Painting Mood and Atmosphere

If you want to learn how to capture the drama, mystery and changing qualities of mood and atmosphere, take a look at this book!

The glowing transparency and sponteneity of watercolour makes it an ideal medium for exploring the effects of sunlight, shadows, mist, stormy skies and more. Easy techniques for creating realistic effects are demonstrated in a series of stunning demonstrations. In his enthusiastic and practical manner, Barry Herniman guides you through all the different stages, revealing paintings rich in atmosphere, from tranquil river scenes and misty woodlands to dramatic landscapes and inspiring seascapes. This book is packed with useful tips and easy-to-follow techniques, each accompanied by beautiful paintings to inspire and help improve skills. Artists can learn how to apply these techniques to their own work to create original and unique watercolour paintings that almost spring to life.

Barry Herniman worked as a draughtsman and surveyor before emigrating to South Africa. He then took up a career in advertising and travelled throughout South America and the USA before returning to the UK in 1980. He worked with the Countryside Commission, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust before becoming a full-time student at the Gloucester College of Art and Technology where he gained a Higher Diploma in Information Design. He became a member of the Chartered Society of Designers in 1986 and formed his own graphics company in 1988. His first solo exhibition of watercolours was in Ross-on-Wye (where he lives) in 1991 and he soon went on to pursue painting full-time. He now travels extensively tutoring workshops and demonstrations and has had exhibitions in England, Canada and the USA. He has just held a solo exhibition in Galway, Ireland and has a two-part video published called Painting Rivers and Valleys in Watercolour. Barry won the Artist of the Year Award for the SAA in 2001 and the Harper Collins Award Patchings 2000. His hobbies include travelling, walking and playing the mandolin.