Water Color Painting

[Pratheep Balasingam]

Recently there was a request for how-to-do books on water-colour
painting. I was wondering how effective these books would be for
someone who does not have a formal instructor. I would like some
input from others who have tried teaching themselves the basics,
before I spend my ~ $35.00. Also specific recommendations for
books people found useful will be appreciated.

Pratheep
th...@everest.stanford.edu

[Yes, as a Matter of Fact, I *DO* Own This Whole Damned Site]

Well, you can spend 210 dollars at UC Berkeley Extension or you
can go to the public library. Better yet, go to the Stanford Library.

I went to art school and I have hit the books. Instructors are
great, *IF* you get a good one. I have had some really crappy ones
and have laid out the dough big time. Books from the library are
always free and I have gotten good ideas about what is possible.
Seeing another artists' work inspires me well enough to keep me
busy.

I heartily recommend going to art shows as well.

There is a watercolor exhibit, I recall, at Santa Clara University
or something (could someone check the SF Chronicle "pink section"?
I recycled mine). There is a guy who does watercolors of cut flowers.
Drool. Drool. Great stuff. You learn by looking carefully at the
art work "in person". Think about how it was done. I learned a
lot at the Frick in New York standing in front of Holbein's portrait
of Thomas Moore while holding a magnifying glass.

If you find that books are not doing it for you *then* try a teacher.
I recommend you talk to art students around the campus for suggestions.

ER