Ann Blockley is a very successful artist, known for the innovative way in which she uses texture as a key element in her work. This book, in Collins Artist’s Studio series, looks at how she achieves her stunning effects and provides essential guidelines for the intermediate painter wishing to develop this aspect of their own painting.

You need only look at a field of sunlit daisies or the elegance of a single rosebud to know "why" flowers have always been a favorite subject of artists. This book will show you "how" 24 water color painters capture their subjects' brilliant colors, subtle shadings, graceful shapes and delicate textures. Assembled from some of the best teaching available, this comprehensive, step-by-step instruction will help you create your own, breathtaking watercolor gardens.

This illustrated ebook, in the Collins Artist’s Studio series, is aimed at the intermediate painter and explains how to loosen up your watercolours and develop a more spontaneous style of painting.

Texture is one of the most crucial elements of any successful painting - and now, with Paint Luxurious Textures in Watercolor, readers can discover the secrets of this powerful technique. This book features: An overview of texture techniques, including glazing, underpainting of and masking; 15 close-up, step-by-step demonstrations of how to create texture for a variety of subjects, including lace, embroidered silk, silver teapots of and cats; Two longer demonstrations that show readers how to combine all of the texture techniques discussed throughout to create a sophisticated, multi-layered painting; Readers will learn how to capture rich textures so realistic of that their paintings will seem to jump off the canvas.

An inspirational and practical art manual, packed with step-by-step projects. Artist Ann Blockley is renowned for her innovative approach to watercolour painting. Her highly anticipated new book provides a series of workshops demonstrating how to push the boundaries of watercolour, using key techniques to develop your own work and take your paintings to the next level. Ann's easy-to-follow, step-by-step projects demonstrate how some of her most dramatic paintings are created. She describes in detail some of the key techniques used and how you can experiment with alternative methods to create your own interpretations. Finally, her beautiful and inspirational artworks demonstrate how different interpretations of a subject might take an unexpected or unusual direction, and how to make the most of these opportunities. The book moves, with progressively challenging projects, from loose wildflower meadows, textured woodland and rustic rambling walls to atmospheric or semi-abstract landscape corners, all rendered in Ann's adventurous signature style. Loose, expressive mark-making and unusual techniques include combining water-based paint and ink with granulation medium for dramatic texture, drawing with twigs, using gesso and collage to create unique effects; manipulating paint with materials such as plastic wrap (clingfilm); developing printed marks made using found materials. Following the huge demand for more practical guidance in experimental painting, the book provides plenty of techniques and instruction. Ann's personal commentary also gives a unique insight into the mind of the artist – ways of looking at your subject, how to explore and experiment – to unlock the potential of your watercolour painting.

A practical and well-illustrated book for the intermediate water colourist who is looking for greater challenges in their work.

Brimming over with exciting and innovative techniques, bestselling author Jane Betteridge's new book pushes watercolour to new heights, introducing vibrancy, texture and dynamism to this subtle medium.Following on from her bestselling book Watercolours Unleashed, Jane has taken her techniques even further. She introduces you to a huge range of new and exciting ways of working using crackle paste, modelling pastes, metallic leaf, gilding flakes, print and much more.This book will excite and inspire watercolour artists of all abilities to experiment and take a more dynamic approach to their painting.More than 35 techniques explained and illustrated.4 step-by-step projects show you how to combine the techniques.75 inspirational finished paintings.

Shirley Trevena is a successful and popular watercolourist with a huge international fan base. Throughout her career Shirley has pushed the boundaries of watercolour and is regarded as one of Britain's most innovative artists in that medium. Shirley's watercolours are vibrant in colour, visually inspiring and strong in composition. In this book, Shirley shares her thoughts, ideas, stories and sketches of more than 100 paintings to give a valuable insight into the evolving work of a much-loved artist. Shirley breaks the conventional rules of watercolour in many different ways: through her exciting compositions, strange perspectives and above all, the strength and vibrancy of her colour combinations. In this exciting and inspiring book, Shirley gives her personal view of painting and shares her creative process with us.

Artist Ann Blockley is renowned for her innovative approach to traditional subjects. Following the huge success of her previous book, Experimental Flowers in Watercolour, she now explores ways to interpret landscape. Packed with stunning examples of her colourful, expressive work, this book encourages you to experiment with the same techniques in your own watercolour painting to develop a personal style. Techniques covered include combining water-based paint and ink with other media such as gesso and collage to create dramatic effects; manipulating paint with materials such as plastic wrap (clingfilm); tearing, layering and reassembling paintings into watercolour collages; and developing textures and marks made using fabrics and other found objects. Throughout the book Ann offers her personal commentary on how her paintings were created, giving us a unique insight into the mind of the artist. Both practical and inspirational, this glorious book is the ideal companion for watercolour painters who want to take their work a step further.

Well-known watercolour painter Ann Blockley presents flowers through a variety of interpretations, from traditional to unconventional in both technique and concept. In this exciting new book she really pushes the boundaries of watercolour, showing how to paint a stunning range of flowers throughout the seasons. Everyone loves to paint flowers in spring and summer but Ann inspires you to paint dramatic seedheads, foliage, fruit and berries in winter, as well as the more traditional flowers and blossoms. She also demonstrates how to create exciting textures by using collage materials like glitter, sequins, salt and gold paint. Divided by seasons into four sections, Experimental Flowers in Watercolour is a practical and inspirational book aimed at the more experienced flower painter who wishes to take their painting to the next level.