As the author, watercolourist Ron Ranson states in the Introduction, his goal is to relate to the reader. Even though you've "waged the psychological struggle" before, only to have lost - by getting materials out and then being afraid to ruin that lovely sheet of white paper - this book will truly get you itching to try Ranson's methods.

Ranson's paintings and techniques in this book emphasise loose, free, impressionistic renderings of landscapes. If you're looking for cloying illustrations of nostalgic subjects and "hearts and flowers," you'll have to look elsewhere. This book is chockfull of advice on representing trees and skies, composing pictures, tonal values and simplifying photos to painting.

You will pick this book up again and again as your own "ouvre" develops, as it's the kind of advice you'd get if you were lucky enough to have a beloved English uncle - that could paint like only Ron Ranson can! For example; "You can't go through life avoiding figures in your landscapes - just because you're afraid of spoiling your pictures. Students often seem to belive that they need training in life drawing before they can portray them with confidence - this simply isn't true." And better yet, the author goes on to show you just exactly how to paint: outlining tools to use, many varying examples, and an absolulely indispensible "do's and don'ts" list that should be mandatory reading for every painter.

Another example in "The Materials" chapter; "This is going to be short chapter because the materials I'm going to show you are few, simple and reasonably cheap to buy." If a statement like that doesn't get you itching to paint, you can always go back to charcoals!