Using an uncomplicated palette and simple techniques, artist Mary Backer shares her love of nature as well as the secrets behind her prize-winning works of art in this beautiful book.

You'll learn the artist's techniques for painting a variety of single flowers like poppies, peonies, and roses — and then move on to more complex compositions such as a vibrant country garden bursting with hollyhocks, sunflowers, daisies, and black-eyed Susans.

Helpful sections about workspaces, materials, paint properties, and camera work lead into a discussion of fundamental design principals, color basics, and techniques. Of special interest are the author's unique ways of combining watercolor and acrylic to create intense, deep colors on flowers, foliage, objects, and sky backgrounds.

More than a set of hard and fast rules, Backer explains, by demonstration and illustration, many of the details that present problems to the beginning and intermediate artist when painting their favorite flowers.

This is an ideal gift for artists, gardeners, and nature lovers of all skill levels.

Author — Mary Backer.

Hardcover. 128 pages. 8¾" × 11¼".