Oil paint is regarded as the medium for artists, but its reputation and importance in the art world often leads beginners and amateur artists to be too daunted to tackle it. Here, Stan Smith makes oils accessible to all in a course of ten lessons. He takes the reader on an easy path, explaining each principle and approach in a simple and logical way, so that each stage can be understood before the next is encountered. Each lesson opens with a set of aims followed by clear instructions, practical examples, step-by-step demonstrations (describing what is happening and why) and finished paintings to illustrate principles. Smith explains the versatility of oil paint, showing how to take advantage of its slow drying time - which means that paint remains flexible and mistakes can be easily rectified. He encourages the reader to experiment, leaving room for artistic integrity, whilst explaining the fundamentals in a straightforward fashion.