A peek into Practical Watercolours by Curtis Tappenden

• Getting Started
• Introducing Colour
• Working Indoors
• Working Outdoors
• Sketching Buildings
• Moving Life
• Colour
• Light
• Sketching on the Move
• Learning from Others' Work
• Developing Your Own Style
• Sketching from Memory and Imagination

Tappenden begins with an introduction to the essential tools and materials needed for watercolor painting. He covers different types of brushes, paper, and paints, guiding how to select and care for them to achieve the best results.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to color theory. this book explains the color wheel, complementary colors, and how to create harmony in paintings. Understanding these concepts allows artists to make informed choices about color combinations and contrasts.

Understanding how to handle watercolor paints is crucial. The book explains how to mix colors, control water-to-paint ratios, and achieve various effects. It also provides tips on using a palette effectively and maintaining the right paint consistency.

This book provides detailed projects focused on painting specific subjects such as landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. Each project is designed to apply the techniques learned and build confidence. The book encourages artists to experiment and develop their unique style while tackling these subjects.

Tappenden teaches the principles of perspective, helping artists create depth and dimension in their work. He covers techniques for drawing accurate proportions and angles, which are essential for realistic and balanced compositions.

The book explores a variety of watercolor techniques, including washes, glazing, wet-on-wet, dry brush, and more. Step-by-step instructions and illustrations make these techniques accessible, allowing artists to practice and refine their skills.

Each section of this book has exercises that you can use for practice. This helps in reinforcing the freshly learned information and ensures you've learned its practical application.

Overall, Practical Watercolours is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their watercolor painting abilities. Curtis Tappenden’s clear instructions and practical advice make this book a must-have for both novice and experienced artists. If you were to buy 1 book that helps you with watercolours, let it be this one!