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

Having experienced Artist's Block and Analysis Paralysis, I found her book an escape hatch back to art for the creative artist. I tried to find a solution to my block by taking many courses, to find myself stuck even more by the instructor's techniques and paralyzed. This is not a book for the fledging artist, but one vitally needed by the experienced. She doesn't show you The Way, but shows you a way to unleash your creativity. And, she shows you that all artists are human, and can make mistakes like hers. A very refreshing and therapuetic book for the stuck.

I've given this book a 5 star rating because I feel it's terrific value for the money. The information is mind boggling and takes painting to another level.
Having said that, I feel this is a book for experienced painters, although, if you enjoy a challenge it could be what you are looking for.

My immediate impression of this book is that it is DIFFERENT than most of what else is available. Good for this author to direct a book to a niche for once! Anyone can see it isn't for a beginner. I could see that I couldn't live without it on my own shelf. There are plenty of how to books for the individual who wants just ONE book. This is for the connoisseur of art ideas and techniques. While not noted as such, I find this author very "right brain" and right is right!

This book was disappointing. They show some very lovely pictures that she has painted, but it is so vague on specifics for many of the concepts. You really have to have experimented a LOT to relate to what she shares, I believe. I admire the pictures, but to learn from...minimal. There are better books for helping give insight. In her book, you go from some rough pictures to a dramatic completion -- skipping a few steps. Unless you really need inspiration for a unique way to vary your style, this book is wayyyy out there.

I've got this book about a year ago. Still read and re read it.
Nita Engle gives you an unusual, fantastic and very fresh look at the world. She also asks a very important question: what would you do if you really could express your self in Art without having any difficulties? This question, and the answer, was improtant for me. When i'm getting tired from my mistakes i simply open this book and remind myself that watercolor has endless possibilities and will give me lot's of happy hours... in the future. I only regret that the artist doesn't have any video's. I'm going to take a workshope.