Five Best Watercolor Books

📚** Get a complete list of 15 recommended watercolor books from Kris DeBruine Studio. Download this valuable free resource at: studio.krisdebruine.com/recom... ** 📚
In this video, I share my top five watercolor book recommendations from the last year. Each of these watercolor instruction books has made a big impact on my growth in watercolor over the last twelve months. If you are wondering how you can become a better artist, I highly recommend learning from an accomplished artist. #watercolor #bookreview #learningwatercolor
The books reviewed:
5. Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting by David Bellamy - amzn.to/3oxZRpB
4. Painting the Impressionist Watercolor by Lee Boynton - amzn.to/3Jdil6T
3. Skies, Light and Atmosphere in Watercolour by David Bellamy - amzn.to/3ovGv4y
2. Light and Shade in Watercolour by Hazel Soan - amzn.to/3GtNlO1
1. Painting Light and Shadow by William (Skip) Lawrence - amzn.to/3L9sO53
Want to learn about other books I recommend. Check out this playlist: • Books on Art, Watercol...
Making Art Goals - check out this video on my channel - • Making Art Goals - Fou...
For more videos on the lessons I have learned in my watercolor journey, check out this playlist:
• Watercolor Insights: W...
This channel is all about tools, tips and tutorials for growing in watercolor. If you would like to learn more, consider watching the other videos on my channel, you can find them here:
• Watercolor
If you found this video to be helpful, please hit the "Like" button and subscribe to my channel. I publish new videos every week! I am on a journey to grow in watercolor. I enjoy sharing my journey with you. :-)
Basic supplies in my watercolor studio include:
Baohong 140lb Cold Press 100% Cotton Paper - amzn.to/3Kk34T0
Arches 140lb Cold Press 100% Cotton Paper - amzn.to/2AoQzGj
Stephen Quiller Porcelain Palette - amzn.to/2Zugg2u
Daniel Smith Watercolor Paints - amzn.to/2LrwmBK
M. Graham Watercolor Paints - amzn.to/2YZbY3c
Princeton Neptune Watercolor Brushes - amzn.to/33L1oRH
Princeton Aqua Elite Watercolor Brushes - amzn.to/3KrzJWD
Princeton Neptune Quill Brushes - amzn.to/3GK3bF3
Mijello 2-Liter Water Bucket - amzn.to/2ySbz7N
Stephen Quiller Color Wheel - amzn.to/3fDCE0v
If you'd like to learn more about how I set up my watercolor studio watch: • Watercolor Artist Stud...
I am not paid to review the products in this video. However, I receive a small commission for sales resulting from the links above. Thank you for supporting this channel. Have a great day!

[@Vazhaspa]

As for number 4: You better go with Watercolors and Drawings of the French Impressionists by Horst Keller

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you for the recommendation. I'll take a look.

[@arlenemraz4607]

One of my favorite watercolor books is The watercolors of John Singer Sargent he was a master of watercolor technique…..I had no idea that he even did watercolors until I purchased this book….mraz

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Ah yes. I've seen this book. It is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@DanBuell]

Just found you on KZbin - what an excellent video!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks so much, Dan. Welcome to the channel.

[@rebanelson607]

Thanks for doing this book vid. I have found so many beautiful and helpful books at the public library over the years and they have provided inspiration, instruction and pure joy!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I agree. I love my public library. I always look there first for a book I want to read. If they don't have it....I request it and sometimes they purchase it for the library! Wonderful. The books I REALLY like, I purchase for my own growing library. :-)

[@christianebehr138]

Thank you ever so much for introducing your 5 favorite books. I like the idea of going to the library before spending mony on a book that I dont realy read enjoy the rest of sunday greetings Christiane 😊😊

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Greetings to you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I really believe public libraries are a treasure. :-)

[@RobertKusztos]

Hi Kris, I like your channel. You give a wonderful personal story about the beginning of your watercolor learning journey. My favorite watercolor book is written by Stephen Quiller, Color Choices, Making color sense out of color theory, 1989

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for sharing. I have that book. It is great.

[@Mothasuperior1]

I find that your one of the best teachers on KZbin for watercolour. When I heard your a believer, I knew I found a special channel! Thanks for recommending the books. If you come out with a book I’ll definitely be buying it!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Ahhh. :-) That is soooo kind of you to say. Yes...I am a follower of Jesus. And I believe that being made in the image of God -- the Creator -- is why we find so much joy in creating. Thanks for the feedback. I don't know when I might write a book....maybe someday.

[@annenglish2935]

Thank you for sharing about your faith! Please write a book... and post more often. A fan from a California Gramma ❤

[@martingillette7613]

I am wanting to learn watercolor painting. I love art and my 10 year old granddaughter has shown interest in watercolor. I think this is a perfect activity do do with her and learn together. After watching several of your videos I find your way of teaching wonderful. Therefore I've subscribed.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Great. Welcome to the channel

[@yasuewho]

Thank you so much for this! I'm most excited about the Skip Lawrence book! Understanding how to effectively build light and shadows in this medium is my greatest weakness so far and that that's foundational. I'm a mixed media artist, but really trying to focus on watercolor. Skip's books is EXACTLY what I was trying to find! Books like this are marvelous on bone chilling days when actually making art is not an option. Curling up with a cup of hot tea and daydreaming between chapters is important artistic work. :)

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yes. This book by Lawrence is wonderful. I hope you enjoy it.

[@GKganesan]

Thank you for taking time out to make these book recommendations. Invaluable

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You are so welcome. Glad you like them!

[@1Skymed]

Thanks Kris, great info as always.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

My pleasure!

[@amaankhan333]

I couldn't help not notice that Dome of Rock, Palestine painting behind you. It looks beautiful.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you. I painted that after visiting Israel in 2018.

[@amaankhan333]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio Great. *Palestine.

[@maureencepiel959]

I love Anna Mason's KZbin site, and have her book...Anna Mason 's Watercolor World. Also, I bought this year, Color In and Out of the Garden by Lorene Edwards Folkner. Very inspirational, I think. And last, for those of us who like to read about color, COLOR, A Natural History of the Palette, by Victoria Finlay. No pictures, no instructions, just a fun read of her travels to discover the origins of colors.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wonderful! Thanks for the suggestions!!

[@NYtalk60]

Thank you so much. I found 3 online at my library. I just put them on hold!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wonderful. I hope you find the books helpful.

[@BeginnersMind-ArtMind]

Nice to find your video in my up next. Great Book suggestions thanks!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelklein5242]

Another book I felt was very helpful is "WATERCOLOUR TECHNIQUES AND TUTORIALS FOR THE COMPLETE BEGINNER" by Paul Clark. I'll have to check out one of the books you mentioned. Thanks again! 🎨

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hey...thanks for the book recommendation. I'll have to look for that one. Have a great day.

[@annenglish2935]

Love Paul Clark and his wonderful tutorials!!! I also have his book! Easy to follow as a beginner! 😊

[@GratefulDeb270]

I love “Watercolor Success in 4 Steps.” It’s very fun! Ty for this video!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@arlenemraz4607]

Your top watercolor book brought a smile to my face because I have taken many workshops from Skip and he is by far one of the best( tell you as it is)teachers out there. I subscribed to his and Christopher Schinks Watercolor media magazine and one of my proudest moment is having one of my painting featured in the Pallete magazine. He is only artist that I have ever seen squeeze watercolor paint out on his palette just like you would oil paint. mraz

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wow, thank you!

[@susiedelay999]

Thanks Kris‼ I'll check these books out‼

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I hope you find them helpful.

[@SarahAndBoston]

That Hazel Soan book is what inspired me to start painting in watercolor! I've heard great things about Color and Light by James Gurney, but I think that's a general painting book, not strictly a watercolor one. That's for recommending the Skip Lawrence book! Gonna see if I can find it at the library.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Soan's book is great. The Skip Lawrence book has tons of information and many step-by-step lessons. I hope you enjoy it. I was able to get all five of these books at my local library. Then if I really like it...I buy it for my library.

[@megperry5586]

Thank you, I learn so much from you!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I'm so glad!

[@lorryl8]

I tend to paint watercolours in a very detailed way and wanted some instruction on how to loosen up, by far the best and most interesting book I read to help with that was Jean Haines, Atmospheric animals in watercolour. David Bellamy’s complete guide has been on my shelf for a number of years and I still like to refer to it.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Bellamy's Complete Guide made it onto my list of recommended books, but I haven't looked at that particular Jean Haine's book. Thanks for the recommendation. In case you haven't seen it - here's my complete list - studio.krisdebruine.com/recommended-watercolor-books

[@jennifer_y_fischer]

I had given up on buying watercolor books. Every time I find one with great reviews and buy it, it ends up being the exact same exercises and not a lot of explanation. I learn best from books and technical information, but could not figure out how to find what I was looking for. I'm very excited about the impressionist book. I love that style, but do not know enough about it to feel very confident. In case you can't tell, I'm a new subscriber and eating through your video list. This is all so helpful. I appreciate the tutorials, but I really need more tips. And it is helpful coming from someone who's style I am drawn to.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Welcome. I hope you like the book. I have found that most of the books I'm interested in, can be borrowed from the public library. Then, if I like it....I buy it. I have even requested that the library buy a book they didn't have....and they bought it!! :-) Our tax dollars at work, I guess.

[@starfire139]

I can’t believe I didn’t consider checking my library for books on watercolor. Of course!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yea!! I'm so happy I could pass on this easy idea. I often borrow the book first from the library, and then later buy it if I deem it a necessary part of my personal art library. Have fun!! PS - even if the library doesn't have the book I want, I have made a request that they purchase it....and they DO! :-)

[@terrilikens4975]

Glad you included Hazel Soan. I'll have to check out the others.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yes, I love her work. I hope you find the others to be inspirational too.

[@annefisher5381]

What appeals to me about Hazel Soan's books is the simplicity and elegance of her writing style. I don't know if anyone who can instil so much useful information in so few words.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I agree 👍

[@radhanair2388]

Indeed very helpful, thank you

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're welcome!

[@evolvvartstudio]

My two absolute favorites are Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobie and Color Choices by Stephen Quiller. Not only is the information/instruction in them amazing, the artwork is stunning.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to take a look. I'm familiar with the Quiller book because I use his color wheel.

[@dianecharest8365]

I just read "EN PLEIN AIR Watercolor" by Ron Stocke. I purchased it at Blicks.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I have that book too. I purchased it when I met Ron at a painting demo in my home town. Thanks for the feedback. And thanks for watching!! ~Kris

[@davidmolloy126]

David Bellamy's wife is called Jenny Keel and is a master pastellist. They travel together to some really remote areas like deserts and the Himalayas!. Hazel Soan is my all time favourite modern master. Thanks very much for a great video, from a new subscriber in England.x

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi David. Thanks for the feedback. I thought that Jenny was David's daughter?? Maybe I was wrong. Anyways....they make a great team. Thanks.

[@davidmolloy126]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio Definitely David's wife! ♥️

[@markdonovan1540]

A great review. I have the William Lawrence book due to your previous recommendation at Christmas - my wife bought it for me 🥰. I recently bought another one, which is much more suited to newbies like me: The Watercolour Engima by Stephen Coates, it's excellent to get back to basics and simplify the painting process.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi Mark. Thanks for the book suggestion. I've just added it to my reading list. I'm also adding the link here for the rest of my viewers, in case they are interested in checking it out. Happy painting!!! amzn.to/3oAltlb

[@michelleflick1937]

These books sound worth investigating. Thanks for sharing this. One of the best I have found is The Ultimate Watercolor Course by Reader's Digest. It is an accumulation of many techniques and with a new exercise and tips on every page. I borrowed it three times from the library, then finally bought it.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hey....my local library has it. I think I'll get it and take a look. I'm always looking for good books to recommend. Thanks for sharing!

[@michelleflick1937]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio The book shows samples from many painters, which is a plus.

[@allneedsmobiledustlessblas2859]

Thank you so much for this information, I have been looking for book suggestions for my mother-in-law. Best wishes, Micky C

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wonderful!! I'm so glad you found the video helpful. And I hope your MIL loves the book. Have a great day.

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

Kris, thanks!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're welcome Joyce.

[@PeopleMakePictures]

1. John Pike, Watercolor 2. Robert Wade, Watercolour workshop 3. G John Blockley, Painting with watercolours

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for sharing

[@pilasumana4410]

Best advise! Reading & learning! Thanks

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pilasumana4410]

I share 3 books I recently bought: “EN PLEIN AIR - Light & Color by Iain Stewart For capturing mood and atmosphere in watercolor. WATERCOLOUR Techniques and Tutorials for the Complete Beginner By Paul Clark WATERCOLOR TECHNIQUES PAINTING LIGHT AND COLOR IN LANDSCAPES AND CITYSCAPES By Michael Reardon

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

All three are great suggestions. I am familiar with all of those artists. Thanks for sharing.

[@Xyz19781i]

Thank you ever so much for this

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching

[@serenityjewel]

Hi, thank you for the suggestions. It would have been really nice if you had shown some of the pages of the books in the video. I've written your suggestions down but now I have to do a search to see if someone has done a review that actually shows the table of contents and what some of the lessons look like.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi Serenity. Thanks for your suggestions. I considered that....but I didn't want to get flagged for copyright infringement, since the book's contents are protected. I hope you can find what you are looking for.

[@serenityjewel]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio Reviews fall under fair use. It's fine to show some of the book in your review and it's typically done on KZbin, as well as every other form of entertainment, from newspapers to Instagram. Out of respect to the writer, I wouldn't show every page though. Thanks again for your suggestions.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hey...thanks for the helpful feedback. I was kinda wondering if it was okay to share more. I'm planning to do more book reviews in the future so I'll keep this in mind.

[@serenityjewel]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio Awesome. I subscribed to your channel so I'm looking forward to your new videos, as I binge watch your old ones. 😁

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you!!

[@annefisher5381]

I still find David Bellamy's original Water-colour Landscape Course his best…together with the follow up Developing Watercolours Landscapes.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look for that one.

[@CJCalvertArt]

I have always been a studio painter, but this is the year that I told myself I would take every opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. So, I am really wanting to try plein air. Thanks for the advice on books...I want to try David Bellamy's.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wonderful. I am a big believer in setting goals that stretch us. I hope you love the book, and love the plein air. I'll warn you...plein air is a challenging way to paint. But worth it.

[@annettehansen6329]

Thanks!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're welcome. Thank you so much for your support!!!

[@jemmirza2721]

Hi, i like the Dome of the rock, Palestine, watercolor on the wall behind you to your right

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you

[@rubayousef-bf5rl]

I also do ❤

[@artfoolei]

Thanks for this! May I ask where you got your art apron?

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Haha. :-) You won't believe how many people ask me that. I purchased it online at Amazon. This link is an affiliate link and if you purchase via the link I earn a small commission from the sale...but you pay the same. This helps support my channel and the making of the videos. Have a great day. :-) amzn.to/34Y2lqX

[@artfoolei]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio Thank you so much Kris! I just bought one! 😊

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I really hope you enjoy it. I love mine!! :-)

[@artfoolei]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio I can’t wait to get it! Do you use your pockets at all? I also bought the Quiller Palette because of you! Thanks!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I hope you enjoy that palette. It is my favorite. Thanks for watching.

[@barbmummey5467]

Would be nice if you showed some pages from each book.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@eileencollins3126]

I ordered #5 before the video was over.......

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I hope you enjoy it. It's a great book.

[@kathleensmith1494]

The beginner’s guide to watercolor by Jody Merryl

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wonderful. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@OxyAgi]

Never trust anyone who doesn't blink once! Just kidding, but really! :)

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Haha. Did I not blink?? I'll have to watch it again and see....

[@user-ir9lr5cu1i]

Skips book is 142 pages in length not 42

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks.

[@Vazhaspa]

Review on number 5: David Bellamy built his enviable reputation on atmospheric, romantic, chocolate-boxy-greetings-cardy, watercolour landscapes, often of harsh and sombre places where you and I might fear to go. It's easy to understand why many of the amateurs at whom this book is aimed might want to emulate him. I do, for one. But as other reviewers have observed, it's not amongst the best of amateur how-to-do-it publications. I heartily wish in particular that he had simply stuck to his forte; for the illustrations in the chapter on figures and portraits are just downright EMBARASSING, and would have a hard time making it into any competitive amateur show. Many of them are also downright creepy. To a greater or lesser degree, much the same can be said of every other chapter where he has strayed outside his comfort zone. He even manages to make creepy flower studies. I like David Bellamy's landscapes, including the sombre and creepy ones, and with the aid of this and other of his books that I possess, I might well one day succeed least partially in emulating them; but I shall staple together the pages on figures, portraits, flowers and whatnot to ensure that I never even have to look at them accidentally. There are plenty of other Bellamy books devoted entirely to landscape, and you will learn just as much from them as you will from this one, so my advice would be to buy them instead; and if you want to venture into watercolour portraits and flower studies - the former being perhaps the most difficult genre in this medium, as Bellamy amply demonstrates here - buy books devoted to these special subjects, authored by artists whose speciality and life's work they are.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks again for your insightful critique.