Watermedia Painting with Stephen Quiller: The Complete Guide to Working in Watercolor, Acrylics, Gouache, and Casein

I have been waiting for this book for over a year. I heard about it at Stephen Quiller's Summer workshop in Creede, Colorado, June 2007. I have been painting watercolors for a lot of years and have studied, read, drawn, and painted fairly consistently through those years. I have concluded that all aspects of doing art are important to learn--drawing, composition, materials, equipment, and so on. But, once you have gained some competence in these areas, it all comes down to color. Now I have learned about color too, but during the latter part of those years, Quiller's books "Color Choices" and "Painter's Guide to Color" really helped me achieve a quantum leap forward in my use and understanding of color.Stephen Quiller is an expert and master at painting with watermedia, all kinds, and at mixed watermedia, plein air painting, and color. And these subjects are covered in this book. But I always had a wish, and that was that he would explain his compositional approach. How does he put together his paintings onsite and elsewhere? And here it is. And what a treasure it is!What I also appreciate is that this book was written by an accomplished and dedicated teacher, who genuinely desires to pass on those valuable lessons he has learned to us struggling artists. And it is written well. I have followed his work and writing for a number of years, and he just keeps getting better. Stephen Quiller is the real thing. He works hard at his art. He knows what he is talking about, big time. His helper at his gallery in Creede (matter, framer, researcher, manager, etc.) Chere Waters told me, during a conversation at the gallery, that every day he is at home and can, Quiller is out painting. That's what it takes, folks. I tell my students, "You want to get good, do it everyday!"If you want to learn more about watermedia painting from one of the best, whether watercolor, gouache, acrylics, casein, and how they can be combined to advantage; if you want to learn how to plan and develop your paintings well from sketchbook to finished work; if you want to follow the thinking of a master artist--get this book.Highest recommendation.

This book is a wonderful overview of watermedia , particularly for artists with a basic knowledge of (not necessarily skill with!) watercolor painting. Stephen Quiller's open, friendly personality radiates from every page. His extensive knowledge of watermedia is shared as if you are there with him, looking at his work as he explains the qualities of the paint and the surfaces he used. He discusses tools and how to use them, color, composition, underpainting and other basics as if talking to a fellow artist, with plenty of tips he's found useful in his extensive career. He develops a discussion of mixed media and one chapter discusses topics from en plein air painting to painting large and how to display the finished work. Throughout the book he references works from other watercolor masters he considers his mentors. Although he talks about the products bearing his name this is not one of those "paint my way with my products or else" books. Rather, the rationale for his choices is explained and alternatives explored. Stephen Quiller never talks down to his audience and there's no trace of the "you'll never be able to paint as well as this" undertone found in many famous name books. I found the chapter on composition to be one of the best discussions of this topic I've heard - sorry, seen! Buy this book and you can't help but share Stephen Quiller's enthusiasm for watermedia painting!

Mr. Quiller is THE Color Instructor ! If you truly want to improve your painting & REALLY understand color , THIS is THE book for you ! I am now working on my own extrapolation of color theory involving the inversion of the Warms project / Cools recede model ! I KNOW by experience that it IS in FACT possible to make cools PROJECT because I've DONE so! I just didn't realize or understand at the time HOW I'd accomplished it ! With Mr. Quiller's help, I now believe I can accomplish this with full control & comprehension of what is happening ! My own big thesis has always been upon color TEMPERATURE ! Now, I am experimenting with that further to extrapolate into co9lor temperature based upon INTENSITY ! Watch my Facebook page for details ! Justin Dancing Hawk / Wind Beneath My Wings Studio & Workshops Thanks !

Who knew that the kid who lived down the hall at Colorado State University would turn out to be such a major figure in the watermedia world.I had purchased a few of his books, used his color wheel and palette, before recognizing him from those school days (before the beard) and realizing that we had lived in the same dorm. I've always found his books filled with good information and tips, and his paintings are wonderful as you can see. He's very inventive.I especially like the information on choices of pigments, and a great overview of each of the types of media in this book. This book is a good foundation for the study of each of these, and it's an enjoyable read, too. He's one of those artists who has a fabulous color sense, mingling what might seem un-mixable colors in his paintings with great results.I really enjoy this book.

As a long time watercolor artist, I found so much great information in this book. Quiller has mastered acrylic, gouache and watercolor and shows his unique vision and method of application with clear instructions and demonstrations. If you are looking for the next steps beyond traditional transparent watercolor, this book is informative and inspirational. I'm buying all his books, and I didn't think there was much more I could learn from a water media book!

Wonderful presentation of the various water media with very useful tips and recommendations on materials and their use. Paintings / artwork he has done to illustrate his major concepts are amazing. I like that he uses the pigment names & CII Numbers in his discussions so you know exactly what hue he’s talking about, regardless of maker. A gifted author easy read of advanced concepts.

Steven Quiller need I say more. He never really seems to go wrong. Covers all water media, much more than I expected. Learning lots from this one.

He writes exceptionally good books on colour theory. the books are mostly repetition of one another but I would encourage anyone to read one of his books on colour theory.I also like his work. He is in the USA and has a website with his work for sale.

Artistic Wisdom.A practical book authored by a veteran artist, this is well balanced with respect to visuals and instruction.Comparative chart on water media was great. Section on casein was informative. The use of warm colors in cold climate is done well. This is very useful book for artists venturing into water based mixed media. Provides a different perspective for painters from tropical zones as well.

This book speaks for itself. This is one of the best books around.If you love to paint you need this book in your library. Not only is Stephen a master at what he does but he can also TEACH....that is a true gift and what he brings across in this book is very enlightening, educational and very inspiring. He is a true artist in every sense.I hope to take one of his workshops someday.

Very good haven't been through it all yet but looks like an excellent reference book..