Features

Simplify the Landscape in Watercolor
Secrets to capturing the essence of a landscape, from preplanning your composition to mixing your colors, plus when to use what kind of brushwork.
By Elizabeth Szymanski

Zeroing In on Good Subjects
How to isolate strong, appealing images with an easy-to-make viewfinder.
By Joan Rothel

Make a Scene
Six practical tips on how to make the most of what you see. Seize the creative moment by translating a pretty scene into a strong design.
By Judi Wagner

Capture the Mystery of Light
Five ways to create drama by concentrating on values (yes, you can even use black).
By Joe Voorhees

Cracking the Code of Flowers
Observing closely is the key. An expert painter, Wendy Gibbs shows you how to draw accurately and then refine the design to create lifelike flowers.
By Ruth Palombo Weiss

Eight Wintry Effects
All you need to know to paint ice and snow. How to use coarse salt, clear water, pencil and, of course, watercolor to make magic.
By Cathy Johnson

Creating Form with Glazes
The mystery of glazes explained along with step-by-step instruction on building a painting.
By Arleta Pech

Painting with the White of Your Paper
Get the most from your paper by saving the lights.
By Judi Wagner and Tony van Hasselt

Revising Watercolor Tradition
Searching for crisp edges and high drama? Try working from dark to light.
By Marlin Rotach

Painting Personality in Watercolor
Ways to make your subject come to life.
By Ron Tirpak

Turn Your Watercolors Around
Start with value and form if you want to paint vividly realistic landscapes.
By William Porter

Turn Your Watercolors Around
To paint water is a challeng made easier if you practic these clear lessons.
By Cathy Johnson

An Easy Way to Paint Outdoors
Painting outdoors is fun, especially when you can pack all your gear into a pocket.
By Birgit O'Connor

Departements

Letter from the Editors
Welcome to the second edition of Watercolor Basics.

Watercolor Basics Reader Survey
Please take a few minutes to let us know what we can do to make Watercolor Basics better. And register for a chance to win free art books from North Light books. Five lucky entrants will win $100 worth of books each.

Legal Q&A
Legal expert Joshua J. Kaufman answers three important questions about copyright infringement and protection.