Readers are offered a modern tutorial, which is a unique collection artistic techniques watercolor works.
This book is invaluable for those who have just begun to get acquainted with this interesting technology, like watercolors, and is interesting to those who have already started working with it. Ready-made techniques will allow beginning artists to develop both creatively and technically, saving time and effort for further professional growth.
Effective, visual and modern teaching methods are aimed at unlocking natural potential and providing an opportunity to master simple and accessible artistic skills.

PAPER.
For watercolor work paper is one of the most important materials. From quality, type, density relief, etc. It depends on how the watercolor drawing turns out.

Modern paper is made from both wood and textile fibers. The latter is significantly more expensive. Sizing also affects the cost of paper. Thanks to sizing, paper can withstand frequent and abundant wetting without warping. Particularly high-quality paper is supplied by the manufacturer with raised markings or watermarks. Watercolor paper comes in three grain sizes: fine, medium and coarse.

On fine-grained paper, colors look brightest, and they also dry the fastest. The strongly pronounced relief of coarse-grained paper allows it to be used in artistic techniques; in addition, it holds water very well. Medium grain paper is a compromise.
The thickness of the paper is what you should pay attention to first when purchasing. The density of any paper, including watercolor paper, is measured in the ratio of mass (grams) to area ( square meter). The more grams per square meter, the denser the paper. The thickest paper is considered to be 250 g/m - 300 g/m and more. The denser and thicker it is, the better.
In countries where a non-metric system of measures is traditionally used, their respective units are used.

CONTENT
Materials, equipment, artistic techniques 5
Materials and equipment 6
Tools for working with watercolors 6
Materials 10
Getting Started 13
Artistic techniques 14
Transparent and translucent paints 14
Thick and thin paint 16
According to Sukhon, or uniform coloring 18
Using pencils 20
Fill 23
Thin pines 27
Wet or damp 30
Multi-layer painting, or dry on dry
Softening dry edges, or shading 38
Softening of boundaries on wet 40
Strokes 42
Dry brush 46
Stamps 49
Reserve liquid, tape and stencils 51
Scratch and eraser, or open white on dry 55
Washing down to base, or opening white on wet 56
Palette knife 58
Salt 60
Squirting 62
Paper relief 63
Let's draw together 67
We depict roses using different artistic techniques 69
Repetition of training 72
Using photography as an aid 74.

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• Artistic work, 8th grade, Option for boys, Chukalin V.G., Yakovlev R.M., Tanbaev X.K., Ermilova E.V., Welker E.E., Losenko O.S., 2018

Marina Mylnikova

A wonderful and well-written book from the “Learning to Draw with Olga Shmatova” series for adults and children who want to learn how to draw correctly and beautifully. It clearly and in detail describes all the basic techniques for painting with watercolors. All material is presented in an accessible form. A child can deal with it independently, without the help of adults. The book contains many illustrations and visual examples. Looking at this wonderful publication, you immediately want to pick up a brush and start painting. The print quality is good. Thick offset paper, hardcover, color, detailed step by step instructions and descriptions. Even an adult who has never studied at art school, but those who just want to draw will find a lot of interesting and useful things in the book. I believe that this is a unique collection of all existing techniques for working with watercolors. With this book you can master big amount these techniques and learn how to use them in practice, as well as discover more than 20 scenes for creating wonderful paintings.

7 0

Tatyana Levina

Having started painting with paints with my two-year-old son, I became so interested that I wanted to learn how to paint truly beautifully, for which I purchased Olga Shmatova’s Self-Instruction Book. I am completely delighted with the book, because it very clearly, methodically and consistently explains the basics to me as a beginner. artistic drawing watercolor: tools and materials are described in detail (in particular: what brushes are, how they differ and in what cases they are used; different types papers and types of paints, etc.); a minimum set for beginners is provided, as well as specific instructions on where to start drawing. The author talks about how to better understand the properties of paints, and shares numerous artistic techniques for working on specific examples, analyzes the most common mistakes of novice artists. The tutorial contains techniques for applying fills, softening the boundaries of dry and wet, using a dry brush, stamps, salt, stencils, skimming liquids, sprayed and others. I regularly study using this book and am pleased to note that my diligent scribbling as a beginner is gradually acquiring a decent artistic appearance. I am convinced that the title of the book fully reflects its content. This is exactly the Self-Teacher. I'm very pleased with the purchase.

7 0

Korchagina Anna

A very good manual that has a number of advantages compared to similar publications. This is, firstly, the simplicity and accessibility of the materials, tools and equipment recommended by the author. Secondly - a detailed description of the properties watercolor paints, features for working with them, practical advice on testing paints and paper (after all, despite its apparent simplicity, the watercolor technique is quite complex). Thirdly - in the book, in addition to step-by-step recommendations, examples of unsuccessful work with detailed analysis such results. It is better to start getting acquainted with watercolor techniques with this book. It will not be superfluous in the future thanks to many original artistic techniques. Everything is very simple, accessible, and interesting for both children and adults. Plus good quality editions: thick offset pages, clear printing, color inserts on each page with technical information. Such a delicious book! Just its appearance makes you want to pick up a brush and paint.

Too many books? You can specify books by request “Drawing with watercolors” (the number of books for this clarification is shown in brackets)

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Welcome to our watercolor corner. Let's remember together what a pleasure it is to paint with watercolors. This is a magical process and an amazing result if you stop being afraid and find a little time. You can create beautiful drawing, even if you don’t know how to draw at all. You will see this for yourself when you complete these few exercises that we have prepared especially for you from our best books in watercolor.

1. The world of watercolors

A book about drawing without rules. You never thought that watercolor could be like this - free, vast, shining. Experiments, unusual effects, step-by-step demonstrations and practical recommendations await you.

No matter who we are, how old we are, or what experience we have, we can always learn new things.

Playing with watercolor spots

In this exercise, we'll apply bold shades of orange and purple side by side and see how they blend seamlessly in the center of the leaf. Try making color transitions where you can't tell where one shade begins and another ends. The merger should look harmonious. Scatter salt over the entire surface of the still damp sheet: fine salt on one side and coarse rock salt on the other. Let the work dry.

This technique is suitable for depicting roosters and animals with curly hair, such as poodles or sheep. Do you see silhouettes in your patterns?

2. How to understand watercolor

This is perhaps one of the most colorful and largest books we have. Almost 200 paintings by the best watercolorists under one cover! Their common denominator is respect for paint and confidence when working with it. In this tutorial, renowned artist and experienced teacher Tom Hoffmann reveals the secrets of watercolor painting and shares professional tricks.

You will learn to THINK like a watercolorist.

Why do you want to draw this?

Usually the artist paints not so much the subject of the image, but his understanding of this subject. Much of the pleasure of contemplating a painting's masterpieces lies in the fact that we - consciously or not - penetrate into the author's intention.

Understanding the reasons is the first thing you should do before starting work. Having chosen the subject of the image, ask yourself: “What is it about it that attracts me?” Before making decisions about how to write, I need to focus on why I want to do it. Think about it - and then what attracted you initially is guaranteed to become part of the finished work.

An artist who has learned to distinguish between what should and should not be depicted boldly embodies any of his ideas.

3. Artist's sketchbook

A sketchbook is a great place to bring any artist's ideas to life. This book is about improvisation. About that magic that turns objects and objects, emotions, impressions, smells and sounds into memories. Most of the drawings described in this book are done in watercolors.

Together with famous contemporary artists go painting in deserts and thickets, capitals and small towns. Try working alone, with a friend and in a group. See how to choose your subjects, simplify them, or work slowly and thoughtfully. Here is an example of a watercolor sketch.

Sketch of a favorite story

Start with a small sketch, then sketch out the outline of the sketch. In the next steps, add fill to the general plans. And then work on the details with a dry brush or gouache.

Such a watercolor sketch will evoke much more emotions than a simple photograph.

4. Portraits of fruits and vegetables

And those interested in botanical illustration will enjoy Billie Showell's book Portraits of Fruits and Vegetables. Her book with stunning illustrations will enchant anyone and teach them how to draw delicious pictures on the fly. We are even a little afraid for the pages of this book: you will definitely want to taste some of them, the drawings are so realistic.

Drawing blueberries

Draw the outlines of the blueberries. Make a wash of cobalt blue. Moisten the berry with water. Apply paint to the top and left side. While the paint is drying, prepare a thick mixture of cadmium red dark, French ultramarine and a small amount of cadmium yellow light. Moisten the berry, wait for the water to be absorbed, then drop in the resulting mixture. Don't paint over the highlights. Apply paint. Use a clean, damp brush to soften the edges and make sure the paint doesn't drip onto the highlight.

While the paint is drying, use the tip of your brush to “tweak” the dark color where you want it, including the small ridges (dots) along the top edge of the berry. Prepare a rich mixture of indigo and cadmium red dark and apply paint to the berry with the tip of a brush. Using a dry brush technique, achieve the darkest tone. Give the drawing a more realistic look by using a damp brush tip to soften the edges. Sharpen the details.

5. Portraits of flowers from A to Z

Another book by Billie Showell will be a source of inspiration for both those new to botanical illustration and those who have already mastered the basics. The main part of the book is devoted to 40 master classes - portraits of flowers from A to Z. Each portrait is accompanied by step-by-step instructions and a list mixed colors, which were used when drawing. For beginning artists there is a detailed section about materials, technique and color.

Three brushes plus basic watercolor colors - and on your table are captivating thin stems, fragile buds, velvety leaves, and petals of heavenly beauty.

6. Watercolor inspiration

This unusual creative album with stickers will help you practice building a composition and choosing colors. It contains 60 beautiful watercolor paintings of nature in different times of the year, created by four artists from different countries peace. At the end of the book there are sheets of stickers (as many as 500 pieces!) that will help you create your own picture. It's almost like painting, only with stickers.

Look at images of flowers, berries, butterflies, birds, trees and wait for the muse to visit! If you don't let go of your brushes and paints, you'll probably find ideas for your paintings in the album. You can practice right on the pages of the book: just complete the compositions with watercolors. Or take stickers and go ahead and create.

7. Botanical portraits

In his third book, Billy Showell talks about the materials, techniques and techniques he uses to create incredibly beautiful portraits of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Using images of flowers, greens, fruits and vegetables, Billy introduces the reader to his painting techniques that will inspire artists of any level. You will learn how to draw petals, jagged edges, velvety surfaces, fluffy buds, glossy leaves, fine patterns, and details of inflorescences.

Brush work No. 4

The size 4 sable brush is great for painting small plants. A small petal can be depicted with one or two strokes. The brush holds and releases the optimal amount of paint, and long, thin stripes can be painted on the stem without refilling the paint.

8. When the sun was a blot

This notebook contains several exercises for working with watercolors. They are suitable for warming up and will teach you to feel color and shape. This is not just a coloring book or a book about lines! She encourages you to think creatively, draw freely, and find your own style in art.

Exercise

Prepare purple, blue and green watercolors. Do these simple 4 exercises for fantasy and liberation. Feel the freedom of movement, lightness of strokes and joy from the process.

9. Artbook. Your life in words and pictures

Your art book is a place where you can freely improvise, improve your drawing skills, and capture important ideas and events in your life in a creative way. This bright book will give you inspiration and that's it necessary tools in order to create your own album and draw for your own pleasure.

Brush with reservoir

It doesn’t matter where you are: the world gives us reasons to experience surprise and respect at every step. All this is worthy of being included in an art book. Brushes with a reservoir are very helpful when it is not possible to lay out all the necessary watercolor supplies around - in a cafe, on an airplane, in nature.

The book contains a lot of tips that will help you start creating, record memories in an art book, and develop your talents on its pages.

Hi all! You really asked me to publish watercolor painting lessons, and I thought for a long time where to find suitable material, because this topic is not new, and there is already a lot of different information on the Internet, so I decided not to invent it, but to use materials from foreign authors. This article is the first, but not the last. I hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

This article covers the basics you need to know to get started with watercolors. However, if you continue to scratch your head after reading, then please feel free to ask questions in the comments! I will be happy to answer you!

Before I started writing this article, I decided to do a little research on the Internet about painting. watercolor for beginners. This way, I reasoned, I wouldn’t miss a single moment and would write the best post. But good God... I've been painting with watercolors all my life, and the information I found on Google stunned me. After three too many overwhelming articles, I threw up my hands and decided that I would show you how I, personally, work with watercolors - and the adjective to my watercolor approach is “simple”.

Tools and materials

First, I want to talk about the materials and tools you will need. Of course, the most obvious tool would be a watercolor set.

I prefer the set from Greenleaf & Blueberry. It's a little pricey, but I love it! However, if you are just starting out, there is no need to invest in expensive kits.

Advice from the site:

Go to the nearest art store and buy an art set of watercolor paints that suits your price, the main thing is that it is not for children 😉

If you live in the outback, where it is difficult to find such a product, then you can order a set through an online store. So that you can get an idea of ​​the cost, I’m sending you examples of sets that are easy to find in our country:

Finally you will need pure water and fabric(I use an old dinner napkin) or paper towel to dry the brush.

Any glassware will do, I use an old mug.

Transparency of watercolor

The great thing about painting with watercolor is that you have complete control over the opacity of the paint. Watch how one color can change depending on the ratio of water and paint on the brush!

The picture on the left shows what a brush stroke looks like with a lot of water and a little paint. The illustration in the middle has a more equal ratio of water to paint. The picture on the right has more paint than water.

You may be thinking, “That's all well and good, but how can I control this water/paint ratio?” Before you do anything, apply a drop or two of water directly to the cuvettes you plan to use. This will wet the paint and make it ready to go. Then, you can do one of two things:

1. Use a palette
You can take a palette and mix three different shades of the same color on it. For the first color, use a brush to apply about eight drops of water into the indentation. Then, dip the still wet brush into the already moistened watercolor and transfer the color to the palette.

Apply about five drops of water into the second cavity. Again, dip your still wet brush into the watercolor and transfer the color into the water. Be sure to agitate the brush so that all the paint comes off! If this new color very similar to your first one, add more paint.

For the darkest shade, you will simply work directly with the paint from the pan, the shade should be very saturated.

2. We work directly from the watercolor set
You can use the concentration of water on your brush to control the shade of the paint. If you want a very light shade, wet your brush well with water and touch the tip of the brush to the paint. If, when transferring to paper, you find that the concentration of paint is too high, dip your brush in water again, and apply this water directly into the paint on the paper. The color will become more transparent! For midtones, you'll still be applying watercolor with a damp brush, but using more paint. For darker tones, I dab my brush with a tissue (it will still be damp, but not saturated) and then take the paint straight from the kit.

Mixing

The reason we looked into transparency is for mixing and overlaying colors. With different shades of the same color you can make any look come true. I'm going to show you how to turn a circle into a ball using watercolor blending and transparency:

1. First, draw a circle in the lightest shade.

2. Assume the light is at the top right as shown in the picture. Accordingly, the shadow will be in the lower left corner of the circle. To start painting the shadow, use your brush to pick your medium shade. Draw the shadow as if it is “hugging” a crescent-shaped circle, like this:

3. You can see that there is now a definite separation between the shadow and the highlight. To get rid of this difference and create a smooth transition, you need to mix the colors together - an easy task when painting with watercolors! To mix, submerge the brush in water to remove any remaining paint from the brush. Dry the brush to make sure all the paint is gone, then wet the brush bristles again with water. Then, place the brush on the separation between the shadow and the highlight and drag the middle shade with water, it will blur. Soon, you won't be able to tell where the mid-tone and light end and where the shadow begins!

4. Now it's time to add a dark shadow to the bottom of the circle. Apply a dark shade around the bottom of the sphere, as in the photo.

5. Mix the dark shade the same way you did with the middle shade, and voila!

6. You can add a drop shadow if you want. To do this, draw a thin line on the opposite side of the light below the sphere, like this:

Then, you need to draw out the color with a brush dipped in water until it disappears.

You might find it easier to understand the concept of blending/shading if you watch the video:

If you want more practice with blending and shaping, I'd recommend painting these shapes in different colors:

You could make the sphere green, the cube blue, etc. Drawing shapes like these helps you understand how to make things look three-dimensional. Yes, it can be a little boring... but so rewarding!

Mixing watercolors

To mix watercolors, you definitely need a palette, whether built into your kit or separate. The process of mixing colors is simple: apply one color to the palette and then add another color. Mix them together and you get a new color!

If you have a small selection of colors in a set, knowing how to mix will come in handy. There are many sources that tell you what colors to mix together to achieve the desired result.

If your mixed color dries in your palette, don't worry. You can re-wet it and it will be as good as new no matter how much time has passed.