From the editors of Reader's Digest Whether you are a newcomer to the world of watercolor or a more experienced painter, this practical painting course will let you master the essential skills and techniques necessary to capture the fascinating qualities of this medium. Divided into nine sections, this informative book describes such basics as mixing a wash and laying it on both wet and dry surfaces, using various brushstrokes to achieve the desired results, mastering special techniques like scraping back and washing-off, and correcting mistakes. It covers the fundamentals of sketching and drawing, the use of all types of subjects--from landscape to still life to figures, and presents a concise summary of color theory--all essential skills for any watercolor artist. Through a series of lessons and exercises that include step-by-step demonstrations, The Ultimate Watercolor Course provides all of the critical things you need to know with the aide of more than 1,000 illustrations that point out each technique in graphic detail. Each lesson features a "key point" box explaining the specific topic or technique at hand, and throughout the book there are helpful hints and shortcuts straight from the pros. Exercises are fun and stimulating and build on techniques already learned in earlier lessons. In this comprehensive volume, you will find detailed information on: