Peggy Dean

Artist, Bestselling Author of Botanical Line Drawing and Founder of The Pigeon Letters

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Book Recommendations:

Recommended by Peggy Dean

In this book, Kolbie provides comprehensive step-by-step guidance for artists of all levels to capture the vibrant radiance of light in landscape paintings. (from Amazon)

Capture the Beauty of Light in Gorgeous Watercolor Scenes From a lonely mountain highway bathed in midday sun and glittering city lights reflecting off a calm ocean, to a haunted house peeking out of early morning mist and a winter sunset illuminating a snowy forest, this brilliant collection of watercolor masterpieces is an essential primer on representing light in all its varied forms. Artist and author Kolbie Blume breaks complex concepts into easily grasped steps, so that anyone―even beginners―can paint vibrant scenes full of light and luminance. Paintings like Ancient Glow, Twilight Seas and Magic in the Fields allow you to master everything from bright afternoon sunlight and glowing golden hour beams to shimmering starlight and magical misty dawn. Each gorgeous painting teaches you new tricks and techniques to beautifully represent outdoor scenes during any time of the day. Kolbie’s thoughtful, easy-to-follow instructions make it simple to harness color and light in watercolor paintings transforming everyday scenes into something extraordinary.

Recommended by Peggy Dean

This is more than a guide―it’s permission to loosen up and play in the wild nature of earth’s organic gifts. The approachable, easy-to-follow steps lead to freedom to explore and welcomed self-expression. (from Amazon)

Your Ultimate Guide to Mastering Linework and Watercolor Through Elegant Flower Compositions Immerse yourself in the world of ink and wash with these dazzling floral projects that will have you falling in love with both mediums. With Camilla Damsbo Brix’s expert guidance, you’ll learn the fundamentals of each art form, from layering washes of color to capturing ideas in loose but evocative ink drawings. Then, you’ll marry both mediums in 17 radiant compositions that highlight the immense versatilities of both art forms, as well as each flower’s unique beauty. Want to capture the delicate nature of the Poppy? Start with watercolor and complement it with barely-there lines of ink. Looking to bring out the lively colors of the Iris? Make bold fineliner strokes, heightened with a touch of watercolor. Switch between pen and paint as you go for an equal fusion of both in the Sunflower and Hibiscus projects. Then bring it all together by combining different flowers into one composition, like A Dancing Bouquet of Cosmos and Daisies. These projects will expand your artistic skills, whether ink or watercolor is your medium of choice, or whether you have never picked up a pen or paintbrush before. With this gorgeous book, you’ll create floral masterpieces in no time.

Recommended by Peggy Dean

There's just something about nature captured through watercolor, and Kolbie has done a wonderful job of creating harmony in her techniques to draw attention to the earth's elements. The bonus part is that she's here to share her brilliance so everyone can paint along, creating new life into pieces of their very own. (from Amazon)

Practice the Art of Watercolor with this Beginner’s Guide to Picturesque Mountains, Lakes, Sunrises and More From a striking Desert Sunset Silhouette to a majestic Icelandic Waterfall to an eye-catching Magical Snowy Forest, watercolor artist Kolbie Blume’s wilderness scenes are the perfect introduction to watercolor painting. Kolbie’s step-by-step instructions make it easy to paint stunning landscapes featuring all of the key elements of wilderness painting and teach you beginner-friendly techniques for colorful skies, mountains, trees, wildflowers, oceans, lakes, and more. Each chapter teaches progressively more advanced elements, allowing you to build upon your skills as you work through the projects. And the final chapter combines all of the elements in breathtaking scenes―like a Glassy Milky Way and an Aurora Glacier Lagoon―that you’ll be proud to hang on your wall or gift to a friend or family member. With all the tips, tricks, and techniques you need to master the basics of watercolor painting and instructions on how to paint every element of nature, this collection of wilderness landscapes is the go-to guide for both beginner painters and more experienced artists looking for new subjects to paint.

Recommended by Peggy Dean

This beautiful, approachable book begs to be devoured by both hobbyists and established artists to create stunning wildflower pieces. (from Amazon)

Let Your Creativity Blossom with 30 Beautiful Watercolor Projects Immerse yourself in the world of watercolor with Sushma Hegde’s array of stunning botanicals. Wildflower Watercolor is the essential comprehensive guide for beginner painters to learn how to create perfect floral masterpieces. With easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations, it’s never been easier to master the art of watercolor painting. Inside, you will find everything you need to get started, including how to mix colors and create striking new shades, how to make various types of brushstrokes and more. With over 30 projects to choose from―wild herbs such as lavender and chamomile and gorgeous flowers such as poppies, buttercups and forget-menots― anyone can create their very own watercolor work of art. With just a brush, some paint and a little bit of water, you can take the world’s floral beauty to the page.