Down by the Sea with Brush and Pen: Draw and Paint Beautiful Coastal Scenes Hardcover – Download: Adobe Reader, July 1, 2009

I was not disappointed when I received this book. The illustrations are outstanding as is the text which has a handwritten appearance. It feels like you have the artist's journal in your hands. Various subject matter related to the sea, waves, seashore, and activities on the beach are covered in a professional manner. The work is beautiful. The subject matter is exciting. I can't wait to get to my paints and start working! This is so far, one of my very favorite books in my art technique collection. For the price, I highly recommend you order this book if you are interested in painting the sea and life by the sea.

I bought it since I moved to Seoul on winter time and was a little concern about the size since it is in korea sizing. I am a XL in US and had to buy it XXL. The sizing its not the same between colors I bought the pink and navy blue, the pink did fit perfectly (its XXL) but not the navy blue it fit like a L size and it was XXL. So I strongly recomend to check the size proportion before buying it.

My husband has only been painting for a few months. (I am the teacher of a class of 11 Seniors of which he is one that started in February and meets twice a month.) Most are doing great thanks to Claudia Nice's books. I have been using her instructions as a study guide to pen and ink and watercolor and letting them do some of the projects. They are extremely easy for beginners to follow and all are having a great time!

I love all of Claudia Nice's watercolor books, and Down by the Sea is no exception. Even though I rarely use pen and ink, the clear instructions for watercolors are invaluable. It is difficult to find an entire book about painting the sea, so I was very glad to grab this one. The explanation of wave action is particularly good. Thank you, Claudia!Elisabeth Davis, author of Harley, The Throwaway Puppy (A Throwaway Puppy Book)

This is an excellent book. The color information is indispensable for anyone working with water media. My one complaint: body text hand written in calligraphic style is hard to read. I worked in the page layout and printing fields and rule of thumb is, if your intent is to give information, you must make it easy to read. This book would have been better designed using a standard font and having the lovely calligraphic writing used for headers only. Still, I'm glad to have this book on my shelf.

I've quickly accumulated a collection of her books and this is one of my favorites. Full of tips and instruction, both techniques and color mixing. I was NOT happy with the shipping - it was listed as Prime shipping but in small print, it said ships in 1 - 3 weeks. It was indeed 3 weeks before the book shipped. Watch the fine print!!!

Great art instruction and I will use what’s left of the book, but pages 17-30 have been cut out. That seems like a lot! Will be looking for an undamaged copy.

I was really impressed by this book (in comparison to other similar books), since it gives you really clear and simple instructions on how to paint nice beach landscapes and details with watercolors. Everything is simply and clearly explained (colors and color mixes, brush and pen strokes, values, composition etc.) and one can follow it easily and create its own beautiful artwork. I was very happy I got it and helped me out very much in my painting. Great!