The workshop approach to learning to paint is based on active, "hands-on" participation by the student. With this in mind, "Painting Workshop" - the first title in Collins' Workshop series for the leisure painter - combines instructional teaching by a professional artist with practical exercises and projects which are specifically designed to encourage students to develop their own style and ideas, rather than just copying those of other artists. The book features: practical projects, with a system of self-assessment to monitor your progress; additional exercises to try - putting theory into practice; comprehensive guidelines on materials (gouache, acrylics and watercolours) and painting methods; helpful hints and checklists; varied subject matter - still life, flowers, buildings, landscapes, figures and abstracts; and a wide selection of paintings by the author and other well-known contemporary artists to show different styles and techniques.