Step-By-Step Guide to Painting Realistic Watercolors

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: --------------
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!

...

Rating:
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!

Rating:
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

Rating:
Summary: A natural-born teacher
Review: I've been an "artist" for many years, but just recently began watercolor classes. Though the teacher was nice, she didn't "teach". I checked out Dawn McLeod Heim's Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Realistic Watercolors from the library and knew immediately that I was going to learn much more from her book than I would at my art class.

I really appreciate Dawn's attention to detail. For each project she first tells you exactly how to mix colors and what the value should be. Then she breaks up each project into sensible sections; shows you what to paint only for that section, and what your painting should look like after each section. Then she has you critique your painting at the end - already knowing where you are likely to error.

This book is simply fabulous! That's why I'm buying it for my library!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Not for the beginner. Choices of projects weak.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book but not for a beginner
Review: This book was obviously written with a lot of thought behind it. I could not believe the detail that I found in this book. I am not a professional watercolorist, but I have been painting for a number of years. This book is a great reference for the experienced painter, but also a concise easy-to follow book for the beginning watercolorist. Ms. Heim's variety of subject matter is also very exciting. Unlike some books that focus on one subject matter, she has given us a number of different techniques and textures to try. I was most impressed by the colors in this book. In the step by step directions, I could mix a color as directed and then take a strip of scrap paper and dab it with paint and then compare with the sample color swatch of the book. To my surprise, it matched perfectly. It is obvious that Ms. Heim also took great care with the publisher to make sure the book was published with "true color". I recommend this book to anyone interested in producing beautiful watercolors, especially you beginners! Just as many of you, I have bought a lot of art books, but I only have a few that I actually use for reference when I am painting. This book is one of them! I am looking forward to buying her next book!

Rating:
Summary: The best step by step book on watercolors on the market!
Review: This book was obviously written with a lot of thought behind it. I could not believe the detail that I found in this book. I am not a professional watercolorist, but I have been painting for a number of years. This book is a great reference for the experienced painter, but also a concise easy-to follow book for the beginning watercolorist. Ms. Heim's variety of subject matter is also very exciting. Unlike some books that focus on one subject matter, she has given us a number of different techniques and textures to try. I was most impressed by the colors in this book. In the step by step directions, I could mix a color as directed and then take a strip of scrap paper and dab it with paint and then compare with the sample color swatch of the book. To my surprise, it matched perfectly. It is obvious that Ms. Heim also took great care with the publisher to make sure the book was published with "true color". I recommend this book to anyone interested in producing beautiful watercolors, especially you beginners! Just as many of you, I have bought a lot of art books, but I only have a few that I actually use for reference when I am painting. This book is one of them! I am looking forward to buying her next book!

Rating:
Summary: Takes a Mid-Level Beginner to High-Intermediate Stage
Review: This was one of the first watercolor books I ever bought when I first wanted to learn how to paint. First of all I'd like to list some of it's stronger points.

1. The projects are beautiful with the subjects being mostly still-life (although there is one animal project of baby ducklings
2. The author lists exactly the colors and brands she used in each project, the specific mixes of each colors and step-by-step directions for you to follow at each stage. Each project has stage-by-stage photos so you can see what your painting-in-progress should look like at the end of each stage.
3. The "Critique Your Work" tip section. She lists some questions to ask yourself as you examine the finished painting to see what you did well and what can be improved.
4. The "how moist is moist?" examination of loading a brush with color. This is one technique most other watercolor books either don't mention at all or if they do they don't explain it. The author gives photos and a detailed description of exactly what she means by a phrase such as "loaded brush", "moistened brush" etc.
5. The section on values and painting a controlled wash. There is a page devoted to common problems that beginners can run into when trying to paint washes - complete with examples of some of these problems (streaky wash, backruns, etc.) and how to correct them or avoid them.

It helps to buy the paints she recommends because it will eliminate one variarable that might make it harder to lead to a satisfying result. It is possible to use other brands (I did) but I recommend at least try to use the same pigment, if possible, as she lists in the book. For some people who are on a limited budget or don't want to invest in a lot of paint to be used only for this book's projects they might consider this a drawback. Also, this book doesn't cover painting portraits, wildlife, landscapes, seascapes, etc. It will be of most interest to fans of still-life subjects. Overall, I'm glad I own it as it is a big help to further development of techniques with watercolor.