I thought this book would be something to color by number in or use water color pencils on. She really gives good water color lessons in this book. So much fun and good lessons. I love it.

This lovely botanically-themed watercolor workbook by Sarah Simon and printed on watercolor paper has almost everything you could wish for. The instructions are excellent and the color mixing guides are flawless. Each sketch to paint is adjacent to the palette and a small version of the drawing executed in full color. Honestly, the graphic design of the book is just stunning. Unfortunately, readability is compromised in the execution of this high design concept. The elegant type face is artistic, thin and too small a type size to be easy to read. This issue is further complicated by printing the words in an otherwise gorgeous dark grey color. It honestly requires repeatedly putting down the paintbrush and picking up a magnifying glass. The color recipes with each sketch are an even smaller point size. Taking the point size up in favor of readability would solve the issue. It is also somewhat awkward that the instruction page for each new sketch is located on the back side of the wet watercolor you just finished. Is it gorgeous and well-written? Yes. Perhaps the paint-on watercolor pages on watercolor paper could be one section with a second, longer section to allow larger, legible type with tear out instructions on less expensive paper.

I have many watercolor books, but this one was my first, and is one of my favorites. I love the lessons in the beginning! The pictures are clear, the text is helpful, and I love the swatch area. Her mixing instructions are great. Except the color seashell. It's probably a me problem. You can see the demonstration of my attempts. Seashell and I do not get along. Her book has introduced me to colors I never would have thought to use, oxide of Chromium is a beautiful color!

I can't create a picture worth a damn but I enjoy making pretty things. This was an absolutely perfect introduction for watercoloring for me. I have enjoyed the entire process, reading the instructions to outlining the pictures to the actual painting. The author gives easy to follow instructions and a relatively simple and forgiving list of supplies to get started. Her recommended supplies for the entire book: #1 round brush #4 round brush 01 or 02 Micron Pigma waterproof pen Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolor tube paints in: Lemon Yellow Yellow Ochre Alizeran Crimson Burnt Sienna Cobalt Blue White (any) Ivory Black Oxide of Chromium (professional) Payne's Gray (professional) Optional extras - Perylene Maroon and Perylene Violet. There are some good discount art supply stores online to get the paints at halfish price so it's not a bad investment if you try to stick with the recommendations. The paper quality feels hefty and easy to work with and the designs are aesthetically pleasing without being too complex or too boring. She walks you through every step with clear instructions and provides examples. The painting pieces themselves are big and one-sided so you could cut them out, crop and frame. She encourages experimentation and having fun, and her writing feels like you're painting with a friend. I think this is a good buy for any creative type, professional or novice. My mother has a disability affecting her grip and dexterity, and I think she could use this book to paint. She's creative but as her issues have progressed is easily discouraged to try new art hobbies. This is relatively easy and still sophisticated. I might outline some of the sketches for her, show her a couple tricks and let her have at it. You DONT HAVE TO PAINT IN THE LINES to be pretty. I've pre-ordered Sarah's next book and want her to make a dozen more please. If the author reads this I have some ideas for a version of your workbook that is even more accessible for folks with impaired vision or dexterity. Have the drawings already outlined black, perhaps ever so slightly bold for better contrast. Keep an even simpler color palette with less need to mix. Include more examples of loose and undefined boundaries. Show how going outside the lines can be pretty. Keep the boho, soft floral aesthetic that lean slightly simpler in shapes. (the illustrations are gorgeous) Perforate the pages to make it easy to detach. Maybe a spiral binding for even easier use. Increase the text size and contrast. Include a larger avatar/finished example. Recommend brushes that are more ergonomic, maybe a round brush with a fatter handle. I've gone down the Amazon rabbithole and so far there hasn't been a workbook quite like this. I am a fan!

This book is amazing. Honestly, if you are interested in watercolor painting but felt intimidated by it like me, you need this book. Sarah Simon is not only a very talented artist but a naturally gifted teacher as well. You will never feel lost and she will make you feel both welcome and worthy. The book starts out with learning basic skills like creating a wash, 'wet-on-wet' and 'wet-on-dry' techniques, blotting, how to treat boundries and color mixing. Once you complete these exercises, you will be ready to move on to the projects themselves. All botanicals are drawn for you-- you need only outline them in waterproof ink and then focus on the painting, so zero drawing skills are needed. The projects and exercises are all printed on quality watercolor paper. I included a photo of my 1st completed botanical project. I am still learning water control and the other techniques so my first project is by no means a masterpiece but it was fun, I learned a lot and I feel both excited & confident to complete the rest of this book. It's really perfect for the brand new beginner like me OR even for an experienced painter who just wants to use it like a watercolor coloring book & relax by painting projects that are already thought out. I showed this book to my Dad who is a professional artist and he was really impressed by the instructional content, the quality watercolor paper and how much intention, thought and care that was put into it. This book is truly a must-have for anyone eager to learn watercolor painting.