Paint with the Watercolor Masters: A Step-by-Step Guide to Materials and Techniques

by Jonathan Stephenson

Unique among watercolor instruction books, this volume documents, in carefully sequenced photographs, the working methods of great artists as diverse as Durer, Turner, Cezanne, and Sargent. Readers are shown step by step how to make the best use of the masters' insights. 325 color illustrations.

Genres: Art

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for people with more artistic skill than myself, or art historians who want in-depth technical information on the general state of water-coloring in history or the techniques of specific famous artists.

Although this book wasn't useful to me, I thought Stephenson did a great job. He first explains very clearly the history of water-coloring, the materials involved at different points, and some points of technique and chemistry. He then demonstrates how to paint in the styles of various artists (Hunt, Turner, Cezanne, etc) with lists of materials, step-by-step explanations, and photos of each project at various stages. He includes helpful information on how the colors may change as they dry and how long to wait between steps.



Here is an intermediate painting of a pheasant, showing how the background colors (almost black when first applied) lighten as they dry. In the end the pheasant is brightly colored, but I liked it best at this minimalistic stage.

I want to reiterate that in the style of bit -- Stephenson isn't copying extant works of art, nor does he suggest that you should copy the exact projects he presents. This isn't a paint-by-numbers book with charts showing how to copy the under-drawing with a ruler. The book is probably best for artists with some creativity and a reasonable degree of technical skill.

[Pete daPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful and informative watercolour guide to painting materials, techniques, watercolour painters (Turner,Cezanne,Singer Sargent and Girtin to name a few) and painting demonstrations.
The demonstrations, painted by the author Jonathan Stephenson, are particularly inspiring for watercolour painters,as the author has completed sixteen works using the methods of the famous masters.We are even given the paint sets that the great painters employed along with some interesting colour mixes.
Whatever the skill level of the reader, I'm certain that 'Paint with the Watercolour Masters' would provide many hints and tips, do's and don'ts, covering methods and materials.

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly detailed descriptions of these artists’ techniques, preferences and watercolor supplies. The end section of specific walk-throughs could make for a handy desk reference.

[Erin Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's not often I'm tempted to start rereading a book before I've finished it, but I just don't want this book to end. the author only wrote three books and I wish there were dozens more. I don't know if you're even still alive, Jonathan Stephenson, but if you are, could you pretty please write some more? pretty please with a cherry on top?