Leading watercolour artist Michelle Scragg uses the popular medium of watercolour to produce paintings that have a strong sense of colour, in both her figurative and abstract work. But her work is also well designed and she shows how watercolour can translate very effectively into design for fabrics, furnishings, illustrations and other applications. The book comprises the following chapters: 1. Exploring Watercolour's Strengths: with skills, techniques and practical considerations 2. Bold Colour: from selecting colours to colour and composition 3. Expression and Design: Drawing and sketchbook work plus Effective Design, Fabric Design and Watercolour illustration. 4. Interpretation: from feeling and response to observation and imagination 5. Studio practice: how to adjust your work depending on the aims of the painting and the various practical issues, particularly when designing for fabric or furnishings.

The books in this bite-sized new series contain no complicated techniques or tricky materials, making them ideal for the busy, the time-pressured or the merely curious. First Steps in Drawing is a short, simple and to-the-point guide to learning the basic principles of drawing in a few short steps. Whether sketching people, places, buildings or just generally, in just 96 pages you will discover how to master the essential principles and create captivating and memorable work. Master sketching techniques Express yourself Develop new skills Refine your work