Easy Watercolor: Learn to Express Yourself

Arts & Activities, April, 2005 by Jerome J. Hausman

EASY WATERCOLOR: Learn to Express Yourself (2003; $27.95), by Marcia Moses. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016.

The author, Marcia Moses, has a strong and passionate belief about art: "Desire is the driving force behind art. If you have desire, you can accomplish any goal you envision." Her book sets forth what she believes are the requisites for learning to do watercolor painting; finding the right tools and materials; shaping composition and design; working with color; drawing on your own creativity; time-honored techniques; and painting step-by-step. Most assuredly, this is not a book for elementary art or middle-school students in that watercolor painting would be a frustrating medium for students wishing to follow what seems to be "easy instructions."

Marcia Moses communicates great enthusiasm and faith: "Keep reading! Don't stop! Never give up on your dream." Her book outlines different exercises: brush strokes, the elements of design, applying values, working with color. A more mature student may gain a great deal by experimenting with her suggestions. The challenge grows from the fact that watercolor seems easy, but it is not.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 391 on the Reader Service Card.