watercolour learn to paint

Author: Tom Shepherd
Format: Paperback
Publication date: 10 November 2026
160 pages

The ultimate practical guide to expressive watercolour painting, from the master of loose washes and vibrant atmosphere: popular artist and teacher, Tom Shepherd.

Follow Tom’s tried-and-tested approach to painting with freedom, flair and a whole lot of fun: discover a range of practical exercises, 6 step-by-step projects and numerous finished paintings to inspire you! This fresh, colourful painting course is ideal for all aspiring watercolour artists: gain confidence with your brush, experiment through guided exercises and discover your own style. Tom’s simple yet inspiring approach can take any painter’s work to the next level, and can be applied to any subject.

Start with the basics: shape, tone, colour and edges. These concepts, and how to use, play with and explore them, are explained in clear, practical language. Learn through doing with step-by-step exercises, 6 paint-along projects and a number of jumping-off points for your own ideas. All the necessary details of brushwork, paint mixing and application are included. Develop your own style: discover exercises to refine and adapt your style, broaden your artistic horizons and troubleshoot any common issues. Learn to paint – anything! Apply Tom's loose, expressive style to animals, people, street scenes, landscapes and still life. Push the boundaries: the book features the work of four other inspiring artists, who work in a range of mediums (Hashim Akib, Jenny Aitken, Peter Keegan and Paul Talbot-Greaves). Tom examines how they work, and what makes their work unique; which allows him to introduce exciting ways of working with watercolour.

The book is completely standalone, but supports Tom Shepherd’s popular online School of Watercolour; discover more at: schoolofwatercolour.co.uk