Mary Ann Beckwith - Creative Watercolor - Introduction

Writing a step-by-step guide implies art can be produced by formula or recipe. It suggests artists always produce their work by some predictable process that can be recorded and duplicated. The artists in this book recorded techniques used to create some of their works. They may never use this same succession of steps or even the same process in another painting. In truly creative processes, the first step dictates the succeeding steps. Each piece of art will progress in an individual way; none will duplicate the process of another.

The steps, materials, tools, and processes illustrated in this book provide a starting point for your own explorations. Innovative approaches to watercolor encourage total spontaneity and freedom from rules, steps, or predictable processes. We hope the step-by-step demonstrations and the innovative showcase images serve as a springboard and inspiration for all of you.

Sample Chapter Page 1