Birds, Bees & Blossoms

My copy arrived on time and in perfect condition. Firstly, I would like to mention the physical quality of this book. It has an impressive cover with a wonderful satin feel. It goes way beyond a ‘paperback’ as the cover is heavyweight and robust and will definitely stand up to long term use. I have already dropped some watercolour on the cover and it easily wiped clean! Good quality paper has also been used on the pages inside - no flimsiness here!Now for the contents …. The informative first section of the book is ideal for beginners to watercolour. It starts with a detailed list of materials needed and explains the basic watercolour techniques. There are even lessons in brush strokes to practise. All the projects inside this book follow the same structure whether you are painting an insect, bird, animal or plant. You are given a list of which size brushes you need and the colour paints to use. You then follow the steps from first sketching the subject with simple shapes, adding the details, to then applying the watercolour. Each step is precisely explained making it very easy to follow. There is a very interesting section at the end of the book explaining how to create compositions and patterns and Harriet also makes reference to some of the art movements and styles that have influenced her work.In conclusion, this is a superior book for any watercolour artist. It does not matter if they are like me, at the beginning of their artistic journey or if they are a more experienced painter. It’s as if Harriet De Winton is with you, holding your hand through every project.

Birds, Bees and Blossoms is a beautifully presented step by step botanical and animal and insects guide, with 30 easy projects that are each labeled teaching you about the item you are painting . Harriet shows you how to draw and includes a colour guide as well as showing you how to lay each of the watercolour washes for each of the projects and when you have completed them all, which means you will have improved your watercolour skills, there is even a guide to composing stunning patterns and scenes to create your own creations. A very encouraging book at a good price. Highly recommend.

very useful

I bought the New Botanical painting book by the same author and it is great for those starting out in watercolour with step by step tutorials; I bought this thinking that it would be simpler, however, this is definitely for intermediate level artists which is fine for me but if you are looking for easy practice and projects, it may not be for you.The book is beautifully presented and illustrated with bookmark feature.I'm looking forward to trying it out!

I've been looking forward to this book arriving and it's not disappointed. Lots of beautiful painting tutorials, all explained from the mixing of colours then step by step guidance by written and visual aids. You can easily achieve lovely artwork even if your new to watercolour painting. This is the second book from Harriet De Winton and her style of painting is so beautiful and she's a very generous teacher too! You will love this book!

This book is just as delightful as Harriet's first book, which I use constantly. I cannot wait to get painting the animals and blossoms that are in this book. Harriet gives wonderful advice on how to achieve each project and also includes basic information for beginners as well as ways to use the animals and blossoms in more complicated projects, which is very helpful for more advanced painters. Just looking at the beautiful work she has done is a joy in itself and then she gives you the help and confidence you need to start your own creations. I love this style of painting, which is in-between loose and botanical. Highly recommend.

This book is not for beginners, experience drawer wanting to learn the artists illustration style will find it useful. Illustrations cannot be enlarged for better viewing. Instructions can be a bit vague. Pattern making section has useful information and tips.

This book is beautifully presented and full of inspiring projects. Harriet is an excellent teacher who encourages you to apply what you have learnt to find your own style. Her YouTube channel and Patreon are excellent places to learn from her. I loved following along with her tutorials from this book. I love that she doesn’t use endless varieties of paints and that she teaches drawing alongside painting (so many other tutorials provide the line work, which I find frustrating as I want to learn the skills to create my own work). Highly recommended, this book has it all!