Overview
The Big Book of Watercolorby Parramon's Editorial Team lives up to its name in the most literal way. At 288 densely illustrated pages, it covers more ground than any other single watercolor volume in English — from the physics of pigment absorption to full multi-session compositions, and everything in between.
Originally published in Spain by Parramon and translated for the English-language market by Watson-Guptill, this book has been a studio fixture for a generation of painters. Unlike most introductory guides, it doesn't condescend — it treats the reader as an adult who wants a real understanding of the medium.
What's Inside
- check_circleHistory and materials — in-depth coverage of pigments, papers, brushes
- check_circleFull technique library: wash, graded wash, wet-in-wet, dry brush, lifting, masking
- check_circleComposition and perspective fundamentals for painters
- check_circleSubject chapters: landscapes, seascapes, architecture, figures, still life
- check_circleFull-length painting demonstrations with step-by-step commentary
- check_circleGallery of finished works by multiple master painters
add_circle Pros
- → Unmatched breadth — covers every aspect of the medium
- → Multiple contributing artists, multiple approaches
- → Exceptional production quality and print resolution
- → Remains relevant at every skill level
remove_circle Cons
- → Heavy — not for painting en plein air
- → Some sections feel dated (translated in 1985)
- → Not an easy-entry beginner book — dense in places
Who Is This For?
The Studio Builder
Wants one authoritative book that covers everything — the foundation of a serious painting library.
The Subject Explorer
Paints landscapes one week and figures the next — needs a guide that covers all subjects in depth.
The Serious Self-Taught
Learning without a teacher and wants the most thorough self-education possible in one volume.
How It Compares
| Feature | Big Book of Watercolor | Essential Notebook | Jean Haines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pages | 288 (largest) | 168 | 128 |
| Subject variety | All subjects | Technique-focused | Atmospheric |
| Skill level | All Levels | All Levels | Int. – Advanced |
| Teaching style | Academic / Encyclopedic | Observational Notes | Philosophical |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this too advanced for a beginner?expand_more
Is the content still relevant given the 1985 translation?expand_more
Does it cover both transparent and opaque (gouache) watercolor?expand_more
Final Verdict
The Big Book of Watercoloris the encyclopedic studio reference that every serious watercolor painter should own. Its breadth is unmatched, its production quality is excellent, and it will serve you from your first painting to your fiftieth. If you're building a watercolor library, this is the spine.
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Clara Rivers
Clara holds a BFA in Illustration from the Pacific Northwest College of Art and has taught watercolor workshops in Portland, Oregon since 2009. Published in Uppercase Magazine and Illustration Age. 200+ books personally reviewed.
