This is one of the first two titles in a series specially created to provide the most effective contemporary introduction to painting skills. Aimed at the broadest base of the teach-yourself amateur artist market, the Beginners Guides lead the way into an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of their subjects. Combining full colour step-by-step and inspirational material throughout, this book aims to offer the beginner an accessible, enjoyable way to take up oil painting. Illustrated on every spread with hundreds of pictures taken specially for the book, it covers canvases and other supports, brushes and paints, using and mixing colour, underpainting, composition and all the exciting techniques of oil painting. Three projects show step-by-step how to develop your approach to specific subjects.