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Summary: ...
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As a young chap, I visited my local Art Gallery here in Bolton (UK) and although I had virtually no interest in art, I found myself mesmerised by the watercolour paintings of Thomas and Paul Sandby (c1700's). Twenty five years later and I still haven't taken a brush to paper - well, not until recently.Browsing through a bookshop a short while ago, I thumbed through scores of watercolour books and made mental note of how simple the paintings seemed to be. Can't be that difficult can it? And then....I picked up Dawn's book and was simply amazed by the fine paintings contained therein. Wow! The "Strawberries & Lace" knocked me sideways! I figured that even if I couldn't follow the lessons, my money wouldn't be wasted, because I'd cut out these fine pictures and frame them! :-) Seriously though, I'd agree with one of the other reviewers and say that this book is perhaps not the ideal beginner's choice. Having said that, this book does serve to inspire you and that's worth more than any amount of "basics". Don't hesitate....buy it now! ...
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Summary: Step by step is right! Everyone will love this book
Review: As an experienced watercolorist, this book not only inspires me to paint, but reminds me of the little things I may forget and take for granted in my painting. I remember when I first started doing watercolor, my teacher could not explain to me how much water I should have in my brush. I didn't know how to use my "expensive" paint to it's fullest potential and a lot of it went down the drain. This book will help beginners to use their tools right from the beginning. It's a book for anyone who does watercolor. She shows projects of all kinds. She covers many different textures. This is not just a book about painting flowers or landscapes, she paints flowers, animals, silver, doilies, gold, baskets, etc. Watercolorists.........this is a "must have" book. I understand that the author is working on a book about color. I can't wait until it comes out!!! The colors she uses in this book are so crisp and clean and she gives exact formulas techniques for mistake proof mixing. Buy it, you'll be amazed. The author is obviously a stickler for detail!!!
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Summary: Variety of projects and enough detail to get great results
Review: As the owner of several books on watercolor techniques I will say that this is the first that has enough detail on the techniques that Ms. Heim uses to create these projects. As someone who has struggled with the medium over the years and just couldn't get it right, using this book and following the precise instructions, I was able to get some exceptional results. Each project provides new skills whether it be how to achieve a particular texture or interpreting variations in color. Having completed many of the projects, I now use it as a resource in determining how to interpret my own subject matter. These are not the impressionistic watercolors that so many watercolor books focus on. These painting look real and have vibrant colors. (If you are interested in painting in more of a freeform style this may not be the book for you. Even so, the use of color and layering is worth checking out.) Kudos to Ms. Heim for providing clear, detailed instruction that simplifies what I had previously found to be a difficult medium.
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Summary: Clear, concise, and easy to follow, with great results!
Review: Dawn McLeod Heim not only knows how to paint, but executes in laymen's terms, the step- by-step approach to painting. When her steps are followed, one can't help but get great results. Many self-instructed books are hard to follow, and some leave the student with disappointing results....not this one! Ms. McLeod Heim does not leave out small details; she covers everything, leaving the student with pleasing results! This book is one you won't try and throw in the corner! A must for anyone interested in exploring the world of watercolor painting! Her instructions are easy to follow, and the pictures she shows along the way encourage the new painter to continue! I'd recommend this book as one to buy, and keep. A very inexpensive way to get GREAT art lessons!! She doesn't have you buy a lot of unnecessary supplies. I rate this A plus!
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Summary: It really works!
Review: Finally a book that teaches watercolor in a basic and concise manner, taking you from the beginning (even a drawing provided) to the finished painting. The bonus being that it really works, a finished painting. The step-by-step instructions take out any guess work as to how the artist accomplished her painting from start to finish, including the degree of value of color, where to apply it, and how to blend etc. These techniques are very easy to apply to ones own paintngs with proud results.
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Summary: A very helpful, detailed book for all levels of painters.
Review: I have just finished the first project in this wonderful book, and i love it!! The color bars, the photos of the painting in progress, and the critique pages are especially helpful! I bought this book for the projects, but was pleasantly surprised to see how well the demonstrations of how to do the techniques were shown. I just wish this book was around years ago when I was struggling along.
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Summary: There is no other book like this on the market.
Review: I have reviewed several watercolor books and there is nothing like this book on the market. Nothing compares or even comes close. I always hated art in school - about the only thing I could ever draw were stick men so forget about anything else like painting. Recently, (I am currently 38) I developed an interest in wanting to learn watercolor, even though I knew my previous art experience or talent was absolutely nil. After reviewing all the watercolor books available at a very large bookstore, I found the one I was looking for - Dawn McLeod Heim's Step by Step to Realistic Watercolors. This is exactly what I have been looking for - a book that describes, in great detail, easy to understand, explains every step, superb color photos of the colors used and the projects and the type of watercolors I was interested in - realistic. I purchased the book immediately and read it with great interest. I then practiced using the step by step techniques for charging, etc. and then began my first project - the wine glass. It turnout out perfect! My 2nd project was the teacup and once again, it was perfect!. I was so thrilled with the results! If I could produce excellent results, especially considering my previous art background, anybody can. This book is unique and so fabulous - I cannot say enough good things about it. I can't wait for her next book. I hope she continues to produce more "project books" like this, perhaps landscapes, etc. You will not fail with this book. Yvonne Kent
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Summary: I am glad I took a chance and bought this book!
Review: I normally never buy a book without first looking through it, but in this case I decided to take a chance and bought it based on the card catalog description, and the other customers comments. I am so glad that I did. I do have to say that this is one of the better written art books that I own, and I own about 35. I especially like the way she explains how to do the techniques, and not only the problems that you can run into, but the solutions on how to fix them. I have already completed two of the projects, and have totally impressed my family and friends!
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Summary: Well laid out, easy to follow and an invaluable resource.
Review: I now own over 15 books on watercolor, but Dawn's book was my first as I became aquainted with watercolor through her. It is the only book I have read from cover to cover and completed 6 of the 10 projects. Most books are not clear on the step by step process, not to mention brush strokes and paint colors, including the brand name. Her book is easy to follow, with incrediably professional results. The luckiest student is the one who has her book and is able to study under her. I have been painting for only one year, and because of Dawn and the projects in her book, I have gained the confidence to create my own art and develop my own style, although I believe you are never through learning. I have found that only her book can clearly take you from the beginning to the end of a project, for the beginner or an advanced student wanting a refresher or fine-tuning course.
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Summary: This book is FANTASTC! The best there is anywhere.
Review: I ordered this book after borrowing it from a friend, and I just love it! I have been painting less than a year, mainly muddling through my paintings by trial and error. After learning the techniques in this book, I am proud to say that I painted a controlled wash for the first time that looked decents!!! I think this has to be one of the best books on watercolor techniques out there!!!
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