Book excerpt: This book is a summary of the fundamental ideas of representational painting that artists use to help them paint in a realistic manner. These concepts have been passed down from artist to student for generations. The author lists them in order of importance to help the working painter logically solve problems. He has added an "Index of Ideas" to help the artist commit them to memory. The first two sections of the book contain principles of composition and drawing. The main section deals with the impressionistic approach to painting nature in a broad manner with simplicity of detail. The author has included a section on helpful advice to students and an extensive reading list for further research. He also discusses how the artist can train his visual memory. Anyone with an interest in art can read this book and greatly increase their appreciation of classical painting.