Trace & Paint Watercolour Paperback – July 9, 2010

For those who can't draw - or even for those who can, but might not always want to do the drawing before getting friendly with the paint, Trace & Paint Watercolour is an excellent choice. You get eighteen BIG sketches to trace and detailed, illustrated, step-by-step instructions for painting 14 projects; so yes, the artists who composed the original paintings on which this book is based are giving you a few bonus sketches to play with. You also get large and wonderful full page and, in many cases, two-page views of the artists' original paintings.I recommend using watercolour paper that is no less than 12 X 18 inches in size, to provide plenty of room for the basic sketch and any details you might want to add to make these beautiful landscape scenes your own. Those of you who are skilled enough with pen or pencil, could re-create the scenes in a smaller size, but as for me, I'll stick with direct tracings for awhile yet. If I tried drawing the scenes free-hand, it would take me all day just to recreate the sketches in the provided size, let alone trying to reduce them.Note that the tracings are bound in the center of the book and, though perforated, do not separate from the binding easily. The paper does not always tear on the perforations either, so one must devote some time to remove the tracings. To save myself the time and frustration later, I devoted part of an evening to removing all tracings from the book and stored them in a folder meant for children's school work, which is readily available in many stores.There are many books which are similar to this one, so if you are interested in obtaining other books with different painting projects, you have but to look around. You should be aware though, that this publisher has collected the contents of three separate books in this one. Buying this omnibus edition is a much better value than purchasing the three others, which I have listed below so you will know which books not to buy. Watercolour Landscapes (Ready to Paint)  By Terry Harrison Watercolour Trees & Woodlands (Ready to Paint)  By Geoff Kersey Watercolour Hills & Mountains (Ready to Paint)  By Arnold Lowrey

I just started following Terry Harrison, I love his paintings and the diverse use of colors in his paintings. Since I can't draw the broad side of a barn, the drawings included in the book is a tremendous help (you must visit his tutorial website). I suppose at some point I'd have to practice drawing, but I'm too anxious to start painting! (and have no instruction whatsoever in drawing!). The demonstration steps are easy to follow, with color pictures for each step. Supplies and techniques which are very helpful are also included. I think the book is for all levels, I'm a beginner and the instructions and tips helped me complete a pretty decent painting that I'm pretty proud of. The only thing I was a little disappointed with (and didn't notice when I bought the book) is that there are two other artists along with Terry providing lessons (along with drawings). They are very good artists, but their style of painting is very different, I like more detail in my paintings. Maybe some day when I gain more experience and feel more comfortable with the medium I may branch out trying other styles.

I have about four of these "Ready to Paint" books and they are all great. Beautiful drawings, beautiful color photos, step by step instructions with photos of each step.The only problem I have with them, that I think most newbie or hobby painters might also have, is that the drawings are huge! It's quite daunting to paint something so large when you're learning about watercolor.I found a great solution, though. I removed the line drawings and took them to Staples and had them all reduced to a 5 x 7 size. That cost about $ .10 each!Now I have a much more manageable size to paint, put in a nice color mat, and be able to easily mail them to friends for gifts.If the large size scares you or doesn't come out the way you want, try reducing the size. Watercolor is much simpler when you start small.Liz

did not think tracings accurately reflected watercolor painting. Actual description of how to paint were not really clear to a beginner Perhaps Terry did it deliberately to allow student to explore own ways to depict images and splash on paint Am using book with a group of enthuiastic seniors with no experience . We are having a lot of fun

this book is a wonderful book to get if you are a beginner in watercolor, or even if you are intermediate. Good projects, ideas, etc. It takes you from beginning to end with instructions and photos.Even a fun book to pick up to practice with when you don't want to "think" up a composition, etc.Good buy!

Love, Love LOVE this book! I've learned so much about watercolor in landscapes. I really hope they come out with another one with more trees depicted.

I am a novice painter and do not like to sketch. This book is perfect because it has traceable sketches and step by step instructions for painting. I have learned a lot from this book! Highly recommend it!

I started taking art classes after retiring almost 3 years ago. Using the traceable template and the stroke by stroke instruction has helped me.

As with all books by these artists they are extremely well written and demonstrated. They do include tracing designs for those who are improving their sketching skills, but I prefer to draw straight onto paper rather than trace. The different demonstrations give a full breakdown of the paints, brushes etc to use - they artists also give tips on the best way to paint etc. When I am stuck for something to paint, I bring out these books. They do inspire a person to paint and give a great ideas on subject matter. Whether a beginner or more experienced, certainly worth looking at some of the demonstrations delivered by the artists - cheaper than an art class but just as informative.

Have just received this book. The price is fair as on first glance it seemed in very good condition and perfectly usable. However, the seller states that the book is intact - it is not. The final trace page is missing. It has been so badly ripped out, that it is impossible to miss the fact, had anyone checked the book. Disappointed.

I found this book an excellent way of learning new techniques and gaining confidence in colour mixing without the difficult stage of drawing the scene first. I did find the outlines pretty large though, about A3, which was a lot bigger than I wanted to paint but I was easily able to shrink them down to A4 using a photocopier. Step by step instructions were very helpful and I was able to produce some quite good paintings in a very enjoyable way using this book. It's great value, being a collection of three other titles, and by different artists so you get to learn about different styles. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about how to paint landscapes but isn't confident about the drawing stage.

Lovely book, in perfect condition, so much so that I'd forgotten it was described as Used. Fabulous selection of images to paint with clear and well informed instructions.

Great value for money book, great images, ideal for those who either can't or don't want to draw but more importantly they tell you the colours to mix and the brush methods to use. Really helps improve your watercolour skills