Being bold with watercolour - Annette Kane

Watercolour is celebrated for its ability to produce subtle, variegated washes, but it is possible to use watercolour as boldly and powerfully as in any other medium, and the wonderfully vibrant paintings of Annette Kane demonstrate this pefectly. Her book covers a range of techniques and advice from colour theory and mixing colours to choosing the right technique for the right subject matter to how to experiment and work adventurously. The emphasis is on bold brushwork and strong colour, and she is not afraid to combine or enhance her effects in watercolour with other elements, such as ink, acrylic and gouache. With a number of step-by-step demonstrations in addition to stunning finished paintings, the book gives every painter the confidence to be bold in watercolour. The chapters cover the following:

Essential skills: Understanding Watercolour; The Right Equipment, Confident Brushwork

Vibrant Colour: Exploring Colour Theory; Expressive Colour; Colour and Design; Mixing Colours

Sunlight and Shadows: Interpreting Light; Light and Form; Exciting Shadows

A Personal Response: Subject Matter; Observation; Essential Elements; Keeping an Open Mind

Freedom and Control: Controlled Method; Working Fast and Loose

Ideas and Approaches: Still life; Gardens; Water; Windows and Doorways; Light