Colorways: Watercolor Flowers

Colorways: Watercolor Flowers
Tips, techniques, and step-by-step lessons for learning to paint whimsical artwork in vibrant watercolor
by Bley Hack

Non-threatening beginner book for aspiring watercolor artists. This book includes an introduction, information on tools and materials required, basic color theory, where to find inspiration and step by step projects that include making frames for photographs, painting then making collages with watercolor flowers, framing words with flowers and how to do so and other fun ideas. The flowers are free-form and not botanical style at all but fun and easy and a great way to begin painting flowers in watercolor. I have a few ideas from the book that I will use this year as I get back into watercolor painting again.

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

4-5 Stars

A lifesafer book for someone who want to learn to draw flowers. As a beginner in watercoloring, I found this book soooo helpful. I love it so much. It shows clear steps to draw flowers and friends :D Guess who will be starting to try this one soon? Yeap. You guessed it. ME!

Watercolor has always been one of my favorite types of painting. I've always loved that watercolor often gives the idea of something rather than an exact replica - the important parts are there, but it's not photo-realistic. Hack has made creating beautiful, whimsical watercolor flowers approachable for even a complete beginner. Lettering techniques are added to create fun, useful projects. I love the floral frame for photos. This book would make a wonderful gift for someone interested in getting started in watercolor.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book is aimed at crafters and DIYers rather than fine artists. The author uses stamps, the side of her brushes, and similar objects to create some of her flowers, so no initial painting skill is really needed. She goes more for the impression of flowers rather than accurate depictions, so there's no pressure on beginners. Her interest is more in how the colors look together, so we do get some color theory and some basic watercolor techniques. Her included projects were things like making patterns of flowers on DIY wrapping paper or cards, cutting out watercolor flowers and making them into a collage, or creating a frame of watercolor flowers to put around a photograph. It was not difficult to understand her step-by-step directions. It's a good book if this is the type of thing you're looking for, but it may come across as very basic if you already have some skill with watercolor painting.

I've been posting several reviews on various art forms, and here's another to add to the collection, which will doubtlessly be my last art book review this year. This one, part of a 'Colorways' art series, focuses on the delicate art of watercolor flowers and how to achieve various looks and effects with this ethereal medium.

The author offers hints and tips from her own personal experience, including useful techniques such as wet-into-wet painting, washes, gradations, and glazing, as well as step-by-step instruction on achieving certain effects such as capturing a rose bloom for example, which by any other name still looks as sweet! The book includes advice on how to keep a painting frame of mind when your tools are not to hand - or better yet, when you have a camera to hand to capture ideas for future paintings, and in this day and age, who doesn't have a cellphone camera? Hey if you don't, go get one for art's sake!

The book goes beyond just watercolors and into collage with a step-by-step on creating a picture frame made from a watercolor, and I enjoyed reading this and adding to my stock of general knowledge even though I don't have any immediate plans to immerse myself in this demanding medium. I commend this as a worthy read, and a useful tool for anyone interested in improving their watercolor technique.

I rally enjoyed Colorways; Watercolor FLowers. I am new to art and this book breaks down water colors so they are manageable to a newbie. Her instructions were stress free and helped me created my own flowers and build my confidence.
I truly recommend this to anyone who wants to start with water colors.

This is a cute book for anyone new to painting using watercolor. The book offers step-by-step lessons on coloring accompanied by beautiful illustrations. In this book, the author shows you how to paint flowers and leaves, design monograms and create a collage. Recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Walter Foster Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful beginner's guide to the world of watercolor. The author discusses supplies and color theory as well as how to go about finding inspiration. She provides step-by-step projects with suggestions for types of brushes, brush strokes, and color combinations. There's even a section on watercolor lettering. The simple style of writing and projects, gives the reader a feel for the medium without being intimidating. #ColorwaysWatercolorFlowers #NetGalley

I really enjoyed this book. I've read many art books, and am impressed by the new suggestions the author made. Easy to follow instructions. Highly recommend!

This is a great book for beginner watercolor painters as well as those who already have some experience, but might be looking to try out a more whimsical style. The well-designed layout is colorful, fun and appealing. People who have never painted before will find the examples and explanations of tools, materials, techniques, and color theory, very easy to follow. The author encourages a playful and experimental approach to painting, along with collecting ideas about what to paint. She stresses the value of keeping a sketchbook and to practice painting the component shapes of different flowers – blooms, buds, petals, leaves – then combining them into cheerful compositions. With its fresh approach to painting flowers, this book is a great addition to any library.

This is geared more towards those new to watercolor rather than someone with a little more experience, but it is still a good book to leaf through. For me, it gave me some new project and painting ideas which was alone much appreciated. If you know someone interested in getting better at watercolor, and especially if they have an interest in flora creations, this is a good place to start!

Watercolor is not a medium I frequently use, for no particular reason. This book definitely has brought forth a desire to give it a try again. While the flower instructions are very cool and are detailed well, that was not the part of the book that I found most intriguing. The beginning of the book goes through different types of watercolor painting and shows the step-by-steps actions that need to be taken to do each type. Basically it's a really great reference book for someone just starting out, with a fairly directed second half that leads an artist to practicing in that direction. Which, in my mind, makes it a great reference book for those just starting working in watercolors. It's actually MORE useful for those who wouldn't normally paint floral arrangements, because then you are practicing following instructions in something your brain won't automatically try to send in a direction you would use in other mediums (all painting mediums are different, and the techniques for all are different). One of the other big pluses for me in this book was the emphasis of the importance of having a realistic visual library when you are first starting out. The advice to go out, take pictures of flowers, just so you can reference them in your own way is, in my opinion, a helpful tip for most painters. Having a reference point you've created for yourself can be extremely helpful.

This is a very pretty book , with wonderful photos of how to achieve very beautiful and soft watercolor painting of flowers. The book outlines some easy steps to interpret various flowers from the garden, books and anything that provides inspiration. The color section is very informative and shows how color can be used very effective in various ways. The flowers can have vases added, made into bouquet or just combined and used in collage. I would really see some of the full page arrangements made into beautiful soft wallpapers or fabric, they are so soft and whimsical.
If you are interested in learning some more techniques with watercolor this book will certainly inspire with the different color combinations and ways of use of mark making.

Fun, quirky book of watercolor florals. This book contains beautiful, inspiring illustrations along with project ideas to try on your own. I love the floral monogram and the monochromatic pairing and I feel like the majority of the projects can be attempted by beginners and more experienced watercolorists.

Colorways: Watercolor Flowers: Tips, techniques, and step-by-step lessons for learning to paint whimsical artwork in vibrant watercolor by Bley Hack is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary.
This is a very instructive and delightful book about watercolor painting, mostly flowers in a nice loose form. There are many step by step instructions with lots of pictures throughout this book. The book shows different flowers but also a bird and bugs. How to not only use the colorful palette but use of one color to make a painting properly. I love the loose style! There is also suggestions on how to use the art for cards, picture frames, and more! Lovely book!

This is a very sweet book. It would make an excellent present for someone just getting into watercolor. There are many interesting tips --- I particularly liked the use of "drab colors." I have never seen this concept described like this, but it's a good one. The "drab colors" really do make the bright ones pop. I also like the idea of creating your own flower or pattern library and keeping them in a special box for inspiration. Lots of great ideas in this one.

Definitely a book that is friendly for beginners, specially for those who can't wait to dive into projects and create finished pieces with just the right amount of theory. I love that the cover is actually a clear example of what kind of flowers you are going to be painting with this book.

If you want to try those modern loose watercolor florals that are so trendy right now, this is a good start. It doesn't go too deep into theory but still very informative for beginners and a pleasure to look at. Like most art books from Quarto Publishing, the design is gorgeous. White background with pastel watercolor elements decorate each page and seriously, it gets you inspired even before you arrive to the project section.

A good match for budding artists who also love crafting. Some of the projects include: creating bouquets, pattern designs, monograms, collage and even a floral picture frame.

Thank you Quatro Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC in return for my review.

This was a lovely book, with gorgeous colour layout showing how to easily start painting in watercolour.

The easy step by step instructions and bright colours made this book a winner for me. Perfect for anyone wishing to start painting but not knowing how to.

Book on water coloruring flowers for beginners. It shows some techniques and has step by step instructions for some drawings. The illustrations are vibrant and colourful.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC

This is the first art book that I read since I started to get interested in watercolors and art in general. As a kid, I thought I was really bad at drawing and painting(I didn't think it, i was bad), so I lost interest, but then I grew up and found digital art and decided to study publicity and do graphic design as a hobby. So, although it sounds weird, digital art made me reconnect with traditional art. Last year, apart from subscribing to art channels and following artists on social media, I decided that I wanted to read some books to start practicing.

As a graphic designer hobbyist I always preferred digital art rather than traditional so I didn't know anything, ANYTHING, about watercolors. This was my first time painting with watercolors since I was a kid. Although the book introduced me to the world of watercolor painting in general, I can not say that I learnt how to watercolor flowers. The book has good tips to start with watercolor painting as it has information about color theory, tools and materials; but I felt that the instructions to watercolor flowers were not clear and the level was intermediate. Maybe I suck at watercolor, maybe it's me, maybe I need more practice but I really wanted to do at least one project and couldn't. It was frustrating(and sad). I felt like step 1 was painting a circle and step 2 finish the painting.

Overall, would I recommend this book? YES, to the ones that already know about watercolor. Would I buy this book? YES, in the future, when I am no longer a beginner.

Colorways: Watercolor Flowers is a tutorial and inspiration guide to floral watercolor composition and technique by Bley Hack. Released 18th Dec 2018 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

I've long been an advocate of the 'whatever works' school of instruction (for pretty much -any- skill). If you find a book/teacher/method/source of inspiration which actually gets you off your behind and DOING whatever skill you're after, then that's what works for you. This book is packed full of very short beginner exercises which the author uses as a basis for tutorial projects such as frame mats, stationery, gift wrap, etc. This is not a guide to watercolor botanical illustration. It is a a supportive and accessible guide for stylized floral watercolor on paper. They're very appealing and very accessible. Scattered throughout are short and digestible infonuggets (my word) about composition, color theory, finishing, artistic expression and finding your own process.

One of my personal takeaways was a really nice project on collage. I had never thought of doing that, and it had my fingers itching to start. I have a zillion small studies taking up space in drawers and my shelves which will find new purpose with this technique.

This maybe was the right book at the right time for me personally, but I think anyone who is intimidated by watercolor would do well to take a look at this book and jump in and just do it.

Five stars. Really liked this one.

This book teaches how to paint colorful watercolor flowers in a sort off impressionist way. Some flowers look quite realistic, but the majority of them are rather simplistic and with minimal detail. But don’t let this statement discourage you, as the results are stunning and beautiful.

The style focuses on the idea and whimsical beauty of flowers, rather than a realistic botanical look. Which besides being easier to learn is non-threating to the new artist, and easier to feel at ease when experimenting with the projects included in the book.

Just as the many art and painting books in the market, this book also includes an introduction into techniques, materials, and the very popular topic about color theory (including the famous color wheel).

The content of Colorways: Watercolor Flowers is presented as follows:
Tools and materials
Watercolor techniques
Color theory basics
Finding inspiration
Step by step projects
A library of flowers
Pretty Patterns
Vases
Floral frames
Adding letters to florals
Mark-making bouquets
Floral letters and monograms
Adding fauna to your flora(ls)
Monochromatic painting
Neutrals with pops of color
Paint, cut, and paste floral collage
About the artist

The projects not only include art in a sheet of paper but goes beyond and summons your inner DIYer and explores a collection of very interesting projects, like hand-painted greeting cards, photo frames, cut-out watercolors, and even embellished hand lettering.

The Layout of Colorways: Watercolor Flowers
The layout is exquisite! A true eye candy, so beautiful and well thought.

Extremely colorful, with beautiful borders adorning many of the pages and framing important information, while also displaying the beautiful whimsical style of art by the author.

This book combines all elements in a way that makes the pages themselves a work of art.
With instructions surrounded by photos and watercolor paintings, not only showing the skills of the author but also showing what you will be able to accomplish with practice and by following the teachings of this book.

Every single page features some kind of watercolor element. Some pages are entirely watercolor paintings.

My final thoughts about Colorways: Watercolor Flowers
If you like the flowers featured in the cover of “Colorways: Watercolor Flowers”, you will adore what is inside!

The instructions are very easy to follow, and with the photos and illustrations that accompany them, you will have all the information needed to attempt them in your own studio. The basic techniques included is a great aid for beginner artist and the rest of the book is not only inspirational but also a nice resource for projects, ideas, and basic theory.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to get started in watercolor painting, or that has already started but would like some guidelines for painting flowers specifically.

I loved this book. It was full of inspiring examples. I would recommend this to anyone who likes to paint flowers.

This is a gorgeous watercolor book! It has nice tutorials on how to paint many kinds of florals, I especially love the section on painting floral patterns. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and easy to follow. Each section of the book contains a project that is really nice, my favorite is the place cards. I would love to throw a party and make these one day! It is also an inspiring book, makes you want to paint the projects as soon as you see them. Definitely sparks creativity in the reader for sure. This is another title I wish I had when I started with watercolor. Everything about it is wonderful! Great for all levels, but especially great for the beginner.

I love to use watercolors for most of my hobbies. I especially love watercolor in my Bible Journaling process because it doesn't bleed through the pages and it is translucent and you can see the writing through the paint. This book is a fantastic book to help any artists. The artwork that is provided and taught throughout this book is so whimsical with multiple options. The book begins with the tools and materials that are needed for watercolor and how to use them. There are so many options at the art store for watercolor so this helps explain exactly what you need to get started. I love the section in this book on the color theory basics and also love learning more about coloring and mixing colors that are vibrant and pleasing to the eye.

The step-by-step projects are so easy. It helps you work on flowers, vases, designs, frames, lettering and monograms. It also shows you have to use different techniques or than paintbrushes to create your art. The artwork throughout this book is beautiful! I like that there are challenges provided to maybe get yourself out of a rut or explore new things. I enjoyed the process of finding inspiration and learning more about the visual process and how to discuss inspiration. I love the ideas for creating your box of flower designs to use for inspiration. I have started my box of blooms, leaves and buds and use it for inspiration frequently. I use floral frames all the time for Bible Journaling and loved the ideas by Bley Hack on creating floral frames.

Needless to say, I highly enjoyed this watercolor book and can't wait to continue the process of painting more flowers to add to my creation. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this wonderful art book.

A lovely guide to creating watercolor flowers and wildlife. I was charmed by the page supplies and equipment illustrated with watercolor drawings instead of photographs. Plenty of step-by-step instructions and tips for a variety of types of flowers.

Beautiful illustrations and super easy to follow. Would have loved more examples of step by step flowers/greens to draw out but otherwise, it was an easy read and would purchase for a watercolor enthusiast.

I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for providing me with a free – temporary - electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. As I am auto-approved with this publisher, it is my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.

‘Colorways: Watercolor Flowers’ is an interesting “how to” book. I will say now that I didn’t have the time or equipment to try any of the exercises – so please no criticisms about “how can you review something you didn’t try”… I read a lot of murder mysteries, I don’t try any of those either!

Despite my brain seeking the Australian spelling of colour, I actually liked this book. The wording is friendly, making the ideas and exercises seem doable. The last thing you want in a “how to” book is the narration tone being stilted, strict and unfriendly. Yes, there have been books I’ve seen like that, but don’t review them as they fit into my DNF (Did Not Finish) category.

But ‘Colorways: Watercolor Flowers’ felt approachable, meaning it felt like an instruction book I could and would enjoy following… if I had the time. Actually, I feel it would be a great companion book to a tween or teen learning to use watercolours as their medium. Something they could read and try in practice, while also getting hands on help from an art teacher. As an adult, I feel I could tinker with it, knowing my end results would vary from how the professional in the book does it, but I know they always make it look easier than I may find it as they have had a lot more practice at the activity than I have. Still, I feel it is a good “how to” for people new to watercolour painting to give a go. That is why I say it is approachable – it demonstrates the exercises in a way that encourages the reader to give it a go, no judgement! :-)

The layout and formatting of this book is also good – despite my aversion to how colour is spelt ;-) – and I feel this adds to the welcome, “come and try” feel it gives off.

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would. As said, it would be a great companion book to a tween or teen learning watercolour. Or even an adult learning watercolour too. ‘Colorways: Watercolor Flowers’ contains some very pretty; seemingly easy exercises that I feel would help anyone new to watercolour want to have a go.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Yes I would, but as a paperback version, rather than an electronic one. With instruction books I much rather the paper format and, I feel, when water is involved, a paper version of a “how to” book a much safer option than an electronic version. ;-) But yes, I do want to explore watercolour painting at some point and can see myself seeking this book to give it a go. Mostly because I am into folk art and flowers, so ‘Colorway: Watercolor Flowers’ fits into my styles of art to do at home.

Another reason to buy as a paperback is, on Amazon at least, it costs you more to buy as a Kindle than in paper format. Budget savvy me wants a cheaper deal any day. ;-)

In summary: A good little “how to” book to help you learn some watercolour flower basics.

Colouring with watercolours are my childhood favourite hobby..... This book has made me remember those fond memories .....Thank you for this wonderful book.......

I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination but I have a love of art and I'd love to be able to create some of my own. My medium of choice is watercolour as I find it more forgiving and suited to my complete trainee status.

This book is a godsend, full of unintimidating basic skills to get a beginner started and creating lovely watercolour flowers. Helping you through informative steps to get creating.

I highly recommend this if you like clear concise easy to follow instructions and advice, helping you garner great results.

A very informative book with beautiful illustrations! As a beginner, I enjoyed learning about watercolor, because the steps were easy to follow.