Contemporary Figures in Watercolour: Speed, Gesture and Story

Leo Crane and Roy Joseph Butler's book "Figure Painting in Watercolor" offers a fresh approach to capturing the human form in watercolour. Through exercises and step-by-step demonstrations, they teach how to work with the fluidity and immediacy of the medium to create lively paintings that are bursting with character and narrative possibility. The book covers observing the figure, watercolour techniques, capturing movement, gesture, story, and beyond the figure, with paintings by Leo Crane throughout to demonstrate the working process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Pavilion Books

Dive into the captivating world of figure painting with this fresh and innovative approach to capturing the human form in watercolour. Join renowned painter Leo Crane and art model Roy Joseph Butler as they embark on a journey to interpret the gestures and movements of the figure through the expressive language of paint. Through a series of engaging exercises, they showcase how to harness the fluidity and immediacy of watercolour to create vibrant paintings that brim with character and narrative potential.

With a wealth of experience in both fine art and animation, Leo and Roy share valuable tips and techniques to bring life to the figure. They encourage you to embrace a liberating and enjoyable approach to painting, offering a comprehensive guide that covers essential topics such as:

The Figure: Observing and working with live models to capture the essence of the human form.
Watercolour: Understanding the materials, tools, techniques, and colour theory of watercolour painting.
Speed: Learning to capture movement and paint at speed, with two-minute studies to sharpen your skills.
Gesture: Poses, sequences, and conveying expression through your paintings.
Story: Creating mood, context, composition, and narrative in your figure paintings.
Beyond the Figure: Expanding your artistic horizons by bringing human energy and movement to still life, animals, and landscapes.
From the Models: Case studies featuring life models to showcase the working process and finished artworks.
Throughout the book, stunning paintings by Leo serve as visual examples of the techniques and approaches discussed. With a focus on the dynamic exchange between artist and subject, speed, gesture, and story, this book appeals to artists who are exploring new avenues in life painting and eager to capture the essence of character in movement. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a beginner seeking to expand your artistic skills, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to unlock your full potential in figure painting. So, grab your brushes, embrace the power of watercolour, and let your imagination soar as you embark on a journey to create captivating and lifelike portraits that capture the spirit and essence of the human form.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 234 x 262 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849946681