Watercolor Fairies: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating the Fairy World

by David Riché, Anna Franklin

An inspirational guide to drawing and painting the fairy realm, this enchanting book looks at the origins and development of fairy art, and draws upon a wide range of art, literature, mythology, and folklore surrounding fairies. Readers are shown how to invoke the fairy spirit and bring to life the nymphs, sprites, and sylphs of a fabled realm. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step illustrations and photographs enable beginning artists to recreate flower fairies, celestial spirits, and mischievous dark fairies, as well as learn how to capture exquisite detail such as delicate wings and sheer gowns. Artists learn how to turn their brush into a wand and create an entire fairy kingdom in watercolor, the dreamiest medium with which to convey the spirit and nature of these fairy folk.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Drawing, Crafts

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

David Riché worked in marketing fashion, cosmetics, and consumer electronics. Upon retirement, he became interested in fairies and launched the website Fairies World. He collaborated with various illustrators to produce books of fairy art, including "The Art of Faery" with Brian Froud and "The World of Faery" with Alan Lee.

Reviews

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. This would be my go to resource if I were going to start painting fairies. The book explores all creatures of the mythical realm, not just fairies! From what I can tell, this book covers it all. I also found two new artists that I adore, Linda Ravenscroft and Jessica Galbreth.

[Delvina Greig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally more of a book with pretty pics of fairies than either a good watercolor or fairie resource. Good for ideas but that's not totally bad.

[Becky McWilliams Guinness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book from Oxfam because I thought the pictures would inspire me with my writing. It did much more than that though. This book tells you how to build a fae character and also shows the characteristics that each faery type have. Amazing help!

[Gaile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! FUN! Fun!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this how-to book. So many inspirational ideas!