Oil paint is such a responsive and versatile medium that no two painters need use it in exactly the same way, and since its invention in Renaissance times it has never lost its popularity with artists. Amateurs also find it appealing, not only because it is enjoyable to use but also because mistakes can be easily rectified, yet in many cases mistakes would not occur if the individual had a sound knowledge of technique.

In the A-Z section of the book, Jeremy Galton, a practising painter, explains how to build up a painting, how and when to work "wet into wet", and how to make your brushwork describe forms and textures. He also provides a wealth of stimulating ideas such as combining oil paints with other media, mixing paint with sand and sawdust and applying it with knives, rags or the fingers.

In the second part of the book, Themes, you can see the techniques in context. Illustrated with a gallery of paintings by well-known artists as well as informative step-by-step demonstrations, it shows how each person applies his or her knowledge of oil painting techniques to the interpretation of a subject, whether landscape, portrait or still life.