Breaking the Rules of Watercolour: Painting secrets and techniques

This is an excellent, very inspiring book for those who have passed the introductory phase of discovering watercolour and wish to creatively explore the medium.As an art tutor, I use this book frequently to show students how versatile, robust and amenable watercolour is to different approaches and combining with other media; I welcome the clear illustrations, straightforward explanations (both visual and in the text) and lack of spoon-feeding “demonstrations” (my heart always sinks a little when someone comes in with one of those, as they are too busy “following the instructions” to think for themselves or listen to my advice when I see it going awry!).Some of the less enthusiastic reviews here seem to lament this as “lack of instruction” but the book is aimed at those who already have experience – there is plenty of good advice, sound method and visual stimulation even for the less-practised student who – for whatever reason – cannot attend an instruction class.A really useful volume to have at hand that dispels the myth that watercolour is a delicate, three-washes-and-you`re-out medium, only suited to polite, conventional little paintings; Trevena leads by example, revealing all manner of possibilities if you are willing to push your own boundaries.

I love this book! I've always liked Shirley's greetings cards (taken from her artworks) and her style has always appealed to me. I you want to do pale, restrained watercolours this book is not for you. If you want to fire your imagination and have a ball with water colours as you may never have seen them before, then this book is definitely for you. I got it out of the library at first but just had to have a copy of my own!

This third book by Shirley Trevena is a worthwhile buy even if you have the other two, although a few aspects of her very individual approaches and techniques are repeated. The illustrations are excellent and plentiful. This book unfolds a little more of Shirley's ways of working, but it would have been good to have seen much more put into the rather small section on her approach to abstraction. But perhaps we expect too much? for is it really possible for any artist to describe fully how they do it? There will undoubtedly always be some elements that defy description.This book is an excellent buy on Amazon - just over half the full price!

Excellent inspirational work. I got my paints out immediately after reading to try out her techniques.

I just love this book! I am a watercolour student and was inspired by Shirley Trevena's style. This book helps you to 'play' with watercolour paints and inks.

this is a great book, lots of inspiration for someone wanting to paint rather differently to the norm. It makes it easy for the reader to realise that you can do just about anything you like with watercolour, it is possible to through all the rules out of the window. I loved it

Purchased for my Mother - In - Law, and if she's happy so am I

Can't get enough of Shirley's work. Inspiring and well laid out. Lots of superb illustrations and the text is very informative.Highly recommend.