1.0 out of 5 stars
The author doesn't paint well enough to write instruction books, Jun 24 2010
I'm sorry. As someone who also paints watercolor, I have to say that I don't understand how Marcia Moses, who may be wonderful in all other respects, found a publisher for her mystifyingly bad instruction books on watercolor painting. Her painting examples are dingy, oddly colored, unappealing and often ill-proportioned.
She is an enthusiast though, and I gave her a star for that...
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not so easy, July 7 2003
This review is from: Easy Watercolor: Learn to Express Yourself (Hardcover)
Despite the aesthetic pleasure one might derive from perusing this book's pages in a bookstore, hoping that this is their key to gorgeous watercolor paintings, this book is not what it claims to be - "easy watercolor." It's definitely more along the lines of "intermediate - or more likely professional - watercolor." Though Moses shares a good deal of her ideas and techniques, the book does not go so far as to answer the challenge of how get to the point of having a painting worthy or even remotely necessary of these techniques. Her how-tos jump, not range from, a ridiculously simple watermelon slice to a street scene in France. This is, all the while, assuming you already know how to draw professionally, seeing as how you've jumped from a slice of watermelon to a deluxe French street. Tutorials will jump from a simple wash of one color to a deluxe painting with loads of colors and intricate details, none of which have been explained or shown in between the process.
The author's own paintings are quite far from captivating; a great deal of things are out of proportion and unintentionally unappealing. Her only two paintings of humans, for instance - one of a little boy, and one of her father - share the exact same pose and the exact same disproportions.
There are, however, helpful value scales, examples of washes, gradations, and principles, if only for the more advanced artist. Which brings me back to my original point - this book is not _easy_ watercolor, and I doubt many beginners that aren't highly skilled aritsts already will find it the right step between knowing nothing and knowing it all.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring!, April 15 2003
This review is from: Easy Watercolor: Learn to Express Yourself (Hardcover)
"Easy Watercolor" was truly inspiring. It contains a wealth of experience set out in an easy to follow format. Not only does it include all the basics but it teaches many great techniques. The content gave me confidence and the artwork gave me inspiration.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No