I worked through the whole book and along the way learned about wet on wet and wet on dry painting, value and tone, light to dark layering, light source, shadow, and much much more.īookstores in your area are probably closed but no problem. These range from making color swatches to completing complex scenes. Rainey starts with the basics in sections called “Techniques” and “Form, Perspective and Light.” Her explanations of theory are followed, at every step, by projects. This is an excellent book for a beginning painter. Everyday Watercolor – Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days by Jenna Rainey One I worked through last year was Jenna Rainey’s Everyday Watercolor – Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days. There, artists are offering all manner of online courses and tutorials, many free.Īnother option, if you’d like to try your hand at art, specifically learning to paint with watercolor, is books. My interest in art has familiarized me with that sphere. Lately I’ve heard more than once that this is a great time to spend unexpectedly free hours learning something new. It’s gratifying to see how the online world has stepped up to fill work and recreation gaps. Closeted in our houses, condos, or apartments, we go out only for necessities and short walks, avoiding each other like the plague (which, we fear, anyone can be carrying, unbeknownst to them).

For the black Covid-19 cloud looms on the horizon and we’re all living in obeisance by “social distancing” and, if returning from abroad, living in actual isolation. The coming of spring usually buoys my spirits immensely and this year is no different-and yet it is. What strange days we’re living in! Here on Canada’s west coast signs of spring are poking out and blooming all over.

Everyday Watercolor by Jenna Rainey