It may seem impossible to be able to ensure the success of a watercolor painting before the paintbrush hits paper, but the newest addition to our Artist's Library series proves that it can be done. Accomplished watercolorist Brenda Swenson breaks down the process of planning a painting into eight individual steps, which include choosing a format, planning out values, effectively using color, developing a center of interest, creating a visual path, incorporating variety, painting negative shapes, and introducing light and shadow. Then she combines the steps in one final painting to show how each step works together to produce a pleasing, successful work of art. With clear, step-by-step instruction and helpful hints from the artist, this book is unique because it focuses not only on the painting process itself, but also on experimenting and strategizing, which are essential to the painting process. This book shows readers that, when you plan ahead, taking the time to study the essential elements that create a painting will make the finished product more satisfying and rewarding.