Creative Abstract Watercolor: The beginner's guide to expressive and imaginative painting

Creative Abstract Watercolor: The beginner's guide to expressive and imaginative painting is a step-by-step introduction to creating lively abstract artwork with watercolours, using accessible methods and a small selection of pens. It promotes an exploratory way of working, with an emphasis on colour, shape and texture rather than precision or realism.

Written by Kate Rebecca Leach of Essoldo Design, the book brings together practical watercolour techniques, tips and tricks aimed at helping beginners develop confidence. It also looks at how allowing watercolour to puddle and pool can influence composition, before building up the surface with mixed media details for added interest.

Key details

• Step-by-step guide to watercolour and mixed media techniques
• Written by Kate Rebecca Leach (Essoldo Design)
• Works with watercolour paints and a few pens
• Introduces collage, printing, metallics, salt and alcohol techniques
• Covers crackle paste and simple embroidered accents
• References the author’s Instagram community (@essoldodesign) with over 200,000 followers

Synopsis

This beginner-focused guide explains how to make original abstract paintings by working with the natural movement of watercolour. It presents a variety of techniques and materials, alongside practical advice to help you broaden your skills and shape your own approach.

It also includes ideas for mixed media additions, including collage, printing, metallics, salt, alcohol, crackle paste and simple embroidered accents, encouraging experimentation throughout.