The Tao of Watercolor: A Revolutionary Approach to the Practice of Painting

by Jeanne Carbonetti

Combining the best of Eastern philosophy with the best of Western technique, this book is the first in a three-part series that offers inspiring and empowering advice for artists and creators of all levels. 100 color illustrations.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Spirituality, Reference, Philosophy

112 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Margaret]

I will always be reading and rereading this one.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book combining the joys and discoveries of painting with a philosophy of life.
With pages of beautiful colour examples of step by step technique and spattering of Tao-Ching's teachings Carbonetti advises not be too critical; to enjoy the elements of your craft through balance, flow and colour; to try new ways of expressing yourself and don't be afraid to make mistakes - you can learn from them. Isn't that the way of life?

[Christine Zook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeanne Carbonetti's watercolors are dreamy and beautiful. In this book, she takes you through her process and shares inspirations and techniques. I have owned this book for years and keep going back to it again and again. In fact, when my first copy was lost, I re-ordered the book. Even my granddaughter at 2 years old loves looking at the beautiful paintings with me. We will do that sometimes instead of a traditional bedtime story.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing. This past year I have discovered my true way of painting and it ventures more towards the Eastern way of painting, more of the spiritual and ethereal. In the past I have always gone down the path of realism only because I thought it was the only path, the accepted path. No wonder why I was bored out of mind! This book really hit home with me. The only criticism I would offer is that there are a few demonstrations that the author changes the original version of a painting. I am not sure of the reasons but to me I want to see the original (same) painting proceed to the finished state. Perhaps the painting was botched and the author had to re-paint it? I think that she should have mentioned it to clarify any questions why the viewer is looking at a slightly different painting at the end. Other than that, I loved the book.

*Re-read the second time finished on July 2nd 2022. Jeanne carbonetti is one of my favorite writers on watercolor. Treasure within her books!!

[Roslyn Royle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite taking a very long time to complete reading this book, I found it visually and practically delightful. over the past few years, I have loved returning to the paintings depicted in this book which instilled peace and tranquility to me every time i picked it up. In addition, i have enjoyed following the step by step instructions of building a painting. I know I will return to this book in due course and use it as an instructive text to improve my watercolour skills. It will be a valuable resource on my bookshelf.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

an artist sharing from the heart.

[Alicia]

Somehow this book calls to me for my brother Justin.

[Vin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the photos of the author's work more instructive than the actual Taoist instructions, which were a bit vague & New Age-y. Beautiful work here.

[Reena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and compassionate guide and technical watercolor craft book. Highly recommend for spiritual seekers using visual art and the elements on their path of peace. Part technical manual, part compassionate guide. A friend for any painter or seeker.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both inspiring, and practical. The painting instructions are clear and simple. The pictures are beautiful. A must have book for aspiring watercolour artists.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book that helped me realize that painting could be meditation.

[Robbin Vokes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd book. Maybe it's oddness is a result of being written late in the last century. The author refers to aspects of the paintings that I am unable to identify. Each section (centering, balance, flow, etc. is connected to a watercolor technique, and I find the connection tenuous. E.g., "ruffling" aka bloom, is connected somehow to balance. One can surely learn from the techniques, and the book contains some beautiful works by the author.

p. 62 color opacity mineral, earth, or composite pigments

p. 65 glaze is colors layered on top of each other

p 78 wet glazing vs. cor glazing

p. 80 soft spatter brings things forward in a painting; spatter wash adds texture to a background.

The Wetter the brush, the bigger the drops.

Returning to library but can buy used for under $5. May do so when I've made use of the books I have.

[Kåre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Det ligger ligesom i titlen, at der er tale om leflen for det mystiske. Så det kan jeg ikke rigtigt være skuffet over, at bogen lever op til.
De tekniske øvelser, der er i bogen, ser rimelig ud i forhold til mit niveau. De er ret godt beskrevet og forekommer relevante i forhold til flere af de udfordringer, jeg har.
Men hun kan ikke male ret godt. Få af billederne er rare og spændende at kigge på. De fleste er grimme som ind i helvede. Ok, det er vel en personlig vurdering.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it hard to read, even though there wasn't much text. The photography was beautiful, but the paintings were definitely not my style. I did find it instructive in abstract watercolor painting. However, this book does not make me want to watercolor as it spends a longer time talking about what can go wrong, but no real solutions on how to overcome those problems.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty pictures, but not enough Tao

[Donlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful inspirations for painting loose.

[Blackbook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure why I thought I could take up watercolor at this time in my life. Not sure about her approach. Will write more after some practice.