Product Description
Loaded with quick, simple and effective techniques for tackling any subject in watercolour pencils, from still life and landscapes to animals and people. Written in a clear and approachable style, this book is suitable for the beginner who will learn to create vibrant finished paintings they can hang on their walls in the quickest possible time. It includes exercises and projects for dry pencil, wet pencil, washes, fine details and using pens to enhance paintings. This is the second book from popular no-nonsense TV watercolourist Charles Evans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

clickandcleverwatercolorpencils
have only flipped thru this book'amhandicapped and some days my condition keeps me from doing normal things.I will, however, get it done with time.would like to say some nice things about amazon-------these folks are so nice as well as helpful and really get the product to you in a timely manner.I think this tells it all and I am glad Amazon is there for all of us to shop with.Thank you, Amazon.sincerely, Martha

Watercolour pencils are great
Beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations - just makes you want to get out your drawing pad and pencils! It is hard to get - so thank goodness for Amazon!

Bouyant, Fun, Happy Results and Educational Too
This book is one of the most engaging and happy watercolor pencil books I have read. Most of the watercolor pencil books to date are so detailed you often feel intimidated from the get go. But, not with this book. It encourages the student to simply jump right in and get a feel for watercolour pencil painting with very few materials. I've read reviews that are critical of this book but and this is a BIG but, most people are afraid of something totally new and all artists know the feeling of facing that Big Blank White page. Charles Evans doesn't throw all the mixing and color charts and blending techniques at the student. His goal and he states this, is to get you to "jump right in and paint." And then step by step as the student's confidence and capability grow he introduces new challenges. He also uses many delightful color mixes encouraging freedom of expression. I love the light in his work and his emphasis on using a minimum number of pencils. This book is aimed at those of us who are new or stuck in a rut. So go ahead and play, who knows you may find that you love this medium and isn't art about having fun. And then should you want to move on to a more complex book. But I'll bet that for many of you this will remain a favorite.

Good if you would like to do quick studies Plein Air
I bought this book based on the title, since I love watercolor pencils, and really would like to bring my art up several notches with the medium. I don't think of them as clever, I think of them as magical, because when you add water to the pencil they blend and melt into gorgeous colors.

This book would be useful if what you would like to do is to go outside or on vacation and do quick sketches in order to capture the essence of a place without taking along a lot of supplies. However, the author seems to assume you would only use watercolor pencils as opposed to watercolors in order to get the job done on location as quickly as possible, before someone bugs you by looking over your shoulder. He then assumes that you will go to your studio and do a real painting with (I am assuming) a real media (certainly not watercolor pencils). I do think he did a great job showing this use of the pencils, and they are indeed great to take on a business trip or holiday. However, I would have loved to have seen more polished, finished examples of sell able art that could be done purely with watercolor pencils.

I bought my first large set of artist quality pencils in 1986, made by the Swiss company Caran d'Ache. Other companies now make excellent products as well, and then there are new watersoluable pencils like Inktense and Graphitint. They are fabulous....and to date I have not found a book that takes them seriously as a media and truly explores what they are capable of in order to produce fine art.

Ouick & Clever
I enjoyed this book. Easy non wordy tips and several of them. Nice projects. A pleasant introduction to watercolor pencials. ... Read more

Product Description
Explore the full potential of this fascinating and versatile medium and learn how, using simple techniques, you can create works of tremendous subtlety and delicacy.

A comprehensive techniques section introduces readers to the materials needed, and demonstrates in easy-to-follow step-by-step sequences essential coloured pencil techniques such as blending and shading. Readers are encouraged to look closely at their subjects - simple exercises demonstrate how to search for hidden tones and colours that might otherwise be missed.

The author then provides 15 step-by-step projects for readers to follow. Starting with close-up drawings of subjects such as cat's eyes and pebbles, the projects work through to more complex illustrations such as a still life with fruit and a tulip in a glass vase.

In this way readers can build up skills gradually, using simple techniques learnt in earlier projects to complete the later ones. Each project is accompanied by a reference photo, a black-and-white outline sketch and a colour key, plus a 'Now Try This' box to suggest further creative explorations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent resource for beginners
I have recently begun using colored pencils and have read Bet Borgeson's books, which are excellent also.What distinguishes Johnston's book are the numerous demonstrations of drawing diverse things like smooth wood, fur, shiny fabrics, glass, cat's eyes, a feather, a pine cone, etc.She specifies the pencils she uses in each demonstration, too, which is extremely helpful to the absolute beginner.

Excellent for practice of different textures.
I borrowed this book from the library and have found it to be very helpful to me as a beginning artist. I love her step-by-step 'lessons' on creating the look of wood, satin, animal fur, etc. This book's focus is on how to create various textures rather than creating a complete work of art. I'd love to own this book as I've found myself returning to it over and over again in the short time it's been available to me.

A Must Have For Colored Pencil Artists
I am very happy with this book.It came in a timely fashion, brand new and chock full of great demos.Love it!

It's good
I checked it out at the library to see if I wanted to buy it and I Don't.But I gave it a four star... it's not that I didn't like it, it's just too basic for me.But, for some beginners it may be too hard still.You should already know how to draw well.But, the techniques are basic.I have alot of various colored pencil books, and so I'm covered.I just wanted to check it out to see what the techniques were like.The artwork is pretty good, so there are some good starter examples for others out there.I thought the flowers were a bit on the flat side, they looked like an amateur did it.Well, I hope my review helps you decide if you should buy it or not.If not, do what I did, check it out in the library first.

Wonderful book
As a beginning colored pencil artist I have tried to read as many books as I could possibly get my hands on.This book is excellent with many excersises to improve a budding artists skills.I shared the book with an artist friend that has been using colored pencils for 40 years and she was so impressed with the book that she is purchasing a copy. ... Read more

Product Description
Water-soluble colored pencils are portable, versatile and much more forgiving than traditional watercolors, yet many artists have only just begun to tap into this medium's creative potential. This book explores the amazing possibilities of watercolor pencils, providing artists with basic instruction for taking full advantage of them in their artwork. Beginning with an overview of necessary materials and basic techniques, artists will learn from simple mini demos how to mix colors, create washes, layer colors and more.Artists will then see how these painting techniques are employed to capture a variety of popular subjects, including landscapes, flowers, animals, water, people, skies, trees, bridges and buildings. The last chapter of the book demonstrates how to mix watercolor pencils with other mediums to create all kinds of new and interesting effects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

water color pencil magic
I have all of Ms. Johnson's books and truly love them!The artwork is beautiful and it's very useful and I feel like I learn a lot from her books.

Extremely satisfied
The book arrived within a few days and was in excellent shape.I have only seen this book at the library and was pleased that I could find a copy in such good shape.There are very few books about water color pencil drawing.This one explains things in easy to understand language for the beginner and contains many lovely drawings as examples.

The definitive book on watercolor pencil
This has to be the definitive book on watercolor pencil. I haven't read another book with as much usable information as this one. Cathy Johnson has a great way of explaining how to use the pencils to achieve a variety of textures and effects. Once I quit thinking of watercolor pencils as a watercolor medium, and began to think of them (and use them) as drawing tools with which I can then achieve a watercolor effect, my drawings greatlyimproved. If you can find this book, I highly recommend it.

Magic book
This is the best book on watercolor pencil that exists so far.I have read several other books and they are very few.Kate Johnson is a wonderful teacher for this mostly ignored medium.I also took her online class for watercolor pencil and this book was the main text. I highly recommend both.I was an amateur when I started and now I am very confident with my pencils.I cannot recommend "Watercolor Pencil Magic" enough.If you want to learn how to use the medium and become more comfortable and proficient then you must do Kate's exercises.The only way to become good is to practice with your watercolor pencils and this book really put me on the road to becoming the artist I know I can be.

Easy techniques and great step-by-step illustrations
I am one of those people who are able to benefit from How To kinds of books.This particular book gives easy broken down steps to watercolor pencil techniques with plenty of room to explore and play with the medium in question.There is also a great balance of text and illustrations.

In my opinion the best part is the listing of different products and how they interact with each other and on different kinds of watercolor papers (it also discusses basic color theory and how to use it).It lists brand names so that you can purchase those products and experiment with them yourself.Most importantly is that it's presented in a fun and casual manner, so it takes away a lot of the fear if you're new at working with watercolor pencils. ... Read more

Product Description
Realize Your Dream of Becoming a Professional Pencil Drawing Artist. Learn The Art of Pencil Drawing From The Experts!

A Complete Guide On The Qualities of A Pencil Drawing Artist!

Highlights are as follows:

* It includes tips for starting with pencil drawing

* Detailed qualities of a good drawing artist

* It tells you how to become a professional drawing artist

* Understanding a drawing artist and their scope

* Exploring the different techniques used by a drawing artist

The qualities of a good artist into a book to offer you with an opportunity to get instructed by real gurus! ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Colored pencil drawing; Colored pencil drawing/ Technique; Colored pencil drawing - Technique; Art / Study ... Read more

Product Description
This is the perfect introductory kit for anyone who wants to learn the fascinating art of drawing in colored pencil. Inside is everything needed to get started, including a full-color project book filled with inspiration and ideas.

Written and illustrated by colored pencil artist Debra Kauffman Yaun, the project book begins with information on art tools and materials and then covers the fundamentals, such as color theory, special techniques, and basic pencil strokes. It also includes five complete drawing lessons to follow and learn. Each project has clear instructions, helpful tips, and step-by-step illustrations--all of which ensure successful results.

This kit makes an ideal gift. All the supplies are safe, and the book teaches skills that can be used for a lifetime. Beginning artists will discover how easy it is to apply basic techniques, resulting in impressive works of art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very informative
I have been painting for three years and just started getting into colored pencils.....I was very impressed that I learned a new trick when layering with colored pencils from this book. When creating light I kept trying to layer white over yellow and it never dawned on me to put the white pencil down first and then layer over the white with yellow. (Much better!)The kit contains everything you need......pencils, etc.The pencils are not top quality but this is a "starter kit" not a "I'm going to draw and sell this" kit. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about color theory and drawing well with colored pencils. Very happy with purchase.

Big challenge
I liked the kit in general, it's serious hard-work practice, it's not all just fun.The drawings are not really for beginers, so I recommend to transfer instead of copying if you are not that experienced in drawing, and what you want is to practice your CP painting skills.I also recommend to follow the instructions provided for each step, but taking into consideration a good observation of the reference photos, which I find complementing, not just repetitive of what is written.
I liked the fact that the kit included everything needed, including the colored pencils, sharpener, kneeded eraser, and so on.It's very useful to take with you and practice even when not at home (I completed my first project while out of home with the kids).
I can't completely agree with the previous review regarding the quality of the pencils, maybe because I'm used to a harder lead than the author (I use polychromos, which are also Faber Castel as the ones provided, btw). I found the quality of the pencils was good.
Big challenge, and fulfilling, no doubt.

poor quality pencils-decent instruction
The hard "dry" pencils provided with this book are enough to discourage the person new to color pencil from ever getting started. But I am accustomed to using Prismacolor and Koh-i-noor pencils...both are very richly pigmented.
I like the instruction in that it shows how to create a full color painting using a very limited palette.
Sadly they took the gimmick approach...if they had maybe fattened up the actual learning content and forgot about providing "all you need" it would have been a better product. ... Read more

Product Description
This fifth edition of the strikingly beautiful and highly successful series presents more intriguing and inspiring works done in colored pencil.Chosen from 900 entries, the work shows artistry, sophistication and inventive use of the medium.Page after full-color page unfolds the mystery of each artist's work and sheds light on his or her inspiration, technique, and process.Florals, still lifes, portraits, animals, abstracts-all the best of each subject is included here for viewers to mull over and marvel at. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Enjoyable
This is an enjoyable book for me, primarily because it was written by a friend of my mother's with my mother Elizabeth Holster's drawings in the book.

Accomplished Work for a poorly understood medium
The CPSA is doing good work on behalf of the colored pencil. Recently they have established an annual experimental show for those artists using the medium for more avant garde ideas. This is good fordemonstrating the versatiity color pencil can offer. With this book based on the fifth annual show (the CPSA is about to have it's 10th) we see a greater depth of subject matter being handled by artists. Still...some 34 works/pages in this book are devoted to the traditional fruit/flowers crowd. Some indeed are exceptional, others not. I am, however, drawn to those artists who are doing other bolder more imaginative work. Luckily some very good examples are included in this book. I recommend you add the book to your library if you are a color pencil artist.

Great coffee table book, inpirational
This is a beautiful coffee table book for colored pencil artists and enthusiasts. Subjects span a wide range from people to landscapes to animals and still life works. There is something here to suit almost anyone's taste. This wonderful variety truly shows off the possibilities of the medium.

Some of my favorites include Donna Basile's close-up baby face, Carol Tomasik's "Flying Fish", and an American Indian on horse titled "Me-A-Pa-Te" by Stan Pawelczyk. I also enjoyed Elizabeth Holster's "Isle Royale Portage"; this landscape could easily be mistaken for a photograph it is so vivid. I would have to say my absolute favorite is by "Wing Nuts" by Mike Russell. It's hard to describe, but it's very unique. It shows sunflowers and bees in a fantasy scene.

I really like that instead of just listing the basics about each piece, like title, size and paper used, they also include commentary from the artist who created it. This gives you insight into what the artist was thinking and adds a personal touch to the book. A Directory of artists, as well as a glossary, is also included in the back. This makes a great gift for any colored pencil artist.

Juried Colored Pencil Art Works
This is the annual exhibition for colored pencil work and the good news is that the range of styles is getting wider.This medium has tended to attract only those artists with a photo-realistic style in the past.Now,more artists with styles not quite so realistic are becoming attracted tothis medium as well.One still doesn't see the versatility that one seesin work from other media but that may well be coming.I bought this bookand am enjoying studying the work within it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Inspirational
I encourage everybody to buy the series of The Best of Colored Pencil.The pictures inside are amazing.Each work of art shows the layer upon layer of pencil.From realism to just plain animation this book shows howyou can max out the use of colored pencil! ... Read more

Product Description
Take a tour of the circus with Bozo the Clown. Meet a musical seal, watch Bozo tame a lion, and make the characters come alive with the help of four colored pencils! ... Read more