Watercolor Basics: Learn To Solve The Most Common Painting Problems Paperback – January 14, 2020

Charles Reid's latest book, "Watercolor Solutions", does what I always hope for in an artist's 'how-to' book; it provides me with a workshop in print. I have an opportunity to learn about painting from a master watercolorist and observe what he's doing at the same time. Reid's painting style is wonderfully open with a use of color both loose and precise, so that most us want to know more about how he does it. After reading and enjoying several of his previous books, I find this is his best attempt yet at showing us what he does and how he does it.Many artists aren't very articulate when it comes to describing what they do, but Reid is a very clear writer. I appreciate his analysis of his pieces, what works and what doesn't, as well as his tips about how to achieve certain effects. His sections on contour drawing and mixing colors are excellent as is his section on brush strokes. Even if you don't paint like Charles Reid, I think there's a great deal of value in this book for you, because Charles Reid is painting out of that great tradition of impressionism - catch the moment, catch the light - and this book goes a long way towards showing you just how it's done.

I had preordered this book, because I have almost all of his earlier books. Charles Reid's great art teaching contribution has been simplification of watercolor techniques. He does not use glazing, which for many watercolorists is the best use of transparency of watercolor paints. Yet, his style uses power of color and composition to achieve his wonderful results.You will not enjoy the book unless you pickup the brush and paint some examples from the book. At the very moment you put the charged brush on paper, you will see that all that Reid says makes lot of sense. There is no need to copy his "style" but you can always see if simplicity, color and composition can help your style.He seems to be not teaching to indoctrinate you with his ideas. He says in one of his books that he at times himself pretends to not know painting and then enjoys the magic of painting something totally afresh. I like his rare but clear-cut prescriptions about somethings like a painting should have 50-50 per cent balance between lost and found edges.If you are a beginner, or may I say a patient beginner, buy his book about flower painting where he simplifies his art to a maximum level to illustrate simple flower shapes and compositions using flower arrangements. That said, anyone at any level of watercolor expertise will benefit from this book. In short, this and other books by Charles Reid are a treasure. Thank you Charles Reid, the"Sensei" of watercolors.

This book is astoundingly beautiful and for a more advanced painter. I’m a beginner in watercolor. I take a lesson once a week. It’s amazing how when I read about how to do things it seems doable. Also, when I’m showed things it seems doable. Not so much in practice. I’m going to need a lot of practice. But I am having fun.

This ought to be the best book Charles Reid has written on watercolor. It's absolutely honest and generous at giving his best painting knowledge and advise to anyone who loves watercolor. C.Reid is undoubtely one of the greatest watercolor masters of our time and his style is unique. I was a little hesitant about buying this book (I have most of his) because of the title, but "solutions" turns out to be a series of master classes, with excellent examples and critique of watercolor paintings. I'm eager to start reading it and applying all that knowledge. Just wished it was more comprehensive in each subject, but guess nothing is perfect. The book has beautiful plates and pictorials, it's nicely written, and intermediate-to-advanced watercolor artists will take the most advantage of it. It was worth the wait. Thank you, maestro!

I bought this book as a present for my mom because she had read it (on loan from her library) and really enjoyed it. She found it very helpful. I know she will love this book because she asked for it specifically. I looked through the book myself because I also paint, but I did not find it as useful as she did because I didn't find a lot of helpful how-to tips in this book. She is a more experienced painter than me, so maybe this book is just above my level.

Just what I wanted.

Great book with excellent information and pictures that could be gained from a whole college course. Charles Reid passed away in 2019, and this book contains valuable teaching! Thank you for the excellent service.

I'm a big Charles Reid fan and have most of his books--I bought this one as I wasn't familiar with it, but realize much of what's in it is also in previous buys. But it's a beautiful book and good for using as I learn to paint. Thanks for quick delivery and beautiful book.