A comprehensive guide for the enthusiastic beginner and the experienced artist alike, this beautifully illustrated guidebook encompasses seven basic elements of art technique in one comprehensive volume. The subjects included are drawing, perspective, watercolor, pastels, oil painting, acrylics, and mixed media.Easy-to-follow projects — from drawing natural forms to creating a photo collage — teach you all the essentials of each subject and inspire you to go on to master more complex techniques. Close-up, step-by-step photographs show artworks being created before your eyes, revealing the secrets of how professional artists produce their work. And the book covers wide range of specific subjects — from mixing watercolors to blockprintmaking, from tonal drawing to oil painting in layers — to give a truly comprehensive overview of what you need to know to be a visual artist. Artists Ray Smith, Michael Wright, and James Horton specialize in each medium and have written clear and authoritative texts. With expert knowledge and accessible presentation, this is an top-quality art course in book form.