While Comprehensive Watercolor is out in the world doing its work, I’m considering what’s next—because the watercolor journey doesn’t stop here! I’m already developing two exciting follow-up projects to continue your creative journey:
🎯 Watercolor Troubleshooting Guide — A focused companion packed with solutions for common watercolor challenges like muddiness, timing mistakes, backruns, and overworking.
🌟 Beyond Watercolor — A deep dive into advanced techniques, atmospheric effects, mixed media, handmade paints, and creative expansion projects like building your own watercolor journals.
Both resources are designed to help artists grow beyond the basics—and to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with watercolor.
Art educators and librarians:Comprehensive Watercolor was built to teach.
With over 275 pages and more than 200 embedded video demonstrations, this interactive guide offers a rare blend of depth and accessibility. Whether you’re supporting beginners or helping more experienced artists refine their skills, this book meets learners exactly where they are.
Here’s why it’s a perfect fit for classrooms and creative learning spaces:
✅ Curriculum-Ready – Easy to integrate into lesson plans ✅ Multimodal Learning – Text, visuals, and QR-linked videos support a variety of learning styles ✅ Skill Progression – Structured to build mastery step-by-step, from basic techniques to more advanced methods ✅ Self-Paced – Perfect for independent learners and flexible teaching environments ✅ Reference + Resource – With a visual library, swatch book, and product guidance included, it’s more than just a book—it’s a teaching tool
How to Use the Library Request Sheet
If you’d like to see Comprehensive Watercolor available at your local library, simply print the Library Request Sheet and bring it to the library’s circulation or reference desk. Most libraries accept purchase suggestions directly from patrons, and this form provides all the information they need to consider acquiring the book. You can also email the completed form to your library’s collection development department if they accept requests online. Your recommendation helps make this resource available to more learners in your community!
While Comprehensive Watercolor is out in the world doing its work, I’m already working on what comes next: Beyond Watercolor — an advanced, video-rich guide for artists ready to explore mixed media, make their own materials, and even bind their own watercolor journals by hand.
Complete the form below to access the Press Kit, which contains a variety of useful Library Resources, like the Library Sell Sheet.
Want updates? Join the Newsletter, our Discord Community or stop by for a behind-the-scenes peek on my Patreon (COMING SOON)—your feedback might even help shape the next book!
Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor is more than just a book—it’s your personal watercolor instructor. Inside, you’ll explore over 55 hands-on techniques ranging from foundational washes and brush handling to advanced methods like glazing, negative painting, lifting, and texture creation. Each method is explained with clear instructions and accompanied by short QR-code-linked video demonstrations to bring the process to life.
What Makes Comprehensive Watercolor Different
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your skills, these modular lessons will give you a solid grasp of the how and why behind every brushstroke.
Comprehensive Watercolor isn’t just for personal practice—it’s also designed as a watercolor book for libraries and classrooms that teach art.
GREAT FOR INSTITUTIONS
Why it works for institutions:
✅ Modular lessons align with visual learning standards
✅ Includes access to over 200 QR-linked video demos
✅ Print-friendly templates can be reused by students
✅ Accessible explanations make it suitable for all ages
Educators can integrate lessons into their curriculum, while libraries can offer patrons a book that doesn’t just inspire—it teaches.
Want your local library to carry it? Here’s how:
✍️ How to Request Comprehensive Watercolor at Your Local Library (In-Person)
Download & Print the Request Form
Click the button to download the “Suggest a Title” form.
Why It’s Needed: Add a sentence or two about how the book would benefit your local art community, classes, or creative learners.
Visit Your Local Library Take the completed form with you to your nearest public or state library branch.
Speak to a Librarian at the Front Desk Politely ask to submit a “suggest a title” or acquisition request. If you’re unsure, ask the librarian to point you in the right direction—they’re usually happy to help!
Optional – Ask to Speak with the Acquisitions Librarian If you’d like to make a stronger case, ask if you can speak with the staff member in charge of selecting new titles. Share how Comprehensive Watercolor supports creative education and includes over 200 linked video lessons.
Follow Up (Optional) If you don’t hear back after a few weeks, it’s perfectly okay to check in and ask whether the title was approved for ordering.
🌐 How to Request Comprehensive Watercolor from Your Library (Online)
Visit Your Library’s Website Go to the official website of your local or state library system.
Find the “Suggest a Title” or “Request a Purchase” Page This section may be called:
“Suggest a Title”
“Purchase Suggestion”
“Request a Book”
Or something similar—try the search bar if you’re unsure.
Fill in the Required Book Details Use the following information when completing the request form:
Title: Comprehensive Watercolor
Author: Amanda Clarke-Peterson
ISBN: 979-8-218-66588-3
Publisher: Makyn Press
Format: Paperback
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Explain Why the Book Is Valuable to Your Community Write a short note about how this interactive guide supports creative learning. Example: “This book is perfect for artists and students learning watercolor. It includes over 275 pages of hands-on instruction and 200+ video tutorials. A great addition for community enrichment, art classrooms, and creative programming.”
Submit the Form Click submit and you’re done! Some libraries may email you when they’ve reviewed the suggestion.
Optional – Share the Link Consider encouraging others in your area to submit the same request. Libraries often prioritize books with multiple community recommendations.
Together, we can help make watercolor learning more accessible—one shelf at a time.
“Have you ever wanted to explore the beautiful world of watercolor painting? Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, ‘Comprehensive Watercolor’ is the perfect resource for you. This book offers a unique learning experience, allowing you to progress at your own speed with readily accessible video instruction that you can revisit as often as needed. Inside, you’ll find over 150 QR codes, each linking to expertly taught and easy-to-follow YouTube videos that directly correspond to the techniques presented in the book. This extensive combination of written guidance and visual demonstrations ensures you get incredible value. It’s truly like having your own dedicated art instructor available whenever you’re ready to learn. I believe ‘Comprehensive Watercolor’ is an invaluable tool for anyone passionate about this medium.!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
– Kira V.
One of the biggest questions people ask is, “What exactly will I learn from this book?” The answer: a lot more than just how to hold a brush as readers will discover.
Comprehensive Watercolor is a full-spectrum watercolor techniques book, covering foundational methods and advanced variations. You’ll explore:
Wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, drybrush, and lifting
Glazing, blending, edge control, and timing
Color theory, value studies, and paint mixing
Special effects like granulation and backruns
TAKE A LOOK AT THIS EXAMPLE FROM THE BOOK
Comprehensive Watercolor Sample from Text Techniques
Every technique is paired with a visual demo via QR code and optional practice templates you can paint over or transfer to your own paper. You’ll also learn how to combine techniques to create complete compositions—and how to avoid overworking (we’ve all been there).
With launch day behind us, we are encouraging readers to leave reviews about our book, Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor!
Reviews are important to help spread the word to get the reviews coming in! This helps others discover the book too! We are excited about the early reactions and responses to Comprehensive Watercolor have been positive, humbling, and energizing!
Each REVIEW provided helps to reaffirm why this project matters!
This book was never meant to sit on a shelf—it’s meant to be used regularly, studied from, and kept in the studio for reference.
If you’ve already had a chance to get your copy or maybe you discovered it in your local library or bookstore – I’d love to hear from you and get feedback about what you think!
✅ Join the Watercolor Metamorphosis Community via Discord – Whether you’re new to watercolor or looking to level up, this book is here to walk with you through every wash, every stroke, and every creative breakthrough
Creating Comprehensive Watercolor was a project years in the making—one filled with pigment tests, page mockups, video shoots, and a lot of coffee.
Here’s a look at what went into making a watercolor book this interactive:
Planning the structure: Every chapter and concept was mapped out with the reader’s learning journey in mind—step by step, layer by layer.
Formatting the text block: The main body of the book was built using a professional publishing program, balancing clarity with beautiful layout.
Filming 200+ videos: Each core technique features a short, to-the-point tutorial—over 13 hours of content in total.
Creating visual presentations: Clean, engaging presentations were designed to support each concept visually, reinforcing the text and video content.
Text-to-voice narration: All presentations were narrated using a text-to-speech tool to maintain consistency and save both time and sanity (yes, recording 200+ voiceovers would’ve been a nightmare).
Designing layout & flow: Every visual element was chosen with care to support comprehension, from technique cards to explanatory diagrams.
Cover design: A custom-designed cover was created to reflect the essence of Comprehensive Watercolor—welcoming, informative, and vibrant.
Photography & editing: Dozens of detailed photos were taken of technique cards, supplies, and swatches, then carefully edited for clarity and consistency.
Tool selection & product research: Every supply mentioned—from brushes to palettes—was thoroughly researched and, in many cases, tested to ensure trustworthy recommendations.
Creating custom QR codes: Each video was linked using a unique QR code for seamless access, directly from the book.
Editing, refining & troubleshooting: Every element was double-checked—formatting, media links, visual alignment, permissions, accessibility, and tech compatibility.
This book isn’t just about watercolor—it’s about making art truly accessible. That mission guided every decision, every tutorial, every page.
If you enjoyed Comprehensive Watercolor, you’ll be glad to know the same care and creativity goes into the professional publishing and web services I offer. Makyn Press is a publishing company that helps independent artists & authors, providing them support and assistance throughout their journey from Start to Shelf.
Let’s bring your book or creative vision to life—beautifully and professionally.
If you’ve ever flipped through a watercolor book and felt more confused than inspired, you’re not alone. Traditional art books often show, but don’t teach.
Comprehensive Watercolor introduces a complete watercolor learning system designed for:
Independent learners
Visual thinkers
Artists seeking real results
This system isn’t random. It’s intentionally built around:
Layered learning (start simple, go deeper)
Technique demos (200+ QR-linked videos)
Visual cards and templates (modular practice)
It’s not just knowledge—it’s application. Whether you’re painting on the go or following along in your studio, this system supports your artistic journey.
Watercolor is one of the most beautiful mediums—but also one of the most intimidating for newcomers. The transparency, the timing, the unpredictability… That’s why this book is watercolor for beginners—not just in name, but in philosophy.
Every chapter was written with clarity, pacing, and reassurance in mind.
You’ll learn:
What materials actually matter (no fluff)
How to set up your space without overwhelm
Which techniques to start with—and why
More importantly, you’ll gain confidence through action.
No vague advice or skipping steps. Just real techniques, clearly demonstrated, and patiently taught. You’re not “just a beginner. ” You’re an artist in the making—and this book respects that.
Introducing Our First Publication: Comprehensive Watercolor by Mandakyns, Published by Makyn Press
A Book Years in the Making – Now in Print
It’s with great pride (and no small amount of watercolor smudges) that I introduce the first official publication released by Makyn Press, in collaboration with Mandakyns:
Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor
This is more than a book—it’s a fully guided experience designed for beginners, developing artists, educators, and anyone seeking to understand the process of painting with watercolor.
Crafted with clarity, structured for real learning, and infused with interactive elements, this guide represents not only the heart of Mandakyns, but the very mission of Makyn Press.
About the Book
comprehensive watercolor – an interactive guide for learning to paint with watercolor
Comprehensive Watercolor isn’t a typical instruction manual. It’s a modular, visually intuitive workbook that teaches watercolor as a system—not just a series of techniques.
Here’s what makes it special:
✅ 200+ embedded video tutorials via QR codes ✅ Hands-on worksheets, color charts, and concept exercises ✅ A carefully structured path through tools, materials, timing, application, technique, and composition ✅ Sections on pigment properties, blending, and brush control ✅ Designed to work whether you’re learning solo, teaching in a classroom, or building your own watercolor journey at your pace
This publication marks the official debut of Makyn Press, the independent publishing sister company to Mandakyns. Makyn Press is devoted to creating instructional, artistic, and educational books that help readers not just read, but make.
We specialize in:
Thoughtful design
Educational clarity
Books that are as useful as they are beautiful
By starting with an internally developed title, we’ve been able to build the systems, tools, and templates needed to support future publishing—without compromise.
Why This Book Matters
Watercolor is a medium that confuses and intimidates many artists. I created this book not just to teach—but to translate.
This guide was designed from the ground up to support:
Visual learners who need more than text
Busy creatives who want structure without fluff
Educators who need clarity for classrooms
Self-learners who are tired of generic tips and want to build a real skillset
What Readers Receive
A high-quality printed book Scannable QR codes for on-demand video learning A tactile, organized process that gives beginners a path and returning artists a refresh
BONUS: The book includes access to The Ultimate Watercolor Product Guide, a downloadable companion full of reviewed, categorized, and budget-conscious tools and supplies.
This book represents years of trial, testing, organizing, painting, teaching, and reworking. Every video was filmed by me. Every layout was chosen with care. Every QR code, tip, and section was developed to make watercolor more accessible to more people.
It’s not perfect—but it’s everything I’ve learned, and everything I needed when I was starting.
Looking Ahead
Makyn Press is currently accepting outside submissions—and this book marks just the beginning. More titles, workbooks, FlowThroughs, and creative collaborations are on the horizon!
Together, we’re building a creative publishing ecosystem—one thoughtful book at a time.
VISIT OUR SISTER COMPANY
Makyn Press is a proud sister company to Mandakyns, where you’ll find a wide range of professional Publishing Services.
Together, both companies share the same logo, creative vision, and values. While Mandakyns focuses on art, design, and education, Makyn Press extends that mission through creative and thoughtful publishing.
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