Mastering the use of oil and acrylic paints with step-by-step techniques and projects, in 200 photographs. You can learn how to work with oils and acrylics with this simple step-by-step course in techniques and stylistic approaches. From getting started to achieving excellence - perfect for the beginner, as well as providing inspiration for more advanced artists. It is packed with useful advice on how to treat the classical subjects: still life, landscape, figures and portraits. More than 200 step-by-step photographs show clearly how different techniques are carried out, making it easy to achieve success. 18 inspirational and practical projects allow you to put your skills to use. Guidance to help you express your creative potential. The versatility of oils and acrylics guarantees their place as the most popular painting medium today. This book explores these media in a clear, detailed manner suitable for beginners, as well as providing ideas for artists at all stages of their craft. It forms a concise guide to all the materials, techniques and methods, and also contains a selection of projects to follow. The book covers the essentials: basic setting up and preparation, mixing the paints, and general techniques such as brushwork, knife painting, underpainting and glazing. Some specialized methods are also included, for more sophisticated effects. Throughout, lively works by contemporary artists illustrate the skills in action, and special 'focus' features cover popular subjects. The easy-to-use format makes this a handy book for any painter.