Put 'Watercolor painting techniques' into Amazon Advance Search and you'll come up with well over a thousand titles. I'm sure most of these are worthy books but I'll stick with anything by Charles Reid. I have five of his books and 'Watercolor Secrets' together with 'Painting Flowers in Watercolor' (ISBN 0715312081) are probably the ones I look through most often.

All of the books, of course, show what a stunning artist he is though I much prefer his watercolor work rather than oils. It's his studied casualness that I love, colors define shapes, they merge into each other, large areas are just left blank and look unfinished yet the overall effect is controlled precision. His work is totally convincing and rather unique.

The five chapters in this book throw up lots of interesting techniques for the established painter*. I particularly liked the Demonstration pages in each of the five chapters. Each shows a step-by-step series of paintings from the original drawing to the finish with comprehensive captions to each picture. There's something for everyone in the book: figures, landscape and seascapes, flowers, buildings and more.

Another reason I like this book is because it's so good to look at. Visually it is based on a landscape sketchbook and nicely each spread has part of a used sketchbook printed in the spine. The layout and typography are first class (a tip of the hat to Wendy Dunning) and how refreshing to find a publisher that is prepared to go that little bit extra for the reader.

If you like Charles Reid get this book for some excellent examples of his work and positive thoughts on watercolor techniques.

*Just starting out? Have a look at Reid's 'Painting by Design' (ISBN 0004126335) which has some very basic instructions, especially on drawing.

As a newcomer to watercolor painting, I have purchased an extensive library of books on the subject to better educate myself in this wonderful media. I stumbled upon "Charles Reid's
Watercolor Secrets" at a bookstore and it is my favorite of all the books I've seen. It is a beautifully printed book and his paintings are extraordinary, I am just blown away by his consummate skill as an artist.His use of color and negative space(white paper) are remarkable.A wide range of subjects are covered, landscapes, flowers, French Villas and towns etc.
What really sets him apart however,are his watercolor portraits,
just amazing. He seems to capture not just a likeness of the person but also their very essence. I love the painting of actor Gene Wilder though all the others are outstanding too.
I loved his portrait work so much I also purchased his book on the subject "The Natural Way to Paint". So many books on watercolor look the same, overdone subjects, overly tight painting. Charles Reid is the real deal, a true artist.Very inspiring, makes me want to paint every time I look at it.

This is an inside look at the sketchbooks of one of the masters in watercolor. Sketch books are priceless to the artist and for Reid to share some of his thoughts about the sketching process is rather remarkable.

I am completely satisfied with Charles Reid's book because there are plenty of suggestions and ways to achieve the results that would make me happy with my present and future artworks. He is a master of spontaneity, apparent simplicity, colorful minimal palettes and a pleasure to look and read.

An excellent and a joy for all watercolourists to read and love. For Chas Reid, Frank Webb fans a real must.