This text shows how to paint flowers which are not only beautiful, but also lifelike with realistic foliage and surroundings. Close-up, step-by-step illustrated instructions focus on textures, and enable artists of all skill levels to re-create a variety of favourite flowers in seasonal settings that evoke old-fashioned country gardens. The book begins with a comprehensive chapter on materials and techniques, showing how to create both bright and pastel floral colours with a limited palette, and how to introduce textural effects using household items such as salt, rubbing-alcohol, paper towels and so on. The next chapter shows step-by-step how to sketch and paint flowers in pen and ink, and watercolour. Emphasis is given to achieving soft translucency in the petals and depicting the textures of the flowers and foliage, including veined, glossy, hairy, smooth and puckered textures. The annotated illustrations are easy to follow and inspirational. The author then goes on to cover a variety of flowers and foliage, throughout the seasons and in many different styles of country garden.