<p>If you've ever struggled with identifying the problems in your oil paintings--and how to fix them--then this book is for you. Not only will you learn to solve those pesky painting problems, you'll learn how to avoid them in the first place. <br /> Here you'll get to know the right way to put a painting together from the start, beginning with the essential elements of successful oil painting: <br /> - Composition<br /> - Value<br /> - Color<br /> - Temperature<br /> - Edge quality<br /> - Drawing<br /> After a brief review of materials and techniques, you'll learn to make good choices before taking your brush to the canvas: <br /> - Control the way the viewer's eye scans your composition<br /> - Attract and retain the viewer's attention<br /> - Create a sense of depth<br /> - Select or set up subject matter, with an emphasis on the still life<br /> - Use light to create form<br /> - Simplify values for stronger paintings<br /> - Paint edges that attract the eye and create depth<br /> - Use color to create mood and enhance realism<br /> - Draw with a brush and simplify your brushwork<br /> All of these techniques are illustrated throughout the boo k with Browning's work, often showing a flawed "before" painting, followed by an example showing how he corrected the error using the elements discussed. <br /> No matter your current skill level, you'll find valuable advice and inspiration in the pages of this book--advice that will immediately improve your oil paintings <br /> <