Painting Flowers in Watercolour (30 Minute Artist) Paperback – May 1, 2013

This review is for 30 Minute Artist Painting Flowers in Watercolor by Fiona Pearl. This is a great little book! Yes, it is smaller than some art books at about 6" x 8 1/2"--and the size is listed in the description--a good idea to read them thoroughly when you're purchasing something. However, it is not too small to read or see the illustrations--they're beautiful! The first few pages are what you'll need (In general terms, not brand names and I like that's it short) followed by about 50 pages of beautiful color illustrations of different flowers, parts of flowers and multiple flower arrangements with very helpful hints as to how to accomplish them. It is chock full of hints! There are usually several single flowers on the left hand page and a full book size print on the right hand page all with hints, tips, techniques, and more. Pages 56 - 95 are 12 pretty floral step by step projects very well explained (and I'm an extreme beginner), usually 3 pages of step by steps and then a full page of the finished project. The step by steps are about 3-6 per page and yes--if you have old eyes like I do, you may need your reading glasses for the print but it is not teeny print and they are done with a photo for each step too.A few things to take note of--these florals are mostly all bright, loose and flowing florals. They aren't botanical paintings so if you're looking for that type of painting, get a botanicals book. I love the vast majority of the illustrations--they are gorgeous! Two--this is a British author/artist so some things are spelled differently than the US way and possibly described a little differently, but very clear and wonderful writing and painting. Third--this is the PERFECT size book to tuck in a portable art case or in your bag for away from home reading or painting. It's size is not a detriment, it's an advantage! Four--they are described as 30 minute paintings and though I just got the book, I can see how they would be once your supplies are ready and you get a little practice. There are many, many tips on how to get great end results with quick, easy and time saving techniques.I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the loose, brilliant type of floral painting I've described--I'm very glad I found it and will look into the author's other books also! Excuse the long review, but I noticed that this book hasn't always gotten the best reviews due strictly to the size of it or the size of the illustrations due to not checking item description, and it deserves it!

Pros: Good, clear step by step photos. The author shows you how angle the brush to achieve each particular stroke, and which brush to use to get the desired result. In addition, she also has a different project using each brush and the nice thing is she doesn't give you an examples where you need to 10 brushes just to do the painting. She introduces a new brush only when it's needed to reach a different effect, which is good because as asomeone who's just starting out, I don't necessarily want to have to invest in a dozen really good quality brushes only to find out I don't have the same one the author is saying I need.Cons: the only downside I had with this book is the it is very difficult to see the line drawings the author sketched out before she started painting. The beginning line sketches hardly show up in the photos and one has to strain to get a sense of how to draw the beginning flower shapes.Other than that I would rate this book between a 4 and a 5. At any rate, this would definitely make a great reference book for those like me who are just starting out.

As someone interesting learning to paint with watercolor, specifically flowers, I was drawn to Fiona's loose style of painting while looking at some of her youtube videos. The first few pages of the book provide basic background and then she moves onto various techniques, with examples of how the technique looks when used in paintings of a flower or small groups of flowers.It is up to you to practice/experiment with the technique. For example, on p.16 she talks about how to use a round brush and on p. 17 is a picture entitled Simple Bouquet, with the caption stating that "Anyone can make a pretty bouquet like this, even a total beginner." Now, I am not sure than any beginner can paint a picture like this, with the nuances of composition, color choice and technique, but I am guessing that beginners would have enough confidence to give it a good try by this point in the book. . The last half of the book has several step-by-step projects. Once those projects are completed, I would anticipate one would be able to go back to the first half of the book and tackle those paintings (even though they do not have step-by-step directions). Don't be fooled by the small size and length of the book - there is a lot of good information for a beginner in here.

THIS is one fantastic book! Just reading through it. I am a true beginner. This expert first gives an overall about watercoloring, including supplies we will need. Then she teaches us mini lessons/ "methods", like working on wet paper, dry paper, how to use a brush, pressing down on it, lifting it, sometimes letting the paper dry, then going back, leaving white spaces (pure paper), etc. Then onto the real lessons/demos, like how to paint Roses, Iris, Lilies - and many different types of flowers/growth.Not only an obvious wonderful Fine Artist, BUT a great clear thinking, sensitive TEACHER who somehow KNOWS exactly what a beginner needs, and then some! For each lesson, she gives mini demos, the lesson, and a large picture of the finished product. I do think a beginner first should COPY works to slowly learn... she does too. She's got it all, Fine Artist and a truly natural, caring fine Teacher! Each lesson should take 30 minutes. Many "overwork" their paintings and get muddy. She helps us avoids that pitfall. A must have book for any beginner! Yes, I LOVE this book!

Exactly as described. Full of helpful information and tips.

Great book a must to have. For sure start to finish 30 minutes. Great tips and great info as well.

Small in size

Good book

A gift