Wonderful World of Watercolor: Learning and Loving Transparent Watercolor,   ISBN:9780823099108

Customer Rating: 

Book Reviewed by Marie L. Meegan, Salem, Massachusetts.

If I were to pick only one book as a reference for mastering the art and science of watercolor painting, it would be Mary Baumgartner's Wonderful World of Watercolor. Besides being a technical masterpiece, it is a beautiful book, having many exquisite examples of watercolor painting. The author imparts her joy in the subject matter, as well as her delight in teaching - a winning combination.

The first section is devoted to color: choosing color, mixing color, and considering its warmth, or coolness, color values, transparency or opacity. The author provides sample charts for guidance, and in fact, insists her own students paint these charts so color mixing will not be a hit or miss experience.

There are chapters on supplies, work space and composition. Baumgartner carefully explains all the essentials for success, such as negative space, glazing, and lifting paint, to name a few. Drawing skills are handled in detail. Special advice for painting metallic objects, glass, water droplets, skies, clouds, foliage, and fur are covered in a chapter entitled "The Hard Stuff - Made Easy."

She writes about using artistic license to arrange a painting to enhance the qualities of the scene she might be composing. She guarantees a clear center of interest, and paints with the light source in mind. She photographs scenes, objects, and people for future paintings. The author, while not lacking in intuitiveness, is convinced one must do the work to create paintings that captivate the viewer. In the chapter "Telling a Story," Baumgartner quotes Edgar Degas as having said, "My art is in no way spontaneous - it is entirely contrived." If you paint or teach watercolor painting you must have this book.

Customer Rating: 

The explanation in the book and the tips Mary Baumgartner shares is what I needed to continue with my painting and ideas for future paintings. Her color charts are reinforcement to what my present teacher has been teaching us in class. The scenarios she shares makes me think more out of my comfort zone. This book has been a reinforcement in what I have been learning and making my views of painting broader.

Customer Rating: 

After being away from my painting for several years, I decided to get back into the groove. Finding "Wonderful World of Watercolor" was my perfect solution! I enjoyed beginning at page one and working my way through this book. The color charts were so helpful and I might add, still are helpful. If you are a novice, this book is a great teaching tool. And, if you are a more experienced watercolorist, this book is over the top with fresh ideas and techniques. Mary Baumgartner touches on all aspects of how to enjoy the Wonderful World of Watercolor!

Customer Rating: 

I stumbled across this book at the library, and found it so full of helpful information for a watercolor beginner that I bought it right away.
Wonderful color mixing charts and a clear explanation of various techniques.

Customer Rating: 

Enjoying this book. Lots of good information in
it. I recommend the book.