This is a lovely book to look at, and sure to entertain your guests if placed on the coffee table when it is not doing duty as a primer. In true Search Press tradition the book opens with several pages on what you need, stressing inevitably the importance of choosing the best. If you are a total novice I personally recommend trying the hobby out before you commit yourself, but I have never seen this advice given in any book. However, artists will already own most, if not all, of the items listed, and there are no surprises. I particularly liked the pages showing what could be done with each color, the flowers and the effects possible with it and how it looks in a painting where this color is the focus. I also applaud the useful checklist on what you need to do before you start; this will be of particular interest to anybody not used to painting flowers, or painting at all. As usual, the various watercolor effects are covered briefly, and there are some lovely projects to work through. It is a lushly handsome book, which in grand old Search Press tradition manages effectively to combine beauty with usefulness.

If you cannot find watercolour art supplies locally try SearchPress.com for a list of suppliers.