Whether calm and reflective or sparkling with light and movement, water can bring atmosphere, drama and life to your watercolour paintings. In this invaluable, practical guide, popular artist, author and teacher Stephen Coates leads you through a multitude of highly effective techniques that will transform good paintings into great ones.

• Begin with an exploration of reflections and their pivotal role in capturing water on paper.
• Create 8 beautiful, beginner-friendly step-by-step projects, including stormy seas, cascading waterfalls, still lakes and lapping waves.
• Build up a range of versatile skills and techniques as you progress through the book.
• Be inspired by Stephen’s handy tips and a vibrant selection of his stunning artworks.

Perfect for beginners, this is this latest addition to the Easy Guide to Painting series, and brings the excitement of Stephen’s live teaching into a no-fuss book that will help you create your own captivating watercolour masterpieces.

Introduction 6
Planning 8
Water and reflections 9
Understanding paint 14
Brushes and brushing techniques 18
Other techniques 23
Watercolour paper 24
Tools and materials 26
Working from photographs 28

WATER 30

Lakes and calm water 32
Project: Reeds in the Shallows 34
Project: Misty Lake 41

Boats on water 50
Project: Serene Moorings 52
Project: Boats at Low Tide 60

Sea and breaking waves 72
Project: Beach at Sunset 77

Sparkling water 84
Project: Stormy Island Beach 88

Waterfalls and cascading water 96
Project: Moorland Falls 101

Water droplets 108
Project: Oak Leaves 109