3 out of 5 stars
I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for providing me with a free – temporary – electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. As I am auto-approved with this publisher, it is my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.
‘Colorways: Watercolor Flowers’ is an interesting “how to” book. I will say now that I didn’t have the time or equipment to try any of the exercises – so please no criticisms about “how can you review something you didn’t try”… I read a lot of murder mysteries, I don’t try any of those either!
Despite my brain seeking the Australian spelling of colour, I actually liked this book. The wording is friendly, making the ideas and exercises seem doable. The last thing you want in a “how to” book is the narration tone being stilted, strict and unfriendly. Yes, there have been books I’ve seen like that, but don’t review them as they fit into my DNF (Did Not Finish) category.
But ‘Colorways: Watercolor Flowers’ felt approachable, meaning it felt like an instruction book I could and would enjoy following… if I had the time. Actually, I feel it would be a great companion book to a tween or teen learning to use watercolours as their medium. Something they could read and try in practice, while also getting hands on help from an art teacher. As an adult, I feel I could tinker with it, knowing my end results would vary from how the professional in the book does it, but I know they always make it look easier than I may find it as they have had a lot more practice at the activity than I have. Still, I feel it is a good “how to” for people new to watercolour painting to give a go. That is why I say it is approachable – it demonstrates the exercises in a way that encourages the reader to give it a go, no judgement! 🙂
The layout and formatting of this book is also good – despite my aversion to how colour is spelt 😉 – and I feel this adds to the welcome, “come and try” feel it gives off.
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. As said, it would be a great companion book to a tween or teen learning watercolour. Or even an adult learning watercolour too. ‘Colorways: Watercolor Flowers’ contains some very pretty; seemingly easy exercises that I feel would help anyone new to watercolour want to have a go.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Yes I would, but as a paperback version, rather than an electronic one. With instruction books I much rather the paper format and, I feel, when water is involved, a paper version of a “how to” book a much safer option than an electronic version. 😉 But yes, I do want to explore watercolour painting at some point and can see myself seeking this book to give it a go. Mostly because I am into folk art and flowers, so ‘Colorway: Watercolor Flowers’ fits into my styles of art to do at home.
Another reason to buy as a paperback is, on Amazon at least, it costs you more to buy as a Kindle than in paper format. Budget savvy me wants a cheaper deal any day. 😉
In summary: A good little “how to” book to help you learn some watercolour flower basics.
Until next time,
Janis
Janis's Journal 