Other painting courses start the student off in black and white, slowly adding other colours one-by-one. But with a dynamic new method, Diane Edison gets you using the full range of colours on the palette right away. So you can start using the whole range from the very first lesson. Starting with a detailed discussion of the colour wheel and continuing with a broad exploration of design principles, the author then goes on to demonstrate painting techniques using oils and acrylics.In a clear step-bystep approach, she explains how to prepare a canvas, or wood panel, before looking at the techniques of wet-on-wet (or alla prima) painting, wet onto dry painting, scumbling and a variation on the grisaille technique. Using the different techniques students also learn how to compose still life, portrait, landscape and abstract paintings. Throughout the text are tips on how to use a range of tools and materials. A commentary on techniques used by fine artists, and particularly by a wide range of contemporary artists, illuminates the practical discussion.