Watercolor: Pour It On!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent for creative techniques, but not all I hoped for
Review: Here's what I like about "Pour it On"
1. Some creative techniques are given, with complete instructions, like fabric dye, spraying, foam stamping and cornstarch patterns.
2. There's a good section on framing and how to choose the right frame.
3. There's a section on negative spaces (the areas where the drawing "isn't") that helps in composition.
4. There's quite a bit of demonstrations sets of photos from start to finish.

What didn't I like? I found most of the paintings uninspiring. I didn't like the color palettes used, either.

In summary, if you haven't tried some of the more creative watercolor techniques before, this is a great guide. If you are looking for inspiration USING these techniques, I prefer some other similar books by different authors.

Rating:
Summary: More than I expected
Review: I am truly excited about the book, Watercolor: Pour It On! As an intermediate-level artist, I feel I have some competency with the basic watercolor skills. I am looking for ways to broaden my scope of techniques, and this book has been a treasure chest for me. It is loaded with step-by-step directions and easy-to-follow sequential photographs.
I find Jan Fabian Wallake's paintings awe-inspiring. I just want to "be there" in looking at each one of them.
The "Thirty Exciting Techniques" ARE exciting and they work! They are fun and easy and they have added new dimensions to my paintings.
I am really impressed with the section on glazing. It is a dynamic technique which has allowed me to move toward a more advanced level of painting.
This is also a visually beautiful book. In addition to the impressive paintings, the graphic layout is enhanced by the use of color, which highlights important information.
I highly recommend this book. It is an inspiration every time I pick it up.

Rating:
Summary: Watercolor: Pour It On!
Review: I am truly excited about the book, Watercolor: Pour It On! As an intermediate-level artist, I feel I have some competency with the basic watercolor skills. I am looking for ways to broaden my scope of techniques, and this book has been a treasure chest for me. It is loaded with step-by-step directions and easy-to-follow sequential photographs.
I find Jan Fabian Wallake's paintings awe-inspiring. I just want to "be there" in looking at each one of them.
The "Thirty Exciting Techniques" ARE exciting and they work! They are fun and easy and they have added new dimensions to my paintings.
I am really impressed with the section on glazing. It is a dynamic technique which has allowed me to move toward a more advanced level of painting.
This is also a visually beautiful book. In addition to the impressive paintings, the graphic layout is enhanced by the use of color, which highlights important information.
I highly recommend this book. It is an inspiration every time I pick it up.

Rating:
Summary: Loose, free watercolors!
Review: I have been painting with watercolors for a few years and my biggest problem is a fear of "messing up" so I tend to be very controlled. I need to loosen up and enjoy this medium. This book is just what I needed. It beautifully illustrates how to paint with a glazing technique that has gotten me excited about watercolors again. By pouring paint onto wet paper, the author shows how to produce brilliant, clean colors. My paintings usually turn out pale, but now I know how to use this poured glazing technique to get livlier color.
I especially liked the section that shows how to create thirty special textural techniques. There are easy to follow demonstrations and I liked the "helpful hints" that are offered in addition to the written explainations. After reading this book, I remember why I love watercolor so much.

Rating:
Summary: More than I expected
Review: I was very pleasantly surprised when I got this book.
I was just anticipating lessons on the technique of pouring paint. Yet there was much more.
From brushes to paper to different techniques on how to apply
watercolor,I was definately not dissapointed.
It is very easy to follow.
A good book for any watercolorist to have in their collection.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good
Review: I wish there were even more step by step pictures in here but overall I really like this book. It describes a technique then gives a picture or two to show it. I like a lot some of the newer ideas like using salt and cornstarch to create effects. It talks about softening edges, using glazes, etc. Definitely good for a beginner or intermediate level. I actually use this book in combination with other things like rubber stamping to make my cards more interesting.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good
Review: I wish there were even more step by step pictures in here but overall I really like this book. It describes a technique then gives a picture or two to show it. I like a lot some of the newer ideas like using salt and cornstarch to create effects. It talks about softening edges, using glazes, etc. Definitely good for a beginner or intermediate level. I actually use this book in combination with other things like rubber stamping to make my cards more interesting.