The Colour Mixing Guide: Watercolour Botanicals

Rezensionen / Stimmen

Julie Collins long ago became the default go-to author for books on colour mixing, but it's been a while since we had an addition to her oeuvre. Given how much has gone before, I thought it wise to check that this isn't a re-hash and I'm pleased to be able to say that it isn't.



Why so happy? Because it's so good. Where previous guides of this type (all of them) have gone for quantity, this very much goes for quality and relevance. It is a lot more that just a guide to all the colours you might possibly want for painting flowers, but rather a series of palettes for depicting specific examples - chosen for colour variations so that you get the full range of what you might want. You'll also find leaves and seedheads as well as blooms themselves, both individually and in arrangements. Julie introduces themes, settings and techniques as well as considering lighting conditions, making this a rather nice primer and leg-stretcher in flower painting, as well as that all-important analysis of colour. I'd class this as pretty much a must-have for any flower painter.



This has, if Julie is willing, all the hallmarks of a rather promising series, with titles devoted to a range of subjects. I do hope so. -- Henry Malt * Artbookreview.net * Drawing inspiration from nature, watercolor artist Collins (The Colour Mixing Companion) shows readers how a palette of just 23 colors can be mixed to depict a variety of botanical subjects. Collins begins with an introduction to watercolor paints, explaining why she recommends building up one's own selection of colors rather than purchasing pre-packaged sets. A concise, well-explained overview of color theory leads into a discussion of various watercolor techniques, including wet on wet and wet on dry, and the creation of different washes and textural effects. The book's four sections cover flowers, leaves, seeds, and bulbs, and each provides a painting project with downloadable outlines and step-by-step instructions as well as a supply list. Most critically, Collins instructs readers which colors from her suggested palette should be mixed, and in what ratios, to create the shades necessary for each project.



VERDICT: The simple, delicate beauty of Collins's paintings should inspire rather than intimidate beginner artists. Detailed instructions, including techniques to use, brush sizes to choose, and colors to mix, make this an exemplary resource for new watercolor painters. -- Sara Shreve * Library Journal * A gorgeous little book but don't be deceived by the size because there is over 100 different colour mixes inside this book. As an artist, I know how imperative it is that you understand about colour mixing and theory. In here, we've got the primary, secondary and how to mix tertiary. There are advancing colours, receding colours and complimentary pairs as well. We need to understand about colours in order to make beautiful paintings. You'll see plenty of those in here as well. There are projects you can follow step by step, and plenty of information included. This is definitely a go to guide on how to mix colours. Do take a look! * @joallsopp.sablestudiogallery * In the past, colour mixing guides have tended to concentrate on numbers rather than actual use. Sometimes, counted in the thousands, every possible combination of shade and hue becomes overwhelming and the wood becomes impossible to see for the volume of trees. This, therefore, is a breath of fresh air, space to enjoy the sunlight and survey the scene. Although the cover feels the need to proclaim 'over 100 colour mixes', they are all related directly to specific subjects and are really palettes rather than just the perhaps more familiar technical exercises. After an introductory lesson on the principles of colour mixing, Julie works with specific subjects, which include leaves and seed heads as well as the obvious flowers. Each is chosen for its overall shade and the individual colours are listed and explained.



The simple demonstrations and entirely practical approach make this the perfect introduction to colour in botanical painting. * The Artist * Hot off the (Search) press comes this handy guide on how to mix watercolour for the painting of plants, by an extremely well qualified colour-mixing expert. As she says "This is not an extensive book about colour in flowers but aims to cover most colours seen in different plants." The first five chapters explain colour, tools and also watercolour techniques including wet on wet, wet on dry, washes and lifting off.



This is followed by four sections on flower, leaf, seed head and bulb painting. They are interspersed with step-by-step projects on how to capture the geranium, the hydrangea, the maple leaf, cardoon and allium bulbs. A helpful glossary is also included at the end for technical terms.




This is a petite book packed full of useful information for the emerging artist and generously illustrated. I would have been grateful for this when I started my watercolour journey. It's not too overwhelming and lays down the foundation for very good practice, handling watercolour and capturing the essence of plant matter in watercolour. -- Emma van Klaveren * Association of Botanical Artists *