Library Journal

Drawing inspiration from nature, watercolor artist Collins (The Colour Mixing Companion) shows readers how a palette of just 23 colors can be mixed to depict a variety of botanical subjects. Collins begins with an introduction to watercolor paints, explaining why she recommends building up ones own selection of colors rather than purchasing pre-packaged sets. A concise, well-explained overview of color theory leads into a discussion of various watercolor techniques, including wet on wet and wet on dry, and the creation of different washes and textural effects. The books four sections cover flowers, leaves, seeds, and bulbs, and each provides a painting project with downloadable outlines and step-by-step instructions as well as a supply list. Most critically, Collins instructs readers which colors from her suggested palette should be mixed, and in what ratios, to create the shades necessary for each project.

VERDICT: The simple, delicate beauty of Collinss paintings should inspire rather than intimidate beginner artists. Detailed instructions, including techniques to use, brush sizes to choose, and colors to mix, make this an exemplary resource for new watercolor painters.

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Artbookreview.net

Julie Collins long ago became the default go-to author for books on colour mixing, but its been a while since we had an addition to her oeuvre. Given how much has gone before, I thought it wise to check that this isnt a re-hash and Im pleased to be able to say that it isnt.

Why so happy? Because its so good. Where previous guides of this type (all of them) have gone for quantity, this very much goes for quality and relevance. It is a lot more that just a guide to all the colours you might possibly want for painting flowers, but rather a series of palettes for depicting specific examples chosen for colour variations so that you get the full range of what you might want. Youll also find leaves and seedheads as well as blooms themselves, both individually and in arrangements. Julie introduces themes, settings and techniques as well as considering lighting conditions, making this a rather nice primer and leg-stretcher in flower painting, as well as that all-important analysis of colour. Id class this as pretty much a must-have for any flower painter.

This has, if Julie is willing, all the hallmarks of a rather promising series, with titles devoted to a range of subjects. I do hope so.

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@joallsopp.sablestudiogallery

A gorgeous little book but don't be deceived by the size because there is over 100 different colour mixes inside this book. As an artist, I know how imperative it is that you understand about colour mixing and theory. In here, we've got the primary, secondary and how to mix tertiary. There are advancing colours, receding colours and complimentary pairs as well. We need to understand about colours in order to make beautiful paintings. You'll see plenty of those in here as well. There are projects you can follow step by step, and plenty of information included. This is definitely a go to guide on how to mix colours. Do take a look!

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The Artist

In the past, colour mixing guides have tended to concentrate on numbers rather than actual use. Sometimes, counted in the thousands, every possible combination of shade and hue becomes overwhelming and the wood becomes impossible to see for the volume of trees. This, therefore, is a breath of fresh air, space to enjoy the sunlight and survey the scene. Although the cover feels the need to proclaim 'over 100 colour mixes', they are all related directly to specific subjects and are really palettes rather than just the perhaps more familiar technical exercises. After an introductory lesson on the principles of colour mixing, Julie works with specific subjects, which include leaves and seed heads as well as the obvious flowers. Each is chosen for its overall shade and the individual colours are listed and explained. 

The simple demonstrations and entirely practical approach make this the perfect introduction to colour in botanical painting.