Getting started: materials, fundamentals and mark-making. Ideas to trigger the imagination for developing personal style. A variety of images to inspire and encourage. Help and advice throughout to practice new skills and gain confidence with a medium that has the potential magnificence of a 'full orchestra', yet can be slipped into the pocket.

Watercolour offers great potential for expression. Its fluidity, full colour range, generous spread and variety of marks can portray a likeness, a response, a feeling - even the notions of time and speed. This book is a practical guide to watercolour painting and more. It explains the importance of colour, tone, shape, texture andscale through exercisesand shared techniques. But it also encourages the artist to express sensations and ideas in watercolour - and by exploring the joy of the medium, to develop handling skills, confidence and a unique painting ''voice''.