This is a practical & comprehensive guide for all oil painting enthusiasts from the beginner to the experienced artist. Starting with advice on materials painting from photographs colour & composition it goes on to describe basic & more advanced techniques such as wet on wet wet on dry scumbling dry brush sgraffito impasto & glazing & the wonderful effects they can produce. For those wanting to avoid the use of smelly additives like turpentine or white spirit there is a section on water mixable oils. For readers who would like to see quick results there is a section on instant oil painting or painting in an intuitive spontaneous way. Easy to follow step-by-step demonstrations show the reader how to paint landscapes sea & sky still life & flowers & each section is accompanied by a selection of inspirational paintings by the four featured artists in a rich variety of styles.