In this book, Soon shares the simple secrets behind her exquisite creations, showing how even the most complicated effects (rich colors, realistic light, strong mood) are achievable using the most fundamental watercolor techniques. Step by step and layer by layer, you'll learn how to achieve the same stunning results.

For Starters
On the surface, this book is about how to paint powerful floral images step-by-step using stress-free methods--drawing, washing, glazing and detailing. On a deeper level, it is about pushing yourself and your paintings further than ever before.

But first you must start with a solid grounding. The first few chapters offer an expert primer on watercolor: Getting Started, Art and Color Theory, and Watercolor Techniques. It's a great jumpstart for new artists or those new to the medium.

Chapter Four focuses more precisely on flowers and their many textures, with detail demonstrations on how to paint the distinctive, ruffled petals of an iris * the large, thick petals of a lily * the understated beauty of a hibiscus bud * various different types and textures of leaves (with special advice on how to bring tube greens "down to earth" and make them more natural looking) * and fabulous little details like sparkling dewdrops and shadows falling within the petals.

10 Ways to "Wow!"
All the elements--color, composition, techniques and details--come together in Chapter Five. Ten start-to-finish painting demonstrations teach you not just how to paint each particular (and magnificent!) flower, but also how to portray a range of colors, textures and moods--from the dark, intense atmosphere of sunflowers against a formal background, to an intimate close-up of rich red zinnias, to the serene feeling of a vine against a glowing backdrop. Each project comes complete with materials list, color palette, reference photo, drawing, and step-by-step instructions.

Follow the easy steps to painting these beautiful, vibrant flowers: * Gladiolus * Saucer Magnolia * Peony * Bougainvillea * Narcissus with Glass * Yellow Rose and Copper Vase * Cross Vine * Zinnia * Sunflower * Banana Flower and Withered Leaf.

A Creative Adventure
This book will give you the motivation to push yourself to new heights of expression in your flower paintings. You'll find the courage to try something different, to celebrate the way light can make an ordinary flower extraordinary, and to strive for the kind of incredible effects you've never before dreamt of achieving. Soon's personal anecdotes make this book unique and enjoyable read. Her spirit of adventure makes it one of a kind.

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