Table of Contents

Introduction 6 Experimental flowers in watercolour 8 Paint experiments and colour doodles 10 Watercolour and mixed media 12 Surface textures 14 Spring 16 Exploratory sketches 18 Finding inspiration 20 Getting started 22 Playing with ideas 24 Background 26 A fresh look at composition 28 Creative mark making 30 Challenging yellows 32 Using the white of the paper 34 Working spontaneously 36 Exploring watercolour 38 Experimenting with shapes 40 Capturing the essence 42 Choosing a format 44 Summer 46 Exploring a theme 48 Being original 52 Expressive leaves 54 Interpreting your subject 56 Avoiding the literal 58 Starting with collage 60 Choosing your subject 62 Developing ideas 64 Moving on 66 Telling a story 68 The decorative approach 70 Working from life 72 Creating drama 74 Emphasis and echoes 76 Looking for abstract qualities 78 Experimental flower centres 80 Using paper collage 82 Autumn and Winter 84 Vibrant colour 86 Sparkling light 87 Paint textures 88 Leaving something to the imagination 90 Finding your own style 92 Hedgerow tangles 94 Torn and cut paper edges 96 Working creatively 98 Shapes and pattern 100 Using a restrained palette 102 Coloured drawings 103 Tonal values 104 Working with gesso 106 Winter skeletons 108 Finding a fresh approach 110 Food for thought 112 Flowers in the landscape 114 Index 127

About the Author

Ann Blockley is a well-known and successful watercolour painter and teacher. She is author of five bestselling practical art books, all published by HarperCollins. Ann runs her own very popular watercolour courses, has made a DVD of her painting and regularly writes for Leisure Painter and The Artist magazines. She lives in Gloucestershire.