o Describes how the old masters were created o Each technique is illustrated with a step-by-step demonstration of how a masterwork was created; these reconstructions are themselves of the highest quality o Lavishly illustrated with paintings, drawings and specially commissioned photographs of materials and techniques o The author is a trained conservator and a highly skilled artist o A fascinating and practical guide to artists' tools, techniques and working methods.

Abrahams takes us to the heart of art, showing how paintings have been created, the text following her progress as she experiments with the materials used and the techniques employed, and step-by-step illustrations demonstrate how each painting style was achieved. We, the readers, feel we are standing at her shoulder as she murmurs her experience of stepping into the shoes of a Michelangelo or Titan, gaining a whole new way of experiencing art. Publishing News

Trained at the Slade School of Fine Art and the Courtauld Institute of Art, Philippa Abrahams is an artist, conservator, museum education consultant and teacher, and an expert on historic art materials and painting and drawing techniques. She has contributed to several television and radio programmes, advising on techniques and materials and demonstrating the working methods of artists including Michelangelo, Titian, Seurat and Whistler. This is her first book.