The Artist's Handbook : A Step-By-Step Guide to Drawing, Watercolour and Oil Painting

This is a practical manual and inspirational guide in one volume, with over 30 projects and 475 step-by-step photographs. It is a stunningly illustrated, project-based book on drawing and painting for the beginner. Divided into three sections: drawing, watercolour, and oil painting, it includes more than 30 original projects for you to try, such as a vase of flowers in pencils, a stormy scene using watercolours, and a Tuscan terrace in oils. It presents practical and easy-to-follow text with over 475 step-by-step photographs clearly showing the creation of each picture. It offers expert guidance on techniques and materials. All the projects are simple, and in no time at all you will be producing accomplished, attractive works of art. Discover your hidden artistic talents with this project-based course on drawing and painting. The book is divided into three main sections: drawing, watercolour, and oil painting, with over 250 pages of original projects aimed at the beginner with expert guidance on the different techniques and materials required. The first part shows how to use soft pencils, Conte crayons, charcoal, and graphite sticks, each media having an accompanying project for each tool you learn to use so you can try out your new skill while creating a work of art. In the second part, you'll work with watercolours, painting subjects from a peaceful beach scene to crashing waves. The third part covers oil painting, a method enabling an infinite range of textures and effects. With helpful hints and gorgeous photographs on every page, this handbook is indispensable to budding artists.

Angela Gair studied Fine Art in England and then spent several years painting and teaching in Italy, Spain and France. She is a writer and editor as well as a painter, and has written a number of practical books on drawing and painting.