Rating: 
Summary: Lives Up to Its Title
Review: "The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook" is just that. On the cover it is correctly described as "a treasury of watercolor tricks and techniques discovered through years of painting and experimentation." Mr. MacKenzie has obviously kept good notes over the years and has generously shared them with us. Many thanks.Another excellent watercolor book is "The Art of Watercolor" by Charles Le Clair.
Rating:
Summary: The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook
Review: A very gifted watercolor artist, Gordon MacKenzie's talents as a teacher really come through in his book. He has saved the watercolor artist from many pitfalls, with his in depth guide to paint characteristics and qualities of different paints by brand. The book contains many helpful tips on techniques, as well as "how to" lessons. The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook contains many examples of Mr. MacKenzie's own work.
Rating:
Summary: The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook
Review: A very gifted watercolor artist, Gordon MacKenzie's talents as a teacher really come through in his book. He has saved the watercolor artist from many pitfalls, with his in depth guide to paint characteristics and qualities of different paints by brand. The book contains many helpful tips on techniques, as well as "how to" lessons. The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook contains many examples of Mr. MacKenzie's own work.
Rating:
Summary: Useful starter book
Review: As a beginner with watercolor, I found this book to be very useful in becoming familiar with basic techniques. The information on pigments is especially helpful. There are sample exercises and many examples. The content is not as "dry" and uninteresting as other beginner books.
Rating:
Summary: Useful starter book
Review: As a beginner with watercolor, I found this book to be very useful in becoming familiar with basic techniques. The information on pigments is especially helpful. There are sample exercises and many examples. The content is not as "dry" and uninteresting as other beginner books.
Rating:
Summary: Essential Watercolorists by Gordon MacKenzie
Review: As professional portrait artists who specialize in pastels,oils and watercolors, we ordered this book at the same time that we ordered Nita Engle's book on Experimental Techniques. So it was hard to separate the two and look at what each offered without comparing them as the authors are artists of two different skill levels. However, this particular book has much to offer in a less dramatic fashion than Nita Engle's book. It is solid, reliable and the perfect companion for the watercolor enthusiast who is working with less energy but equal enthusiasm! This one has provided pleasant reading, a light, chatty manner and some definite tips based on the author's many years of observation. It is the kind of notebook that we all wish that we would keep of our efforts and MacKenzie has proven that he is a diligent observer of everything! He puts his skills to work in a casual manner and because it is effective, we chose to rate it on its own merits.
Rating:
Summary: This is a watercolorist's best friend!
Review: Bought this book for my father-in-law. He takes classes with a well-known professional. He took the book to class, and most of his class ended up buying it as well. He cannot say enough about how fantastic this book is (and either could his teacher). If you know anyone interested in watercolor, get them this book!
Rating:
Summary: A great tool for both beginners and advanced artists
Review: Few art reference books have so much information written so clearly. Beginners learn that their problems may be more related to poor quality materials, rather than a lack of talent. Experienced artists can delve more deeply into topics ranging from materials to composition. This book is a must-have for your library.
Rating:
Summary: A great tool for both beginners and advanced artists
Review: Few art reference books have so much information written so clearly. Beginners learn that their problems may be more related to poor quality materials, rather than a lack of talent. Experienced artists can delve more deeply into topics ranging from materials to composition. This book is a must-have for your library.
Rating:
Summary: I love this book.
Review: I love this book. In the 2 weeks since I purchased it, I have read it cover to cover twice,in addition to picking it up for reference frequently. Mr. Mackenzie covers the gamut of watercolor painting in such a way that no other "how to" authors do. I particularly like the encouragement he delivers...since I tend to be very critical of my own work. I found his tips on techniques extrememly informative, and the illustrations are wonderful. I also appreciate his sense of humor (I can relate to the cartoon of the lady with the bulging eyes and the magnifier)! Mr. Mackenzie gives sound, down to earth advice, and he makes me wish I lived down the road from him...(so I could take private lessons)! Thanks, Gordon. Jacquie
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