American Watercolors

Finch (Special Effects traces an extensive history of American watercolor painting from its British roots in the 16th and 17th centuries to the present, but focuses mainly on the major masters of the mediumHomer, Sargent, Prendergast at the turn of the century and Marin, Burchfield, Hopper and Demuth a few decades later. His approach is geared to an evaluation and comparison of the formal properties of the works, providing only essential historical facts and neglecting social context. There are no surprises here, but the text is lucid and informative, especially about the technical aspects of watercolor: the role of washes, transparencies, paper texture and brushstroke in the final product. And the generally high quality and generous quantity of the reproductions (416, 260 in color), which are beautifully laid out in relation to the text, plus the thick paper stock and fine design, should delight watercolor enthusiasts and inspire collectors. (October 10)