Review | Which Watercolor Workbook is Best?

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/ @artonthecreek
In this video, I will compare watercolor workbooks by ‪@KristyRice‬ and ‪@thewonderforest‬ Which one is right for you?
Both Kirsty Rice and Dana Fox are very talented artists. In fact, many of you may already follow them here on KZbin! I enjoy both of their watercolor workbooks and recommend them to my students for different reasons. I hope this review provides you with some insight, and maybe introduces you to two very talented artists you may not have known about.
More from Kristy Rice: kristyrice.com/
More from Dana Fox: wonderforest.com/
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The books featured in this video are available on each artist's website. If you'd rather use your Amazon account, here are my affiliate links to these materials:
Watercolor With Me in the Forest by Dana Fox: amzn.to/42VSNWX
Kristy's Winter Cutting Garden: A Watercoloring Book by Kristy Rice: amzn.to/3uRS9wU
Show Theme Music: Charles Shomo, Caffeine Creed Band "Forest Trail"

[@pamcadd8658]

I've dabbled with watercolors, making cards and following KZbin videos, but Dana's book looks like an exciting option for really learning watercolor in a structured way. Thanks for the great demo!

[@artonthecreek]

You’re so welcome, Pam! Thanks for watching and commenting & have fun continuing your artistic journey!👩🏻‍🎨🤠🙌🏼

[@amandahodgin9316]

She has two other books…In the Ocean and In the Jungle. I have all of them and I like them all but I like the ocean one the best. The jungle one has fewer projects. I trace the sketch before I paint the picture and then I can practice the painting over and over. The instructions are really easy to follow and are well written.

[@artonthecreek]

@amandahodgin9316 that’s great!!

[@lourdesgallegos7508]

Great review, I decided to order Dana Fox’s book. I’m not a great sketcher but I am advanced enough that I don’t want a coloring book and this book looks like a great daily practice book.

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Lourdes! It sounds like you made the right choice for your needs!! I hope you enjoy Dana’s workbooks. Happy painting! 👩🏻‍🎨🤠🫶🏼

[@darrenzar5455]

I was gifted Dana's book a couple years ago and it is perfect for someone getting their feet wet. Wildlife can be intimidating when you are starting out. Spot on review.

[@artonthecreek]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed this. I agree with you re: wildlife. Dana Fox’s book really breaks that down and makes it much less intimidating, and Kristy Rice also has a Woodland book which helps build wildlife painting confidence as well. Happy painting this week! 🤠💙

[@lilithblackwater309]

I have been looking at both of these books and your video has helped me a lot! Since I’m just learning I decided to get the watercolor with me because it looks more like something that would teach me more 😊 I scan and print a lot of coloring book pictures on to watercolor paper on the lightest draft setting so I have many pictures to paint but learning actual techniques and applying them is what I really need 😅. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!! 😊

[@artonthecreek]

Wonderful, Lilith! I’m so happy this helped you. Enjoy your watercolor journey! If you’re interested, I have 2 beginner watercolor playlists. 🩷👩🏻‍🎨🎨 Enjoy! 2023: kzbin.info/aero/PLR7d_Il9GxrTWjSmq6RL8yPypkwq-y7_q&si=bmj9YSp3Dp_paCka 2024: kzbin.info/aero/PLR7d_Il9GxrTy_T37Pi4XhYqhtwhx88gS&si=X2OmBk18aw26fBoG

[@appleknocker56]

After using many different types of “watercolor” books where paint on the paper from the book. Tried Kristy Rice & others but can’t use it like cotton paper or even Canson paper. Feels more like mixed media paper but if use very lil water may work. When you showed how Dana’s book can do wet on wet (then know can do more) & feel learn more. Ty for this review!

[@artonthecreek]

You’re so welcome! I’m happy this helped you! Enjoy🤠

[@dorothydelahanty8272]

Thank you for doing the reviews for both these books! I’m new to watercolor so I appreciate you going over the pros/cons of each book. I think I’ll start with Dana’s book and work my way up to something like Kristy’s. Thanks again!

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Dorothy! I’m so happy to know that you found this review useful! There are so many watercolor workbook authors/artists out there….I think I kind of opened Pandora’s box!😳🤠👩🏻‍🎨🎨🖌️ I may review more. if you run across any that you really like but aren’t sure whether or not to buy it let me know & I will see what I can do!

[@loveandlife4222]

I own both of these in various books and love them both! I need to paint in them again! Thank you for the reminder! Good job highlighting them both and playing up their good qualities! Very professionally done!

[@artonthecreek]

You’re so welcome! There’s usually always something for everyone, and I’m happy to share that! Glad you enjoyed this💕🖌️👩🏻‍🎨

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

I have Dana Foxes book. I bought it from either Michael's or Hobby Lobby when I was in Colorado last summer. I have been redrawing the pictures in my sketchbook and painting them there. I don't want to ruin the book. Lol. Isn't that crazy thinking when the book is designed to be a workbook? Think I better use the book for what it is intended to be used for. Thank you so much for the review. The first book sounds good too.

[@artonthecreek]

You are not crazy at all and I wish I had talked about that in the beginning of the review!😂 I debated for at least an hour with each book when I first bought them…do I want to paint in the book or redraw?🤔 Either way, they are versatile workbooks and give each artist a wide path to tailor these to their own preferences. I’m happy you have Dana’s book! I may get another for my daughter…she enjoys Dana’s book very much. Happy painting this week and I hope the birds are beginning to sing to you in the mornings! Spring is on the way🌷🌱🌞

[@juststartingover2735]

I have both and, I like them for different reasons! Kristi’s book is for when I dont feel like being structured. I can use it with any water-based materials (watercolor, wc pencils, Inktense. just let myself go. Some of her books are so “busy” (jammed full of flowers etc) and small spaces to paint. I would love if there were a sample for each page showing the colors for the flowers, then I would probably invest more time. But I dont think thats her goal. Love her youtube videos, too. Dana Fox’s book gives very nice instructions for painting the light line art drawings with room to add your own ideas around them. Only down side to her book is that when you are looking at the open book (2 pages side by side), the instructions are on the page on the right and the painting is done on the page on the left. That is very awkward if you are right handed because the book doesnt lay flat And you dont want to tear it out because there are directions on the back for a previous project. I have used watercolor, inktense, and gouache.

[@artonthecreek]

Excellent point about right hand/left hand use of Dana’s book and you are correct; the back of each page has the instructions for the previous lesson page. Thanks for watching and commenting and I’m happy you enjoyed this review!👩🏻‍🎨🫶🏼

[@lindacarreira8106]

I agree with you about Dana Fox’s book having the paintings on the “wrong” side for right handed artists, but her later books changed sides. I did her ocean book and it was a joy.

[@artonthecreek]

@lindacarreira8106 hi Linda! Good to know and I’m happy you enjoy Dana’s books!

[@purenatures4755]

Thanks Anne for the review and recommendation. I was eyeing these books for a while but have been hesitant to buy it on the internet because I cannot touch the paper. I just didn’t want to waste money and be disappointed. After watching your review, I’m definitely buying Dana’s book. Thank u 🙏 ❤

[@artonthecreek]

Hello and thank you for watching and commenting! I’m delighted to hear this was helpful to you! Enjoy Dana’s book🩷🎨🖌️

[@cherylj.harris4967]

I started with the exact same book by Dana Fox. My very first painting with water color was with this book. It’s perfect for the beginner who knows nothing about about water, paper and paint. This book gave me the confidence to paint.

[@artonthecreek]

That’s fantastic, Cheryl! Thanks for sharing your story 👩🏻‍🎨 Happy painting!🫶🏼

[@drbettyschueler3235]

I have Dana's book and just ordered Kristy's plus Dana's jungle book. They are my Easter present to myself lol. While I'm sorry you are having hand-and-eye coordination problems, I'm also happy that I'm not the only artist who struggles with this. I've had to sort my watercolor palette so that I don't use any more permanent pigments than necessary as my dominant hand seems to have a mind of its own and it doesn't always agree with what I want it to do. My work looks good, on social media, but the real pictures are riddled with mistakes I've had to correct. Fortunately, I recently learned that diet can affect our neurological systems. Changing my diet, has seriously improved my hand control but hasn't done much for my wonky eyes.

[@artonthecreek]

Ah, the eternal quest for the fountain of youth 🥰 I’m so happy you enjoyed this video and that you’re enjoying these books! Thank so much for watching & commenting, and congratulations for focusing on your health! 🩷🩷👩🏻‍🎨 Have a wonderful week🤠

[@martinajohnson8394]

I have both of these ladies books and love them! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on them. I love to watch your channel ❤️

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Martina thank you so much! I’m delighted you enjoy these books and very happy you’re here! Have a wonderful, artsy week!🤠👩🏻‍🎨🫶🏼

[@juliahomeschoolmomtx3747]

Thank you so much for this wonderful review. I’ve painted in watercolor for some time but often find myself desiring the mindfulness and relaxation that would come with a watercolor coloring book. I have half a dozen in my Amazon cart and couldn’t decide. This was so helpful. New subscriber here!

[@artonthecreek]

Thank you so very much, Julia! I greatly appreciate you subscribing to my channel and I welcome you to Art on the Creek. 👩🏻‍🎨🤠! I’m delighted that this was helpful to you! I agree - mindfulness & relaxation every now and then can really be an island of paradise in our busy days. Take care, enjoy your new book, and happy painting!

[@INCWorks]

These items look like a ton of fun. I appreciate your thorough analyses - going over the differences between the books. That mouse = 100% adorable.

[@artonthecreek]

Thanks so much, Irene! I wish I could claim the mouse as my drawing-but he was really fun to paint! Both books are indeed, fun❤️

[@dianethoroughman9541]

Hi Ann, Thank you for explaining the differences between the two artists. I like them both, but I realized I generally prefer one over the other. I have one or two books by Dana Fox. I think I should get one by Kristy Rice.

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Diane! So many to choose from, too! I hope you continue to enjoy these artists & authors.

[@tribalstyle138]

I have that Fox book and love it! I also love that the pictures are small. I do not want to hand paint zentangles for hours like in some other books. I also have a Simon book- amazing, and a Berrenson book which is good, but the pages have text on them (so you can't hang them) and the paper is meh. But I like its pictures most actually.

[@artonthecreek]

There really is such diversity among the watercolor workbook choices, isn’t there?! I hope you continue to really enjoy all of your watercolor workbooks. Thank you for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it!👩🏻‍🎨💐

[@wendygleason4425]

Dana has all three books for $50. Just ordered. Thanks for the info.

[@artonthecreek]

SWEET! Thanks, Dana! Enjoy 🥳👩🏻‍🎨🎨🫶🏼

[@juststartingover2735]

I never thought to use color pencils on kirsti’s book but now I definitely will!

[@artonthecreek]

Great! As I was painting on it it was screaming at me to use colored pencils! 😄

[@amandahodgin9316]

Would be lovely with watercolour pencils.

[@artonthecreek]

@@amandahodgin9316 yes, indeed!

[@michellehilty2300]

Thanks for sharing very helpful!!’

[@artonthecreek]

Excellent! Thanks for watching and commenting, and I’m glad you found this useful!👩🏻‍🎨🌷

[@michellebryant5577]

Hi I was so excited about the book you are demenstrating I went straight away to Amazon and put it in my cart. Then I went to buy her brushes or anything else she had to offer as I was scrolling down I came across a book by her introducing someone or thing about Tara cards

[@artonthecreek]

Wild! The tarot cards didn’t come up in my search! 🤷🏻‍♀️ Enjoy Dana’s book and have fun painting! Thanks so much❤️👩🏻‍🎨

[@michellebryant5577]

@@artonthecreek look again!!!

[@denisesoles7180]

I was gifted Dana’s book but haven’t used it yet. What other medium did you use on the mouse besides water color? I noticed a pencil and then you laid down some pens at the end. What were they? Thank you for encouraging me to try using my book.

[@artonthecreek]

Hi Denise sorry it took me a while to reply…I got distracted! I embellished the mouse with colored pencils. Two shades of green-a light and a dark. These just happened to be the first brand I grabbed from my bins, which is Castle Arts in the Kandinsky set of 24. If you are curious, here is an affiliate link to the set: amzn.to/49IkvZO Enjoy!!

[@AN-x99]

What do you think about the workbook by Sara Simon?

[@artonthecreek]

Hi A N! Thanks for watching and commenting! I haven’t tried Sara’s book yet-should I add it to the next workbook comparison?👩🏻‍🎨🫶🏼

[@AN-x99]

@@artonthecreek Yes, please, review Dana Fox vs Sara Simon.

[@artonthecreek]

@AN-x99 thx! It’s in my Amazon cart 🥰 look for that comparison in the weeks to come!

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

I dunno if the sizing was off the r old in the book I got but in the Into The Ocean I tried the paper was awful. Dark spots showed up under any area that got saturated :( I found the Sarah Simon Watercolor Workbooks have much better quality paper!

[@artonthecreek]

Glad you found one that works for you!!👩🏻‍🎨🎨🙌🏼

[@anitadavidson1266]

As usual, this is my second watch, as I fell asleep! Ann, perhaps you could shout “wakey wakey” at a random point, or try to talk with a less relaxing voice? 😂 OK, seriously though, this was a wonderfully balanced comparison video. I always wondered about Dana’s books, which I see even on Amazon UK (a prompt to look at your links?). As you are aware, I am having issues a plenty regards art, so maybe, just maybe something like Dana’s books could take me by the hand and give me confidence, whilst still allowing me to hide my daubs from the world. Hmm…maybe I will take a look. Thank you, as ever, for a wonderful review, and painting session. 🖌️🎨👩🏻‍🎨❤️❤️

[@artonthecreek]

As usual, you’re very welcome. ☺️ I am so happy to hear you liked this review-and that perhaps you might be able to find Dana’s books on Amazon UK! Enjoy them. Talk soon, my friend!👩🏻‍🎨☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️👩🏻‍🎨 Wakey, wakey!!!😂

[@awatercolourist]

I also fall asleep watching youtube, mostly because I often watch youtube just before bed 😂. Shouting wakey wakey isn’t a bad idea 😂😂.

[@artonthecreek]

@awatercolourist lol ⏰ 🤣🤣

[@awatercolourist]

@@artonthecreek I’m up already! You can turn off that alarm 😂.

[@artonthecreek]

@awatercolourist 🤣🤣no snoozing!!❤️

[@NinaQueena]

❤

[@artonthecreek]

Thank you!

[@wynngwynn]

I feel like Kirsty Rice and a bunch of other art youtubers make people think they just need to keep collecting art supplies. They don't really disclose they get stuff sponsored (if you get it for free and use it in a video it's technically getting paid to show a product. They just keep showing 'hauls' instead of focusing on art. I just...can't really watch those types of channels anymore.

[@artonthecreek]

Thanks for watching and commenting! The art community is a big place, and there is something for everyone. We are all here to support each other, both as creators and viewers.