Experimental Landscapes in Watercolour: Creative techniques for painting landscapes and nature - Hardcover

Ann Blockley paints what are basically recognisable subjects using unconventional techniques and viewpoints that tell you much more about how a landscape feels than how it looks. Combining water-based paints with ink, gesso and collage, she creates dramatic effects that portray mood and atmosphere as well as a sense of often wild weather.

The book is divided into three main sections covering Methods and Mediums, Surface Texture and Collage, and Creative Thinking. Within these, Ann introduces techniques such as the use of inks, scratchingout,creating patterns with cling film and creative ideas with colour and composition.

Most of the book is taken up by the many and generously-sized illustrations. Instruction comes largely in the form of extended captions in which Ann explains what she was trying to achieve in each one. As such, the approach is therefore very much one of learning by example.

Ann's style is very well formed and this enthralling book finds her at the height of her powers.

Book: Batsford - Hardback - 128 pages - Colour throughout