Colors of the West: An Artist’s Guide to Nature’s Palette

“Putting a brush in the hands of new artists, young and old, heightens their awareness of the power and beauty of nature.” – Molly Hashimoto, Author

Colors of the West explores wild places through the lens of watercolor “en plein air” painting. The book is organized by color, a unique approach to teaching both intermediate and budding artists how to really see the color in outdoor spaces around them, and then apply it to their own creative endeavors. Hashimoto explains the concept of palette, highlighting the range of colors that unites elements of geography, geology, and the different kinds of light created by atmosphere, season, and latitude. Over 170 hand-drawn sketches and paintings of familiar Western landscapes help convey these colors, along with sidebars and insets on individual species (trees, birds, mammals, and other flora and fauna), and historical notes related to the parks and sites featured in the sketches. Tips and techniques for outdoor journaling and painting are included throughout this exquisite book.    Hardcover, 192 pages