Although this book is loaded with information, it’s presented in a friendly, straightforward, heavily illustrated way so that it’s not at all overwhelming. It will guide you every stroke of the way, from the basics of stretching paper, creating your own value scale and transferring a drawing to the more advanced challenges of mingling edge qualities, fixing mistakes, and painting shadows, skin tones and skies.

The final chapter is the best of all, worthy of a book in itself! It consists of a series of step-by-step projects -- great practice for applying all that you’ve learned, and the perfect place to turn when you’re feeling stuck for inspiration.

The Watercolor Bible maintains a wonderful balance between understanding the rules and staying true to the voice within. Whether you work through this book beginning to end or refer to it as needed during your painting, every page will help you build skills as you develop your own unique style. You’ll find yourself referring to it constantly; its user-friendly, wire-o binding makes it easy to flip open during a painting sessions, and its handy 6x9 format makes it small enough to take anywhere.

Book specifications: hardcover, 304 pgs., 7 in. x 9 1/4 in.
Publisher: North Light, 2006.