En Plein Air: Watercolor
Expert techniques and simple step-by-step projects for creating dynamic landscapes in the open air with watercolor
by Ron Stocke



Learning to watercolor from online tutorials and books and then giving it up for several years had me interested in seeing what this book might have to add to what I knew already and perhaps tweak my interest in taking up my brushes again. I believe the author may have me interested in tackling figures in paintings...something I have always wanted to add to my paintings...and his tips and tricks are interesting indeed.

This book includes:
*drawing skills
*tools: brushes, paints, etc
*tips & techniques
*choosing where to work outdoors
*making sure you get permission
*composition and tension
*the golden rule
*perspective
*focal point
*use of light & color
*color & value
*artist’s voice
*sketching & sketchbooks
*and included step by step projects

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Will I use ideas from this book in the future? Perhaps...do want to get back to sketching and painting and this might be the book that acts as a catalyst.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

Watercolors require a loosening up. According to the author, this is required in order to paint with watercolors. They are not exact and do not contain meticulous drawings or paintings. This makes it more difficult if the painter is used to concentrating on the details.

It shows movement with figures and outlines the golden rule about placing the subject. Explained horizon and tension. The paintings and drawings are truly beautiful. The colors are so serene and makes you want to get some watercolors and follow his advice in learning to paint.


I received an eBook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinions or ratings of this book.

Who knows a little about watercolour knows that's a difficult media. To do it plein air, priving oneself from the comfort of the studio, is for really courageous artists. You need a plan. This book is of great help, as it shows you how you can resolve this intimidating task. Perspective, figures, how to simplify what you see, elementary color theory, your equipment, there is all the know-how you need to start. It's not clear to me though why the various themes are treated in an unusual order, normally a guide like this would treat materials before other arguments and not halfway the book, and so on, but anyway I consider it a very useful guide.

A great book for getting started on painting outside. There is lots of good advice and enough instruction to enable you to try your own style of painting. Some of the paintings I liked a lot others not so much. But it was bursting with ideas and tips for getting out there and having a go. The great thing about this book is that it offers a different slant on the multitude of watercolour books out there.