Esteemed artist and teacher Michael Crespo has a knack for honing in on the essentials, giving the most important guidance in a way that is easy digest and put to work. Modeled after the college course he taught for decades, this book will be cherished by painters of all skill levels. Crespo's success as a teacher seamlessly transfers to his written works; his learn-by-doing approach will have you at the easel, doing exercises and making art right away. Focusing on technique, skill building, and materials--with just enough terminology and theory--he provides artists with a strong foundation from which to explore their creative expression. This book is organized into several distinct lessons, each accompanied by one or more exercises to reinforce the subject matter and to keep your brush and skill moving. It is clear from the content and structure of How to Make an Oil Painting that the author understands not only the fundamentals of painting with oils, but how to effectively convey skills to others. This is especially critical for the casual hobby artist, who may not have the benefit of an actual live instructor. This isn't merely another art book for your coffee table--it's an essential tool for your studio!