From the days of the Old Masters, oil painting has inspired and intrigued artists of all skill levels, but it can be challenging for beginners. Beginning with the tools and materials, the book moves on to basic drawing techniques and color theory, as well as brief overviews of perspective, composition, lighting, and painting from photographs. Expert oil painters then guide artists along the way by outlining basic painting techniques, providing clear, step-by-step painting lessons on mixing colors, rendering light and shadow, creating textures, and achieving lifelike results. As you learn the basics, the projects include portraits, landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, and florals.