The first part explains the technical terms and techniques, dedicating a single or a double page to each, and providing plenty of illustrations by a number of different artists to demonstrate the points the author wishes to convey. The terms are not only explained clearly, but the reader is taken through a brief, but interesting discussion, widening the explanation beyond a mere definition. A number of paintings have been selected to illustrate each definition, and each is accompanied by a caption relating the picture to the term under discussion.
The second part attacks a variety of topics (such as architecture, figure painting, etc as listed in the Contents). The main aspects the aspiring painter needs to keep in mind when tackling each subject are considered, and the particular pitfalls explained. As in the first part, relevant paintings by several artists illustrate the topic under discussion. In addition, a demonstration is given in the form of a series of photographs of a painting as it is being carried out.
I purchased this book expecting it to be a reference, I anticipated that it might be somewhat dry to read, however I have been pleasantly surprised: It is a book one could just dabble in, but it is also a pleasure to read from cover to cover. The paperback is not imposing (note the dimensions), although the illustration of the cover makes it appear slightly grand on Amazon, Nevertheless, its contents make it a book to admire and enjoy. The illustrations are varied and lively, and seeing the work of several different artists is informative and sometimes inspirational. Confirmed artists might enjoy some of the paintings, but would probably find little in this book, however, for those of us near the bottom of the ladder, this is an excellent introduction and well worth the cost.
