Book excerpt: Here's four years of art school in book formminus the loans. Taking the top lessons, methods, and instruction from the best-selling Artist's Manual and Art Class, plus all-new material, The New Artist's Manual is a veritable bible for beginners as well as an invaluable reference for accomplished artists. This is the definitive hands-on art volume, covering the ins and outs of equipment and hundreds of techniques for painting and drawing. Comprehensive and easily referenced, The New Artist's Manual clearly explains all the artist's essential tools and materialshow to choose them, how to use them, and how to care for themand includes detailed instructions on working with media ranging from watercolor to acrylic and from pencil to pastels. Packed with information on myriad techniques, from color use and composition to subject choice, numerous tips from professional working artists, plus a whopping 1300 color photos and illustrations, The New Artist's Manual is everything painters and illustrators need to begin, develop, and perfect their craftmaking it the definitive studio companion.