Watercolour Flowers

Janet Whittle’s Watercolour Flowers is the type of book that blows you away. Although it’s definitely aimed at someone who has knowledge of watercolour, it’s also one of the most inspiring books I’ve seen in a while. Janet has unbelievable talent and flipping through the pages, I couldn’t help but feel motivated to try some of her techniques or rekindle my love of art.

Watercolour Flowers is perfect for those who have experimented in watercolour (and flower painting) and want to improve their technique. If you find you can’t get the right colours, or want to learn how to use them more effectively, this book will show you how.

Like in many craft books, a general list of materials is included. However, Janet is very specific in stating that watercolour is a type of art that allows you to be fluid in how you work. The paint you use, the brushes, the paper and how you mix your colours can give different outcomes, so an artist shouldn’t stick to one way of doing things, or one set of tools. I think this is perhaps the most useful piece of information any person can be given. Art should be about exploration!

Following the list of materials is a comprehensive colour guide. Janet shows the types of colours she uses, how she uses them, and the types of things they work best for. Although all hints and tips are linked to flower painting and watercolour, it is possible to extend this to other types of painting and colouring.

Watercolour Flowers is filled with large, bright photographs that give the reader a clear idea of how a finished product can look. The technique images are clear and big enough to illustrate her methods.

Included in this book is a “getting started” checklist, containing helpful information about things to remember before, during and after painting. There is also a list of the painting techniques used and what each method entails. This is useful for someone who has the groundwork, but not sure where to go from there.

This is a great book to use in conjunction with your own projects. This is not a step-by-step guide to painting and it doesn’t include projects you can do with her. But what it does do is help you build confidence in your painting, enhance your technique and get you trying new things. Watercolour Flowers is also available in Afrikaans.

 

Reviewed by Tarryn Henrick

Published by Metz Press