Kristys Summer Cutting Garden: A Watercoloring Book: 2 (Kristy's Cutting Garden, 2)

This does not deserve one star. I have just received a full refund for this book, even after having tested a page, as it is not fit for purpose and is using false advertising, which is illegal.I am a watercolour artist with many years' experience, this supplies my credentials for reviewing this paper.This is not 'quality' watercolour paper or even watercolour paper. I am sorry Rice has allowed her publisher to go ahead with selling this book with this paper inside, and for this inflated price.Watercolour paper has one of a number of attributes, of which this has none:1/ sizing (a barrier that is applied either within the paper, on the surface, or both, which stops water and colour from soaking into the paper too fast. This allows it to sit on the surface and be moved around, letting you achieve washes, glazes, or simply pretty effects with the paint. It is usually made of animal derivatives, but preferably would be cruelty free.2/ resistance to piling (Rice tries to cover her ass here by suggesting ways to not make the paper pile. It shouldn't pile anyway, at least before even one wash/ layer of paint has been applied to satisfaction). Piling is when you move your brush on the surface and bobbles of paper appear. These bobbles are not sized themselves and so when any more paint is applied, the pigment is sucked up into the bobbles making them darker than the surrounding paper (a mess, that is). This paper bobbles before you have even finished putting your paint on properly.3/ a certain weight that resists warping or buckling, at least a little. This books paper s a very low weight, and would never be co sidered 'quality' watercolour paper, if it was actually watercolour paper. It would be a budget paper at best. It doesn't buckle as bad as any old paper on a colouring book, but still is yet another example of false advertisement.I could go on with what defines a watercolour paper, or a quality watercolour paper, but I have a,ready wasted about time on this book.I have a collection of 100 colouring books of which 12 are watercolour paper books. This is by far the worst of the bunch, and no cheaper. Most fail to be adequate for proper watercolour technique, as the cost would go up quite substantially and people aren't willing to pay for real quality watercolour paper (the Pepin books are the best, in this respect, as is the RHS Flowers colouring book). I understand this fact, but this paper is a joke, and even if many people who use colouring books aren't yet accomplished artists, they deserve to be able to experience some semblance of a watercolour paper.This paper is good for pencils and nothing more. No washes, no runs of colour, no layering, no mixing of different colours on the page, no lifting colour or reworking areas, and no time to place colour nicely (younhave to literally put it on the paper and get your brush off immediately).I will add photos at a later date of just how bad this is. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

Most pages are illustrations of flowers and fruit which I think are good for practicing. The quality of the paper is very good. The book has sleeve cover which is good. Not much in this book to colour compared to its price really. It would have been more useful if there are coloured step by step images. I think it worth less, but I will keep it.

I bought this just to have a play about with watercolor and was surprised how easy it was to paint in it and get results I am not an artist but this book allowed me to achieve results I never thought I could get get it and try it as it was really fun and I am enjoying the projects in it there are plenty of hints and tips from the artist and the book is nicely presented in a thick card fold out wallet as well

Brilliant book with gorgeous images to paint. The paper takes lots of water that you wouldn't expect as it's not as thick as watercolour paper you would buy. The tips in the front covers are useful to a beginner watercolour painter. I just love Kirsty's books and her enthusiasm to "paint for joys sake". Helpful videos on YouTube to help you get going too.

Looks lovely. Quite expensive so wish there were a few more pages but the paper looks excellent and the designs are beautiful. Have not actually painted in the book yet but there are plenty of helpful instructions and tips and advice on materials etc.

Great book for watercolorists! Paper is not watercolour, but rather a thicker one, so you can definitely use watercolour paints. Beautiful drawings, I love them! Book came securely packed and without any damage. I'm happy with my purchase!