Watercolor Painting Books Set - 2 in 1 Artist Guide for Beginners & Professionals | Perfect for Home Studio, Art Classes & Creative Gifts

I bought this book after watching some of Joe's video demos online. There isn't a "look inside" option, but my hopes were high. My gamble paid off - I couldn't be happier with my purchase! The book is cut horizontally into two physical sections with the top two thirds showing demonstrations with instructions and the bottom third showing techniques (which are numbered for easy reference). Several reviewers noted the large number of paint colors referenced (many of which I've never heard of much less include in my palette). I think you can easily substitute your own favorite colors to get the same effects. The best part to me are the techniques. The explanations are clear with very nice illustrations. I have never used layers of masking fluid to build colors for things like beaches or even trees, but it's so effective! Especially with spattering, which I've always had difficulty with. As someone who does a lot of seascapes, this will definitely come in handy.The only thing I would change about the book is to number the steps in the demonstration section. Sometimes it's clear and sometimes it's not.I highly recommend this book for anyone, beginners and seasoned painters alike. It's definitely taken first place in my reference library.Pros - Nice pictures of techniques and demos. Painters are close to rendering, almost like a photograph. Painting in the demos and showing techniques are beautiful.Cons - Too many colors from 10 to 19 or more in some of the demos. Confusing with the techniques on a split page on the bottom with demos on the split page on the top.Just got this book; it looks like it can be a great help as I begin learning to water color. It contains lots of info. After using it, I may up the rating to a 5.I bought this book as a gift and was told that it was quite helpful by the person I gave it to.This is a great book. It not only shows you step by step how sample paintings were done, but shows the techniques used. The samples cover everything from landscapes to portraits. I only wish that I could paint that well. Maybe if I keep practicing.The two in one idea is good, but both books are small and it is not easy to see details. It just wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but is informative.looks interesting, have not had a chance to really paint to it - my students will likelyLove Joe's books.. Clear, concise and enjoyable. Best for those with a cursory knowledge of the medium.