In this innovative approach to Impressionism and its methods, Jonathan Stephenson’s instruction enables amateurs the world over to paint like the Impressionists. Vibrantly illustrated in colour throughout, both with well-known works of art and step-by-step examples, the book shows how the masters achieved their diverse effects and how their ideas and styles can be adapted to today’s tastes. Sections on the artists provide fascinating insights into individual techniques: learn how Monet produced his oil colour sketches, or how Sisley created his atmospheric landscapes. With an introduction providing the historical background to Impressionism, and a comprehensive section on artists’ materials, this is a highly practical book that will appeal both to beginners and more experienced artists, as well as to the many thousands of of people inspired by the brilliance and beauty of Impressionist painting.

This book enables any amateur artist to explore confidently the most popular painting medium the world has ever known: watercolour. Richly illustrated in colour throughout with well-known works of art, photographs of materials and step-by-step examples, the author shows how to achieve various effects and provides an insight into the art of watercolour. By reconstructing in practice the methods of great watercolourists, Stephenson reveals new ideas on how artists as diverse as Durer, Cezanne, Turner and Sargent actually worked. Using examples of the most popular subjects - landscapes, portraits, still-life paintings and figures - Stephenson employs a series of demonstrations to show how to re-create the methods of the watercolour masters. From the initial sketch to the final painting, he guides us expertly through every brushstroke. This highly practical book will appeal both to beginners and to more experienced artists alike.