The Figure in Watercolor: Simple, Fast, and Focused

by Mel Stabin

Following in the footsteps of Simple, Fast, and Focused is Mel Stabin’s The Figure in Simple, Fast, and Focused . Capturing a figure’s unique personality and multifaceted quality in watercolor is challenging—but Stabin demonstrates, step by step, how the new artist can capture the figure by painting simply, directly, and with intense focus on the “essence” of a person. Readers will discover tested techniques and hands-on tips for painting portraits, people in an environment, and groups of people, as well as for painting people from photographs. They’ll also find a treasury of valuable advice on design, composition, shape, value, color, and more!

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Parka · Rating 5 out of 5]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

I really like the style of Mel Stabin. His choice of colours in this book seems to be the pastel tones. They are vibrant and lively, great for the figures he draws. The colour compositions are fantastic.

It's best to think of this as an art book rather than an instructional one. There are only a few step-by-step demonstrations, and even those are quite short. To understand how he achieves a certain look, like gradation, you'll have to learn that from other books.

While the guided instructions are few, this is still an inspiring book. It's loaded with beautiful paintings, and each has short tips and descriptions on how they are created. The tips are quite useful. There are colour suggestions, composition ideas, and lots of insight on creating visual interest.

It's really hard to mimic the examples unless you've some prior watercolour knowledge. So this book is more for the intermediate artists and above. But it's an inspiring book for all levels though.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read both of Mel Stabin's books. They are more philosophical than instructionall. But the pieces are gorgeous. A great book to have on hand for reference and inspiration.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good instruction on materials. Interesting pictures and some instruction, but no step by steps. Lovely technique.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the author's style, but the instructive parts feel a bit thin for beginners (that's me). More experienced artist will find it useful.

[scherzo♫ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful paintings, minimal instruction.