Watercolor: A Self-Study Guide

Published in Russian by EKSMO · In print continuously since 2005 · Chinese publication rights acquired in 2019 · Not yet available in English.

Part of the "Learn to Paint with Olga Shmatova" series. The book has been published by EKSMO since 2005 and remains in print to this day.

About the Book

After the successful release of the gouache self-study guide in 2004, the "Learn to Paint with Olga Shmatova" series was created, and the watercolor self-study guide was published as part of it. The book brought together both classical watercolor techniques and the author's own methods, and was enriched with students' works that vividly demonstrate how effective the teaching method is.

The watercolor self-study guide became the most successful book in the series. Despite the abundance of watercolor books on the market — both when the guide first appeared and today — it remains exceptionally popular with readers. The current version of the guide meets its audience's needs so precisely that EKSMO is cautious about the idea of reissuing it: a new version, even an improved one, might not repeat the unique success of the existing book, which over the years has proven exceptionally effective in teaching watercolor technique.

The book has won wide recognition both in Russia — where it is recommended for study in art schools and supplementary art education programs — and abroad. In 2019, the publication rights were acquired by a Chinese publisher, confirming the universal appeal of the author's approach to teaching and the demand for it.

A distinctive feature of this guide is its emphasis on the state of the painting surface — the degree of dampness of the paper. Special attention is paid to the amount of paint and water on the brush and on the palette, which is critically important for successful work in watercolor.

Important: The year printed in the book may differ from the year of first publication, because the publisher updates it with every reprint. You can check which printing you are holding in the publication data on the last page of the book. The ISBN may also change between reprints.

About This Edition

ISBN 978-5-699-18797-3
Publisher: EKSMO
80 pages with illustrations
Format: 84×108 1/16 (Russian standard sheet-format notation)
First published in 2005

Who This Book Is For

Beginning artists who want to master watercolor technique
Anyone who wants to use all 20 watercolor painting techniques
Artists who want to raise their technical level
Anyone who wants to learn the methods of an experienced professional

The Advantages of Watercolor

Versatility and mobility

Compact materials
Easy to transport
You can work in any conditions
Quick to set up

Practicality in use

Dries quickly
Odorless
Mixes easily
Ideal for painting at home
Tools are easy to clean

Affordability and economy

A wide choice of paints from different manufacturers
A range of price categories
Paints keep for a long time
A minimal set of tools
Economical use of materials

Technical advantages

Transparency and richness of color
The possibility of multi-layered painting
A wealth of color transitions
Purity and brightness of color
The ability to lift paint and let it flow

Creative possibilities

A multitude of artistic techniques
Combines well with other media
Room for experimentation
Unpredictable effects
Every work is unique

Demand

Popular in illustration
Used in sketching
Used in design
Watercolor works are sought after
Relevant in contemporary art

Educational value

Develops a sense of color
Trains precision of movement
Teaches you to plan your work
Develops observation skills
Builds an understanding of working with tone

Longevity of finished works

Lightfastness of modern pigments
Easy framing
Availability of archival materials
Easy storage
Restoration is possible

Environmental friendliness

Natural components
Safe to use
No toxic substances
Biodegradable
Minimal impact on the environment

Social aspects

A large community of watercolorists
A wealth of learning resources
Accessible workshops and master classes
Opportunities to take part in plein-air painting sessions
An active exhibition scene

What's Inside the Book

Materials and Equipment

Materials
Getting started

Artistic Techniques

Transparent and semi-transparent paints
Thick and diluted paint
Working on dry paper, or flat application
Using pencils
Wash
Fine lines
Wet-on-wet, or working on damp paper
Multi-layered painting, or dry-on-dry
Softening edges on dry paper, or blending with water
Softening edges on wet paper
Brushstrokes
Dry brush
Hatching
Masking fluid, tape, and stencils
Scratching out and using an eraser
Lifting down to the paper
Palette knife
Salt
Spattering
Paper texture

Painting Together

Painting roses using different artistic techniques
The value of repeated practice
Using photographs as a supporting reference

Special Features of the Book

Clear explanations with example works
Detailed step-by-step illustrations
Technique diagrams with practical tips
Descriptions of common mistakes and how to correct them
A set of exercises for every technique
Advice from an experienced artist

What You Will Learn

Skills and techniques for working in watercolor
Creating smooth transitions of color and tone
Drawing fine lines
Applying semi-transparent layers
Original watercolor techniques
Choosing materials and tools

Illustrations in the Book

The self-study guide features works by both the author and her students. Olga Shmatova did not always sign the illustrations, trusting that readers would intuitively be able to tell professional works from student works.

The Author Thanks Her Students

The book features works by the author and her students: Tatyana Golubeva, Tatyana Veselova, Yaroslava Kuzmicheva, Vera Shmatova, Evgenia Neroznikova, and Aleksei Petrov.