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Summary: the only books you'll ever need for watercolours
Review: As an addict of how-to art books, Michael's are the ones I return to constantly. Whether you're a beginner or a regular watercolourist you'll find all his advice useful; his assignments challenging. Best of all are the examples of his students' responses to the assignments, with Michael's appraisals and comments.So supportive always - he just makes you want to try it for yourself. Let's hope Michael Crespo's out-of-print books get to be republished; I'd love to see the one on oils...
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Summary: An excellent course of study for the dedicated student.
Review: I have both studied under Michael Crespo as well as read this book. He is an amazing teacher and an amazing painter. This book is a very well done translation of the structure of his course, and will be a boon to anyone trying to learn on their own or bolster classes.
Rating: 
Summary: a great translation of an outstanding course
Review: I have both studied under Michael Crespo as well as read this book. He is an amazing teacher and an amazing painter. This book is a very well done translation of the structure of his course, and will be a boon to anyone trying to learn on their own or bolster classes.
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Summary: A great idea, but not executed very well...
Review: The book is based on art courses the author taught. Unfortunately, I don't think the author is a very good painter, so it is hard to take the lessons very seriously. The book has some worth, teaching you how to see shape, then shades, composition, and then executing paintings. It builds one lesson on another. But the bottom line is the paintings aren't anywhere near as good as Jan Kunz, or other well-known artists. So it is hard to take the author's advice. I am sorry I bought the book, and will probably sell it to someone else. But if you like the author's paintings, you will enjoy this book. What would I reccomend instead? 'Watercolor School' by Hazel Harrison, or "Painting Beautiful Watercolor from Photographs" by Jan Kunz.
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Summary: Learn Watercolor At Your Own Pace!
Review: This book is great for beginners and for people who want to learn new techniques in watercolor. The author has excellent examples through out the book from students as well as skilled artists. He gives good advice and if you are new at watercolor and want to learn at your own pace without anyone rushing you this book is great.
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Summary: An excellent course of study for the dedicated student.
Review: This book will well serve both beginning students with a serious desire to master watercolor, and experienced artists who want to revitalize their painting. The book is arranged in a series of exercises that are fun, thought-provoking, and not at all difficult, even for complete beginners. The text for each lesson is well-written. Crespo compresses a lot of useful art theory into brief but very usable form. Although the author uses some of his own paintings as demonstrations,the majority of the illustrations show student work. The pictures are beautiful in their own right. They also offer great encouragement to beginners who may be intimidated by seeing too much technically perfect work in conventional art instruction books. I have been working with watercolor for nearly thirty years, but I still learned something new from every page of this book!
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Summary: Exceptional Book on How to Watercolor
Review: This is an exceptional book of graded lessons on how to watercolor. It is completely different from any other "how to" book on watercolors that I've seen, (which to me are mostly "show off" books). Crespo is genuinely dedicated to teaching students - while teaching technical skills, there is a wonderful sense of humanity, love for teaching, and awe of the mysterious essence of nature which shines through. Instead of having illustrations which show only master watercolors, (as many books do - a good way to discourage the beginning watercolorist right off the bat), most of the examples Crespo gives are of his own students' work, and only a few of his own. He points out what is wonderful about the students' work, (which is such a refreshing change from critiquing student work and pointing out in graphic and gorey detail what is wrong with it!) The lessons are carefully graded, building on what has already been learned. The assignments are stimulating and fun, with just enough challenge to not feel overwhelming.
I can't say enough good things about this book. As in all the best teaching, what shines forth in Crespo's is not only his knowledge of technique, but his love for the medium, his students, and life.
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Summary: A great course in watercolor
Review: Through a series of lessons and exercises, the book helps painters develop their skills in watercolor in particular, and painting in general. Unlike many other watercolor books, this book presents watercolor firmly within the mainstream of art, informed by modern developments and sensibilities, and not as a craft merely for hobbiests and society folks. Truly an inspirational book by a powerful painter. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A great course in watercolor
Review: Through a series of lessons and exercises, the book helps painters develop their skills in watercolor in particular, and painting in general. Unlike many other watercolor books, this book presents watercolor firmly within the mainstream of art, informed by modern developments and sensibilities, and not as a craft merely for hobbiests and society folks. Truly an inspirational book by a powerful painter. Highly recommended.
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Summary: The Best Art Class I Ever Had
Review: Woody Allen said that "Ninety percent of success in life is just showing up." This is true for art skills too. Crespo has made this easy in this book. He helps us to realize that our efforts are art and that art should be fun. For example, Crespo's Day 1 of the second semester is an exercise encouraging artists to "begin again." He stated, "Remember: relax, love what you're doing, and don't take yourself too seriously. Let your critics do that" (p. 138). I am starting through this book for the second or third time. I don't know if I will ever be a famous artist, but now I know that I am an artist. Crespo's exercises help me find work to do and help me to focus on principles. Every exercise yields one or several paintings that I can display. Right now I am doing a series of 3 paintings. One in normal value, one in high key and one in low key. I am having a lot of fun. The exercises have really helped me improve over the years. Anyone can learn something from this book. But the best thing is that you can feel good about what you are doing. You always have plenty of critics; Crespo is someone who encourages you to suspend criticism and to enjoy creativity and growth.
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