Really enjoyed this primer. The projects were well thought out and had a nice progression. Really good for someone who is getting into watercolor and knows that they want to do fairly realistic nature stuff.

Watercolour Made Simple is a beautifully designed book with easy to follow instructions to help you learn the art of watercolour painting. I was very impressed with the additional information on the fundamentals, setting up your space, and finding time to play. They were a great additions. The book goes through all aspects of watercolour painting with step by step information including lots of images which is really helpful and easy to understand. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn a new skill, or brush up on their existing painting skills too.

I actually really love this book. I have been searching for a good watercolor guide for my classroom and so far they have been too simplistic, that my middle schoolers would be offended, or too advanced so they'd be lost. This one is the perfect balance. It has detailed examples, but simplistic explanations.

Beautiful picture demonstration
Very informative
Detailed examples/descriptions
Great for beginners.

This is an amazing introduction to watercolours. My favourite so far! It contains helpful step-by-steps, tips and explanations. There are also links (QR) to videos. I also loved the tips on what to do with your work, even if you don't really like it. It's not just techniques in this book, but also the process of learning a skill and whatever comes along with that. Very nice!

Watercolor Made Simple is an accessible, easy to follow watercolor guide that encourages the reader in their art practice.

The book.opens with an introduction from the author, followed by a breakdown of the tools and materials recommend for painting - and unlike other books this one does not steer you towards particular brands. The author also encourages practice on cheaper pulp paper rather that "wasting" cotton paper.

the practices and theories in the book - colour mixing, swatching and brush strokes - are all designed to build muscle memory and familiarity with the tools before starting the projects. The projects are well written and easy to follow, with detailed instructions to get the effects shown on the paper.

Ultimately this book is designed to help and encourage watercolor artists in their practice - to find joy and confidence in their painting. I have been following the author on social media for a little while now, and her videos always inspire me to try new things with my paints. This book is just like a print version of that inspiration

~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~

Watercolor Made Simple : Techniques, Projects, and Encouragement to Get Started Painting and Creating. This is a book for beginners, introducing a variety of techniques and encouraging them to explore in the medium. There are easy tutorials, and step by step projects to try. The tips are really useful, and the projects easy to follow and understand. There are a variety of subjects, It is a great book for just having a go with and releasing a bit of creativity and experimentation. A laid back and easy book, perfect for complete beginners.

Learn to paint in watercolor—with joy and confidence—as you explore simple techniques, popular subjects, and simple papercrafting projects.

Beautiful, informative, and very well-produced.

If you are a complete watercolor newbie, this book will be one of your stepping stones to understanding how watercolor moves on paper. What I particularly like about this book is that it does not complicate rather it made using said medium easy to do. The auther does this by creating an easy step by step, with the prerogative of the reader to use provided stensils, watercolor paintings. Moreover, having beautiful art guides/photos provieds the reader into a more indept reference.

I would love to see more creative flurries on the pages provided that this book is such a cookie-cutted, straight forward book. With some florishes or art, it would provide a more friendly and induce a creative sprark with the readers

This book has a non-intimidating approach to one of the unpredictable art medium. It does not have any unnessesary detours. Which in itself can be intimidating.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me this eARC to review.

This is the best watercolour book I have read with its simple steps, great layout, QR codes of tutorials, and inspiration. At the end of the book, there are a few drawings that one can use/trace to practice watercolour. I would recommend it to anyone.

I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy! I have always been a fan of watercolour but never been able to create on paper what is in my head. This was such a beautiful book, and I truly learned many techniques. I like the QR code link.

Overall I really I really enjoyed this watercolor book! The first part of this book walks you through basic watercolor materials and techniques. I found the color wheel tutorial to be a great refresher, as well as the lines tutorial (techniques for applying pressure with your brush).

After the beginning tutorials, the book provides several nature-based step by step watercolor drawings, as well as ideas for how to display and use your finished artwork. Reading this book motivated me to dig out my watercolor palette and paper and relax after a long day of work. It’s sometimes overwhelming to pick up an old hobby as an adult, but the manageable tutorials in this book are a great way to escape daily life and you will most likely end up with something beautiful!

Nice book, good instructions for water-colouring! As a beginner I found it very helpful. Many different examples of how to paint different things. Explanation of tools and steps to achieve best results. It includes projects to practice painting.

I’ve never been very artistic, but I’m always drawn to different types of crafts, and have recently been wanting to get into more art. I have a basic watercolor set but haven’t really known what to do with it, so I was drawn to this book to help me learn.

This book has beautiful photos and sketches. The author/artist gives detailed instructions that are good for beginners to learn how to do basic techniques. There are also sketches and step by step examples of full paintings that can be practiced. This looks like a great resource for beginner-intermediate to expand your knowledge of the watercolor medium and get in some great practice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarry Books for an advanced copy of this beautiful book!

This is exactly the sort of book I've been looking for! I have an arty background but always focused on acrylics, drawing and mixed media - I avoided watercolors as they seemed to be more for older people or traditional twee paintings... in the last few years however I've seen some beautiful, modern watercolors and wanted to try my hand at them but didn't know where to start.

This book takes you through the equipment, the basics of technique and then builds on this through projects and inspiration. It is beautifully and helpfully illustrated throughout, which is pretty essential for this type of book!

It's not in the least bit old fashioned or stuffy, this is for anyone who wants to try watercolors and I'd definitely recommend this as a Christmas present for the arty person in your life.

This book is going to motivate me to get back to painting! I'm definitely a beginner but I enjoy watercolor and this book has some wonderful tips and instructions for beginners or even more advanced painters. Th is would also make a great gift for someone you know who enjoys painting.

"You won't love everything you paint, and that's ok...So practice, play, explore, and make notes along the way!"

If I could make a time-machine to go back in time, I would after reading this book! If only I had Watercolor Made Simple back when I first started doing watercolor. Not only is this how-to guide filled with the absolutely stunning artwork by Nicki Traikos, but it is as if she is your big sister/teacher walking you through the basic principles of watercolor art and fun exercises.
Nicki does an amazing job explaining all of the watercolor basics, from supplies, to color, to brush techniques. Her beginner exercises are the most fun I have ever done from a watercolor how-to guide and make beautiful pieces you can use for a variety of things. AND, if you don't love something, she even gives a recommendation on what to do with those pieces you are not happy with. Nicki also includes the "stencil/outlines" for every project, so don't worry if sketching or drawing is not your strong suit.
Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to dive into this book in exchange for an honest review. Watercolor Made Simple will remain in our library as a reference guide as well as inspiration for art that I may in the future!

This is a BEAUTIFUL book with some paintings I am definitely going to try. There are enough steps that you can have a finished painting once you are done, and I love how the author added a section at the end on ways to use your paintings, such as making bookmarks.

Watercolor is one of my favorite mediums, and it’s so refreshing to be able to read a clear, easy to understand tutorial that feels accessible! The tips were great and the practice pictures/projects felt challenging but very doable. I’d highly recommend this book for beginnings and even advanced watercolor users!

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All the stars, loved it. One of the most fun and easy guided watercolor books I’ve seen. Plus the interactive quality really allows everyone to try this medium.