Painting, technique 

"What a beautiful country scene! If I could, I'd paint it. But I just don't know where to begin!"

How often have you heard yourself - or others - say something like this in an exasperated tone of voice? Probably very often. Hundreds of people would like to learn to draw or paint, but they just do not know which step to take first. "What kinds of brushes will I need?" they ask themselves. "Will any kind of paper do for oils? Is water color painting as difficult as people say? If I paint outdoors, how do I arrange my subject? What about perspective? And what about making a drawing or rough sketch before applying paint - is this necessary?"

Painting Made Easy answers all these important questions as well as countless others. Its author, James Mills, is a professional art teacher, experienced in handling the problems of beginning artists. Since he has also given many lectures on art appreciation, Mr. Mills is extremely well qualified to guide your development. Although at first, painting and drawing may seem complicated because of the great variety of mediums and subjects from which you can choose, do not let this prevent you from trying your artistic hand.

Beginning with introductory instructions on how to train you eye to select "pictures" from the appealing sights you see each day, Mr. Mills explains the use of perspective and the treatment of shadows. He describes the materials you will need (brushes, grounds, paints, and so forth) and gives specific, easy-to-follow instructions for the beginner in water color, opaque and texture painting, oils, charcoal, pastels and pencil and ink drawing. Each method of painting or drawing is illustrated step-by-step. The author has also included reproductions of masterpieces from the past, so that you can learn from examining outstanding examples of various techniques.

Let Painting Made Easy introduce you to the thrill of expressing yourself on canvas - with brilliant colors freely applied in a variety of interesting textures. You do not have to be a professional to intensify your perceptions and to expand your interests through art. While driving down a country road in autumn, touring a foreign country or admiring the pleasant shapes and colors of a bowl of fruit, you will never again have to experience the frustration of not being able to capture permanently what you have seen - not if you let Painting Made Easy be your instructor. Pluck up your self-confidence, place some colors on you palette, mix the shades you need and go to work. Chances are, you'll be astonished to find painting even more exciting than you thought it would be.

Taken from the inside flaps.