Watercolor Made Simple

Watercolor is one of my favorite mediums, and it’s so refreshing to be able to read a clear, easy to understand tutorial that feels accessible! The tips were great and the practice pictures/projects felt challenging but very doable. I’d highly recommend this book for beginnings and even advanced watercolor users!

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All the stars, loved it. One of the most fun and easy guided watercolor books I’ve seen. Plus the interactive quality really allows everyone to try this medium.

This is a great intro to watercolor and offers tips on how to make room in your busy life for art as well as different techniques and brushtrokes and colors. It also includes a section on things you can use your finished paintings for (bookmarks, gift tags, etc) that go beyond the traditional framing. Somehow that had never occured to me and I can't wait to start seeing how I can transform art into useful objects.

Now I am inspired to dig out my watercolor paints and experiment. This book certainly gave me so me ideas to chew on.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto, and Quarry Books for providing an early copy for review.

This book was very informative!
It has everything! Technique, to glossary, even practice sheets! This is great for beginners and beyond! I highly recommend as it’s reminded me of things I forgot about over the years

Possibly the best book of this type for watercolor. Simple, clean explanations and beautiful illustrations. One section has QR codes for on-line tutorials - I wish there had been more of that.

I’ve never been very artistic, but I’m always drawn to different types of crafts, and have recently been wanting to get into more art. I have a basic watercolor set but haven’t really known what to do with it, so I was drawn to this book to help me learn.

This book has beautiful photos and sketches. The author/artist gives detailed instructions that are good for beginners to learn how to do basic techniques. There are also sketches and step by step examples of full paintings that can be practiced. This looks like a great resource for beginner-intermediate to expand your knowledge of the watercolor medium and get in some great practice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarry Books for an advanced copy of this beautiful book!

This is exactly the sort of book I've been looking for! I have an arty background but always focused on acrylics, drawing and mixed media - I avoided watercolors as they seemed to be more for older people or traditional twee paintings... in the last few years however I've seen some beautiful, modern watercolors and wanted to try my hand at them but didn't know where to start.

This book takes you through the equipment, the basics of technique and then builds on this through projects and inspiration. It is beautifully and helpfully illustrated throughout, which is pretty essential for this type of book!

It's not in the least bit old fashioned or stuffy, this is for anyone who wants to try watercolors and I'd definitely recommend this as a Christmas present for the arty person in your life.

This book is going to motivate me to get back to painting! I'm definitely a beginner but I enjoy watercolor and this book has some wonderful tips and instructions for beginners or even more advanced painters. Th is would also make a great gift for someone you know who enjoys painting.

"You won't love everything you paint, and that's ok...So practice, play, explore, and make notes along the way!"

If I could make a time-machine to go back in time, I would after reading this book! If only I had Watercolor Made Simple back when I first started doing watercolor. Not only is this how-to guide filled with the absolutely stunning artwork by Nicki Traikos, but it is as if she is your big sister/teacher walking you through the basic principles of watercolor art and fun exercises.
Nicki does an amazing job explaining all of the watercolor basics, from supplies, to color, to brush techniques. Her beginner exercises are the most fun I have ever done from a watercolor how-to guide and make beautiful pieces you can use for a variety of things. AND, if you don't love something, she even gives a recommendation on what to do with those pieces you are not happy with. Nicki also includes the "stencil/outlines" for every project, so don't worry if sketching or drawing is not your strong suit.
Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to dive into this book in exchange for an honest review. Watercolor Made Simple will remain in our library as a reference guide as well as inspiration for art that I may in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me this eARC to review.

This is the best watercolour book I have read with its simple steps, great layout, QR codes of tutorials, and inspiration. At the end of the book, there are a few drawings that one can use/trace to practice watercolour. I would recommend it to anyone.

I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy! I have always been a fan of watercolour but never been able to create on paper what is in my head. This was such a beautiful book, and I truly learned many techniques. I like the QR code link.

Overall I really I really enjoyed this watercolor book! The first part of this book walks you through basic watercolor materials and techniques. I found the color wheel tutorial to be a great refresher, as well as the lines tutorial (techniques for applying pressure with your brush).

After the beginning tutorials, the book provides several nature-based step by step watercolor drawings, as well as ideas for how to display and use your finished artwork. Reading this book motivated me to dig out my watercolor palette and paper and relax after a long day of work. It’s sometimes overwhelming to pick up an old hobby as an adult, but the manageable tutorials in this book are a great way to escape daily life and you will most likely end up with something beautiful!

Watercolor Made Simple is an accessible, easy to follow watercolor guide that encourages the reader in their art practice.

The book.opens with an introduction from the author, followed by a breakdown of the tools and materials recommend for painting - and unlike other books this one does not steer you towards particular brands. The author also encourages practice on cheaper pulp paper rather that "wasting" cotton paper.

the practices and theories in the book - colour mixing, swatching and brush strokes - are all designed to build muscle memory and familiarity with the tools before starting the projects. The projects are well written and easy to follow, with detailed instructions to get the effects shown on the paper.

Ultimately this book is designed to help and encourage watercolor artists in their practice - to find joy and confidence in their painting. I have been following the author on social media for a little while now, and her videos always inspire me to try new things with my paints. This book is just like a print version of that inspiration

~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~

I actually really love this book. I have been searching for a good watercolor guide for my classroom and so far they have been too simplistic, that my middle schoolers would be offended, or too advanced so they'd be lost. This one is the perfect balance. It has detailed examples, but simplistic explanations.

This is an amazing introduction to watercolours. My favourite so far! It contains helpful step-by-steps, tips and explanations. There are also links (QR) to videos. I also loved the tips on what to do with your work, even if you don't really like it. It's not just techniques in this book, but also the process of learning a skill and whatever comes along with that. Very nice!