenna Rainey I am just starting this one now. It starts out simple but looks like it builds to a good level of challenge. I have been struggling a bit lately so I am looking forward to working through some simple exercises to build confidence. Watercolor Basics: Let's get started, Jack Reid This book has a lot of tutorials. It starts by drilling 4 methods: Flat wash Graduated wash Wet-in-wet Drybrush I like this book a lot and should write a full review. It just went back to the library so it will be a few weeks until I have it back. 101 Watercolor Techniques, Parramón Editorial Team I got this in my order of bargain books. It's actually pretty good. The exercises are basica...

Crashing water

Search This Blog