Beyond Technique - Tapa dura

Alvaro Castagnet believes that 'your work is your best teacher', therefore, the philosophy of this book will enable you to learn a great deal from observing and evaluating your own paintings, and building on your discoveries so that you can improve and develop your own personal style of watercolor painting. The structure of the book is based on six chapters, each with introductory text discussing the key topic concerned. The chapters include a generous selection of stunning watercolor paintings which cover a wide variety of subjects and include detailed, informative captions, so as to expand on the points discussed in the paragraphs. Furthermore, this book includes four advantageous, step-by-step lessons, using different reference sources such as photographs, computer, sketches and real life. Álvaro shares his demonstrations for appealing landscapes in Australia; boats in Cadaques, where his first DVD, Inspired Watercolor was filmed; “Circulo Militar” Plaza San Martin, a beautiful building in Buenos Aires; and an interior painting in his own studio.

As an expressive painter, Alvaro portrays a strong impressive and colorful style with superb interpretation of light effects, capturing the soul of the places he paints. Therefore, he is one of the world most highly respected watercolorist. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Alvaro attended the National School of Arts, and later studied at the Fine Arts University. His watercolor technique reached the highest level in Australia, where he had lived for twenty years thereafter.Alvaro has been recognized with top honors in major art competitions around the world, including three awards and medals, from the prestigious American Watercolor Society. In 2010 he was awarded at the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition. Alvaro is a member of numerous national and international art associations and his work is widely sought after; gracing the walls of many private and corporate collectors worldwide. He has been holding solo exhibitions since 1985.Author of Watercolor Painting with Passion, and Beyond Technique: Painting With Passion, as well as the successful series of “The Passionate Painter” DVDs, and the designer of his own set of brushes and other art materials; Alvaro is invited to contribute to acclaimed national and international art magazine publications. As a highly respected international speaker & judge, Alvaro lectures, demonstrates and conducts workshops that are very successful. He has a brisk impressionist style with a great ability to capture the vitality of a scene. Traveling the world, painting “plein air”, has contributed to his developing a very fluent and distinctive style; making him one of the most versatile and accomplished watercolorist of his generation. Alvaro's main studio is now located in Montevideo, Uruguay. He may be contacted at www.alvarocastagnet.net AUTHOR HOME: Montevideo, Uruguay