How to Make a Watercolor Paint Itself: Experimental Techniques for Achieving Realistic Effects

I was disappointed in this book. The art and techniques illustrated are of the type one might expect to see on a TV Craft Show. I would instead recomment Robert Wade's watercolor book.

I loved this book. I learned many new aspects of watercoloring. Her style, and the freedom she gives permission for, was very freeing. I highly recommend it. She is world famous, and her originals are quite expensive--plus, most are in private collections. Prints are available, and they are not cheap. Buy this book, unless you are one who wishes to paint very realistically.

This is one of the best watercolor books I've seen. It is well written, has lots of detail, and Nita Engle is generous with her information, e.g.her color choice and palette arrangement, two of the most difficult items to manage in my painting. I immediately attempted to take a seminar with her which, as to be expected, was full and has a waiting list. Next year I'll be first on the list. Seeing her tenichques is most interesting, even for those who may adapt them.

This isn't a beginner's "how to" book. It doesn't teach paint application techniques like washes, color theory, etc. It's the book you wish you had to get beyond the basics. It teaches you a variety of techniques from spattering paint and mask to creating effects like fog, etc.

Great book!

Nita Engle's work is exciting to look at and her writing about technique is exciting and helpful, even for this complete klutzy novice. The playfull part is indeed fun, with interesting and pleasing results. (The detail work to 'make a painting' will require additional instruction and maybe another brain.) Kati Meek, Alpena, Michigan