Painting Nature with Clare: Create Beautiful Gouache Motifs of the Garden, Countryside, Sea, River and Forest

Short version: it's a nice book with a large range of projects and helpful tips for both beginners and those that are stuck in a creative rut! Only 10% of the book is dedicated to the basics (usually it's 1/4 to 1/3!) Colors are brand agnostic and there are no demands to buy only a certain kind of brush or brand paper brand either so it's great for just about anybody. Highly recommend!Heavy on Projects, Light on BasicsOut of the nearly 200 pages of this book, only 22 are dedicated to the basics of painting. So many books pad with color theory and "how does paint even work?", but this one doesn't do that and I really appreciate that!You'll learn to make landscapes, beetles, birds, mushrooms, all kinds of nature scenes in gouache so there's a little something for everybody. My favorite thing about this book is that at the beginning of each project there are details for mixing all the colors so you'll be able to get a pretty good approximation regardless of what brand of paint you're using.Walks You Through EverythingEach tutorial is very detailed, guiding you through all parts of the project from the initial sketch to the detail work at the end. There are usually 6-10 steps for each project with clear instructions that lay everything out for you so you don't get stuck. I always appreciate when authors do this because it's not always easy to just eyeball something and figure it out!It Works for All Kinds of PaintToo many painting books and courses will tell you that you have to have only a certain brand of brush, paint or even paper to do gouache but this one helps you make the most of what you already have. If you're anything like me you probably have a few different brands of paint (especially cheap craftstore paint) but the mixing recommendations work pretty good across the materials I have.Honestly I can't recommend this book enough! If you're looking for a book full of ideas that'll help you get started or reignite your passion for gouache, you won't be disappointed. I don't know much about the author, apparently they're someone from Instagram, but I do want to say thanks for not just making yet another "Rest of the Owl" type book! Definitely worth $22 and I can't wait to do all the projects in the book :)

I first purchased this on Kindle, then I liked it so much I had to have it in my hands as a real book.Each project is very organized, detailed, and clear. This method teaches you a process that make results not only achievable but also repeatable.The subject matter is nature related. I love the variety of projects. There are different designs to work through such as vignettes, patterns, portraits style, and full scenes. Unlike some other painting instructional books...this not only gives you the step by steps of the painting, but it also teaches you about the design placement, using grids, and how to draw what you are about to paint.I love that Step 1 of each project is a detailed explanation of the beginning sketch. The drawing and sketch part of learning to paint is not overlooked here. I like the Tip boxes that are injected into the instructions. I also really like the "Taking The Project Further" box at the end of most projects. This adds ideas and inspiration so that you can branch off what you just learned and apply it to your own projects.Overall this is a lovely book that offers lots of material to work through, with excellent explanations of how to achieve great paintings. It is a gift that Clare has shared for all of us eager students out there!Very happy here!Now, on to my next project...

I agree with what everyone else said, except one thing. All the sketches were too light! I get that when you actually paint your sketch should be light, but I’m not painting in the book, so I’d like to be able to see the drawings. A few were better than others, but some were barely visible.

The artist's work is so beautiful, I was compelled to pre-order this book. I am so glad I got it! Can a book be lovely, charming, beautiful and delightful? And helpful and educational in learning to paint? Yes! The style is quite different from other gouache tutorials out there and I am so glad for that. This one is so interesting and the projects are something I look forward to completing.

I have been eagerly awaiting delivery of this book. It did not disappoint! It is so beautifully illustrated and the instructions are very clear. In just reading the odd bit here and there I have already learned new things about color mixing gouache. Her style is so charming and endearing it makes me want to try every project. I can tell this book will be very helpful with drawing all the way through to finishing details. I’m so glad I ordered this book!!

Buy this book! I have several books on painting in an attempt to learn and although each of them are good in their own ways, this is the best one thus far!Clare explains each step well and each step has an accompanying photo, which really helps. The projects in the book begin with the simplest one and working toward more complex so this is the first project. The start of each will list the brushes you’ll need as well as recipes for each color you’ll need.Clare also isn’t a stickler for specific brands of paints and brushes. She gives recommendations but also suggestions for alternatives, like it doesn’t have to be this exact brush size; rather, it can be a fine-tipped brush. Or, it doesn’t have to be an exact blue she lists, but other blues can also work.Clare’s book is the first time I really felt I could learn and improve. The projects are beautiful and fun. I was able to create projects similar enough to hers that I was happy and felt confident to continue. I think you’ll love this book too!

Clare Gray is an amazing designer and illustrator and I love her Instagram account. Every single tutorial in her book is unbelievably beautiful, creative, and enchanting. The tutorials in this book are extremely easy to follow, especially for those who are new to watercolor or who have only been dabbling for a short amount of time (I've been painting in watercolor for 18 months and still feel like quite a beginner). Each one is so much fun and I've felt so talented by the time I was done!

I love this book and cannot recommend highly enough for a wide range or abilities.Clare's style of writing is really friendly and easy to follow. There are a large variety of beautiful projects to chose from and a wealth of inspiration. The step by step guides are detailed and really well delivered. She takes you though the whole project from helping with the initial drawings which you can copy or make up your own, to precise instructions to help build up the layers of your painting, creating something wonderful.I have really enjoyed using this book to developed my own painting and gain a greater understanding of what is achievable with gouche as a very versatile medium.I have found that using this book has not just helped me created some lovely pieces directly from the book but gain skills and inspiration for other projects.I cannot recommend this book enough.

I am a complete beginner and found this book so simple to follow and thoroughly enjoyable. Clare is an incredible artist and really brings nature to life; incorporating stunning colour palette choices and helpful instructions for even the novice like me!I can imagine going back through this book time and time again, as I gain confidence with gouache and techniques; a really impressive and beautiful repertoire to have to hand.Thank you so much for spending time producing such a glorious guide for us, darling Clare. A tiny peek into your clever talent; you are and you have a true gift!

I adore this book!It’s beautifully written and the steps are easy and clear to follow.There is a good outline at the start of each section explaining what you will need, and help with colour choices followed simple step- by-step instructions to try for yourself!There is a great deal of choice to learn to draw, some simpler than others so a good variety.I find the book really encouraging and calming, detailed but not overwhelming.I would thoroughly recommend to any budding artist!

This is a beautiful book with very clear, step by step instructions of how to creative these lovely motifs. The drawings are so helpful as they take you through each stage of the creating process. There is such a wealth of knowledge in this book, it’s better than taking a painting course. I was a total beginner in gouache but using this book is really increasing my confidence. Really insightful and just a joy to read! Would make a lovely gift too.

Ik had me verheugd op dit boek, want ik volg Clare al een tijdje op Instagram en vind dat ze prachtige dingen maakt. Dit boek past daar helemaal bij! Het is heel mooi vormgegeven (heerlijk om alleen al doorheen te bladeren) en heel leerzaam met heldere uitleg en goede tips. Een aanrader!