Learning to paint using oils, acrylics and gouache requires training in specific painting skills. This practical encyclopedia is an ideal introduction for beginners as well as being comprehensive enough to include exercises and projects that will challenge a more experienced artist. Getting Started discusses the materials and equipment required and suggests a starter palette for those about to invest in their first set of paints. This chapter clearly demonstrates how to use different painting tools, how to mix, blend and dilute different paints, and how to prepare a canvas. There are practical exercises that show how to apply paint, such as wet into wet with gouache, impasto, scumbling with acrylics and glazing with oils. Painting Projects includes 20 beautiful artworks ranging from landscapes to representations of people, still lifes and abstract canvases that are truly inspirational. These projects are illustrated step-by-step, showing how the canvas should look at every stage of application. With gallery examples from professional artists, a range of styles of working and differing perspectives are included throughout.