Member Reviews
if you're looking for a new and exciting creative outlet, I highly recommend "Color in Reverse: Watercolor Florals" by Heinke Nied. This activity book is a refreshing departure from the typical adult coloring books and offers a unique and stimulating way to unwind and relax.
What I appreciate most about this book is the way it challenges you to think creatively. The concept of coloring in reverse is not only fun but also encourages you to approach your artwork in a different way. Instead of simply filling in pre-drawn designs, you're given the opportunity to experiment with color and create your own unique floral designs.
The book has beautiful illustrations. The instructions are very clear. It also has a lot of practice pages. It is very inspiring and after reading the instructions I got the urge to get started right away.
I haven’t ever read a drawing book like this before. And I kinda like it. It’s cool because the author/artist has her watercolor paintings for the reader/artist to draw over with line drawings and such. It opens the door for a lot of creativity in the learning of drawing.
However, I would have loved a bit more direction on how to watercolor for yourself and the teaching of drawing. That’s just not exactly what this one is about. It’s not at all bad how the author goes about this book, just different. It certainly makes your creative brain work a bit differently and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Writing a book and putting it out in the world for all to see takes courage, so it pains me to give this review.
If you are looking for loads of information and substance, save your money - this book is not for you. If you are looking for something similar to an adult coloring book of sorts, then this is something you may be interested in purchasing. About 35 out of the 50 pages are just watercolor backgrounds ready for your ink doodling. But, keep in mind, once those are completed, you're done unless you make color copies so you can continue. This book is being advertised as having 96 pages but once you get to the watercolor background section, the backside of those pages are just 'filler'.
The remaining pages cover some information about tools and technique but it is extremely limited. Color theory is elementary level. It mentions a handful of pens to use but doesn't go into any detail as to why or what to look for when choosing a pen. The author mentions needing watercolors and brushes if you want to make your own backgrounds but gives absolutely no information on either - guess you are on your own if you don't already know anything about these. There are some examples of shapes, lines, florals, faces and animal drawings to make but other than that....that's the entire book. I would think that even for a beginner, you could find more online watching YouTube videos than what is included in this book.
I really enjoyed this book and tried to do a few drawings. There are simple instruction and approachable one-line drawings. With her helpful instruction, you can draw your own lines over her artwork. It’s satisfying, relaxing, and fun!
I was unable to read this file because it would only open the first three pages. It looks really good so I'll put in. request for it at my librry
This is a very short, but effective book. In the first part, I love how the artist/author broke down different shapes and patterns that you can do in pen and ink. In the second part are the author's whimsical paintings which you can overlay with drawings using the patterns that she illustrated.
This book gave me a fresh approach for how I can turn my watercolor mistakes into different pieces of art using her technique. I just wish there was a way to recreate her colorful creations before drawing over top of them! And more of them! I love her style!
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for a preview of this beautiful book!
Reverse: first paint then draw. The concept is interesting but not orignal.
Very little text, instruction value equal to zero. I do two stars only because the paintings are pleasing.
There is nothing to learn from this book that you could not experiment by yourself. Don't waste your money.
I received an eBook of this, so I unfortunately haven't been able to actually try the book out properly, but I have been told the paper is thick and single-sided. I love the idea behind this, and letting loose is definitely something I need to experience more of. Painting randomly on a page and then drawing around it is something I've been wanting to try for a while, so I was hoping for some tips on how to do this, as I'm not one who finds letting go easy, but this wasn't included in the book. It's still a brilliant idea though that I'm sure many people will find fun in.
Thank you to NetGalley, Heinke Nied and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for this DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Color in Reverse: Watercolor Florals by Heinke Nied is an art book for non-artists. This is a technique literally anyone can do! Nied explains the technique in the first section. She shows the difference between dry and wet watercolor techniques and different tools you can use. Many examples are shown and the reader is given the power to harness their creative with confidence and explore watercolors. An excellent book for beginners of all ages.
This was such a beautiful book with all the colours and paintings. I’m not an artist or painter since I don’t have the skill for it but I love looking at books like this, because it’s art! Really pretty to look it! Highly recommend.
Wonderful colors and sketches, and quite educative too. A sight for sore eyes..
Sketching flowers and using watercolor to color them is a very though but wonderful idea. I will tey one each day..
This book gave a colorful and vibrant insight into watercolor painting. As someone who does not have a lot of expertise in art, I found this text to be captivating and easy to follow. I think individuals with any type of experience with art would find value in this text!
"Color in Reverse: Watercolor Florals" is a very enjoyable read! One of the standout features of this book is its unique approach to watercolor painting. Rather than simply following traditional methods, Heinke Nied encourages artists to experiment with their creativity.
The book begins with a comprehensive tutorial on how to create simple one-line designs, which can be drawn on the patterns included in the book. You can use this of course make your own using these as a guide.
Overall, I found the book to be an excellent resource for anyone interested in watercolor painting, whether they are a novice or an experienced artist. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore the world of watercolor painting and unleash their inner artist.
Color in Reverse: Watercolor Florals
5 Stars
I absolutely love this book. Thanks, Quarto Publishing Group for releasing the exact book I wanted to read and purchase. It feels like it's my birthday!
Currently, reverse coloring books are trending online. Mostly focusing on the non-artistic community, because it's combining zentangling over watercolor backgrounds. This book focuses on florals and abstract designs.
If you aren't an artist, this book has you covered with tips, color theory to help with choosing colors, and a section on materials & tools. I love the simple, straightforward directions with step-by-step picture tutorials. I enjoy how this activity sparks my creativity and helps me to relax.
Why I like this book above others is, I want to make my own watercolor backgrounds, and combine my art. Other books allow you to just add lines over printed watercolor. I like how this book doesn't limit my creativity. Yes, I could experiment and get the same result as a watercolor artist, but I enjoy being creative to relax. This book allows me to turn off my brain and do that while exploring my ideas. All in all, Color in Reverse: Watercolor Florals is an excellent choice for a mini-mental health break. It's great for everyone: teens, adults, and the geriatric. There are hours of entertainment in this book. It would be a fantastic book for a road trip, or in a hospital waiting room.
*Note: I can't speak about this book's paper quality (digital ARC). The paper should not buckle with a wet medium.
Thanks, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
I thank netgalley and the publisher for this ebook in return for a review. I have been reading a few watercolor books lately and I am a tad disappointed in this one. It mostly has free hand watercolor and is useful if you want to just practice but does say anything about color mixing or line drawing or how shapes need to be done. There is also very little text.
This might work for someone else but it dint work for me.
Color in Reverse: Watercolor Florals
By Heinke Nied
The title attracted my attention to this book. What did it mean? I wanted to know more! I was pleasantly surprised by what I found!
This has floral paintings without the details. The book gives you plenty of examples and suggests the type of tools to use to add the details you want!
It looks like a lot of fun! I stared at the paintings and my mind was filling in details and making leaves, petals, squiggles, and more! I was excited to get started on this book and its not out yet. Definitely buying it!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book!
A basic introduction to creating pretty watercolor floral backgrounds using a unique approach of loose abstract backgrounds overlaid with simple floral doodles, would be a lovely present for someone who wants to get started with this style of painting without getting bogged down with the advanced techniques. Those with some experience with watercolor night find some new inspiration but those looking for more advanced tips might be disappointed with the content.
Color in Reverse: Watercolor Florals : Let your creativity and pen flow over delightful watercolor designs is a drawing and doodling book that you can make your own. The author encourages you to draw over her artwork and make the pages your own. The pages are filled with flowers, plants, abstract designs, and more and the author provides instructions and tips for being creative and making the pages your own. There are patterns, tracings, and designs that you can use in your own artwork. It is a creative book for adults that can be used for relaxation and creativity. A nice gift book.
This is such a creative and unique coloring book! I would love a hard copy when it's available! There is a lot of inspiration and ideas provided on what to color; I think that is very helpful for if you're not sure where to start. The watercolors to color on are so beautiful and the possibilities are truly endless.