WaLTer Foster Artists Library Series Keeping Watercolor Sketch Book

A sketchbook is the perfect place to gather and record observations, whether your intent is to complete a quick watercolor sketch or prepare for a larger studio painting. In Keeping a Watercolor Sketchbook, acclaimed artist Brenda Swenson explores the many wonderful possibilities that an artist's sketchbook has to offer-from practice pad to travel journal. You will discover how to get the most out of your own personal sketchbook, as well as learn essential art theory and techniques, including composition, perspective, color mixing, and much more. It's all right here in this comprehensive guide! (64-page paperback, 6.5 x 9.5) Awards: Craftrends Awards of Excellence 2006 Finalist Editorial Reviews From the Publisher Serious instruction for serious artists -- that's what the Artist's Library Series is all about! The books in this series will help you expand your creativity, overcome technical obstacles, and explore new media. Each 64-page paperback focuses on the materials and methods of a specific medium and provides step-by-step demonstrations, helpful tips, and plenty of encouragement. The quality of instruction in this series is unsurpassed. Each book is written and illustrated by a professional artist who specializes in the particular medium and is uniquely qualified to guide the reader to a new level of expertise. From the Author Nearly 10 years ago, I was challenged to complete a sketch a day over the course of 10 weeks. At first, the challenge appeared to be a simple exercise, but I gradually came to see it as one of the greatest lessons of my artistic career. In the past I would labor over drawing for so long that I would become apprehensive about beginning to paint. But by sketching daily, I found I was no longer struggling each time I picked up a pencil. As the weeks went by, I watched my work improve by leaps and bounds. The challenge freed me to create in ways I never had before! The most valuable lesson I learned is that keeping a sketchbook isn't about making perfect renderings -- it's about observing and gathering visual information. Watercolor sketches are somewhat loose by nature, which is part of their charm. These playful-looking renderings can be complete in themselves, or they can act as a road map to larger studio paintings. Today I use sketchbooks for developing location studies, creating travel journals, designing paintings, making color mixtures, taking notes, and so much more! I've filled dozens of these books over the years, and they've become like old friends to me. Now I'm rarely without a sketchbook. Starting a new book is like embarking on a journey; as I begin each one, I wonder where it will lead me and what lessons I'll learn along the way! I welcome the opportunity to share my joy of sketching with you and to help provide the information and tools you'll need to set out on your own sketchbook adventures.