Waterscape Painting - Tapa dura

Waterscapes are one of the most popular subjects for painting. Water is a variable element and its changing shapes and tonal complexities need to be studied by the artist in order to paint successfully. The author discusses the part water plays in landscapes and goes on to discuss perspectives of waterscapes and their effect on composition of various viewpoints. Weather and seasons and their effects on waterscapes are anbother important consideration making it necessary for the artist to employ different techniques and colours in order to capture nature's transient moods. John Cook also explains what he terms "eyeball mechanics", an understanding of which is absolutely crucial when working on a painting with strong contrasts of light and dark. Since water reflects light, a sense of light has to be developed by the artist wishing to paint reflections. The author shows you how to achieve luminosity in painting by sacrificing some contrasts in order to enhance others. There is an endless variety of source material for waterscapes and this book illustrates and discusses urban and industrial waterscapes, such as canals, ponds, reservoirs, fountains and bridges as well as streams, rivers and lakes, mountain waters and coastline. Working directly from nature is not always practicable and the author discusses alternative methods of collecting source material. This book should prove a valuable guide to the beginner as well as the experienced painter.