This is a really lovely little book with so many helpful tips about watercolour painting. It was clear and informative but never too technical or boring. I really enjoyed reading it and I think it would be a great help to art students or anyone who just enjoys being creative and learning new things!

The author made me happy from the introduction, seeing how it emphasized on the importance of practice and the unplanned beauty of watercolors. But even though practice is important, I liked how Danielle talked about the importance of taking a break and how sometimes life gets in the way of art and that is okay, no need to put pressure on yourself to draw every single day.

The friendliness of the writing made me like the author so so much and it inspired me and I am sure any reader to not be afraid to start painting with watercolors (or doing art in general). Also, the author focuses a lot on how having a personal style is a work in progress and it's okay to start where you are because your own drawing style with develop in time.

The techniques presented in the book range from simple exercises made to understand the nature of watercolor to amazing effect and how to get them - I loved every minute spent with this book and every exercise that the author proposed. There are some fun creative exercises that don't even focus on a final work, but more on helping the reader to develop his creative mind and practice more.

In terms of techniques and illustrations, the book is quite simple, but that's exactly why it works so well for myself and amateurs in general. Plus the friendly tone of the author encourages everyone to pick up a brush and simply create.

I really enjoyed this book. And I was surprised how much so.
The Art of Creative Watercolor does have minimal techniques and walk through tutorials. Where this book shines through is with the easy reading and masses of inspiration offered up to you.
Fans of whimsical art will enjoy the author's illustrations all the way though. But if that's not your cup of tea I think you'll still enjoy the reading and the journey you're taken on from start to finish.

If you’re looking to start watercolor painting, this book is a must-read! If you’ve been painting for awhile and in need of creative ideas, The Art of Creative Watercolor is for you.



Danielle is a mixed-media artist hailing from California and in this new release, she takes a different approach to teaching watercolor. Instead of preaching what’s right and wrong, she shares her experience and offers creative ideas to jazz up your watercolor projects. Like any artist will tell you, it’s about unleashing your creativity to create, not following rules. She also motivated painters to try new things and new mediums.



This book is a visual feast for the eyes and your imagination with plenty of images. The text is easy to read and well laid out. While reading, I couldn’t help but pick up a brush and start painting.



Disclaimer: I received an ARC from F+W Media and North Light Books via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.



My Rating: 5 stars

This is a lively book full of interesting ideas and whimsical projects. It is an excellent book for anyone who suffers from perfectionism or those just starting out. The pictures and projects are lovely and it will definitely make you feel like having a go. There are lots of relaxed techniques and encouragement. Overall a lovely book which would be perfect as a gift for someone. Thank you

Just as it says on the cover - this book is hugely inspirational. Beautifully laid out and easy to navigate, a totally wonderful volume for both beginners and seasoned artists alike.

***I received a free copy of this ugh NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I’m an amateur watercolorist who has much to learn, so am always on a lookout for good resources. I was first drawn to the beautiful book cover. However, after the first few pages, I realized this book targets those who were already familiar with the author’s style. I wasn’t one of them. Her art is not the kind I’m usually drawn to.

I’m not a big fan of whimsical art with funny looking people in distorted proportions. But I didn’t want to dismiss the book because of style differences, so I plodded along. I’m glad I did. I learned so much about composition (rule of odds, trapped white space, dot-to-dot drawing, among other things), style and design that makes this book a good resource, especially for a newbie like me.

She includes demonstrations that enforce her lessons, so you can learn along with her. She is an entertaining writer. I felt like she was talking to me, rather than writing a manual. I highly recommend it to crafty and amateur artists. I don’t recommend that you buy the ebook version. My NetGalley copy had so many issues using the Adobe Digital Editions app.

I would thoroughly recommend this book! As a complete novice to painting with watercolour I found this book a joy! I loved the subjects chosen, and I’m hoping that by following the techniques in this book, the flowers I paint in future will no longer appear as miserable cabbages.
It has given me a good insightful view of how to create depth and structure to my artwork. I particularly like the way the highlights mid tones and shadows created are shown by the layering. The examples given help the reader to know what they’re looking for and how they appear in the painting created and how to create atmospheric perspectives. It’s a very knowledgable book and all aspects of watercolour painting covered from what brushes and paper to use, brush strokes and colour wheels. Balance and composition. As a beginner to watercolour I have a lot to learn but I think this book will definitely help me or any other would be artists at any level.

As a painter myself, I found this book very inspirational. I liked the various different suggested projects and techniques. I did feel that the book was slightly lacking in techniques, but it makes up for this with great photographs.

This was a lovely instructional book with directions on how to draw and paint all sorts of adorable and colorful animals, plants, and people. The whimsical whales, sharks, kittens, and unicorns were my personal favorites. This book comes with everything you need to know to get you started in the wonderfully relaxing art of watercolor painting, including what brushes to buy, what paper to use, and all sorts of painting tips and tricks. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will definitely be rereading this on the weekend when i can put all my newfound tricks to the test!

Whether you've worked with watercolor for a while, or just now starting out, there is a chance there is something for you in this book. The watercolor techniques are basic, but there a some new and interesting ideas in there, not to mention ways to incorporate some other skills (sewing anyone?). At the very least, the illustrations are absolutely lovely (as would be expected) and you'll likely gather some new ideas to try!

The thing I liked most about The Art of Creative Watercolor was its relaxed approach. Rather than presenting a set of rules to follow, Donaldson offers ideas and inspiration, alongside creative projects to get you started. There's no sense that everything has to be high art; she gives you the scope to follow your own path. That said, there is still plenty of technical advice on everything from brush strokes to perspective and composition. I believe this would be the ideal starter's guide for someone who is keen to paint and create, but who is put off by the idea that they don't have the talent or that they'll need years to master anything.

I amazed at how detailed the instructions are. The book includes everything needed to get started with watercolor from very clear directions for purchasing materials to simple projects to start with. I definitely think this is the perfect book for beginners.

The author teaches watercolor painting, and as everyone knows, in order to be a successful teacher you must explain things in such a way that a student understands exactly what to do. Not everyone can do that well, but Danielle definitely can.

Unfortunately I'm having problems downloading this one onto my kindle to read.
I'm really disappointed as it looks like a title I'd really have enjoyed. I'll just have to wait until it's published I suppose 😞

Thank you for the approval, I very much appreciate the support you give to booksellers (like me) allowing us to read and review titles in advance of the publication dates. I'd certainly not be able to have the knowledge of so many titles for recommending to our customers. And of course, I just love the opportunity of being able to read so much for my own enjoyment and enthuse about them to anyone who'll listen.