This practical step-by-step guide helps beginners quickly achieve immediate and impressive results. Thirty-eight step-by-step projects each illustrate a different painting technique, using watercolours, acrylics, or oils. Readers learn to paint landscapes, still life, people, flowers, animals, buildings and more. Covering the three most popular types of painting: watercolours, acrylics and oils, this comprehensive step-by-step guide provides basic information on materials and techniques as well as an exciting series of demonstrations aimed at complete beginners. The unique approach of this book is so simple that the reader can start immediately on original and exciting projects. Each section has practical information on materials and equipment and includes a gallery of work by various artists to inspire the beginner. Within each section the demonstrations provide instruction in a whole range of different techniques from the basic brushstrokes to using resist and painting with a knife. Practical advice on choosing the best materials and equipment to get the most out of your painting. Includes inspirational galleries and essential basic techniques sections to develop your artistic skills.