As someone who has enjoyed painting and drawing as a hobby in the past, I had been unable to keep up with it for quite a while and had, therefore, lost confidence. This book is ideal for helping me get back into my stride, especially as I had struggled a bit with water colour work in the past. The book contains many useful tips for anyone starting for the first time and for someone like myself who needs to go back to the basics. I would also think that the wealth of techniques described in the book would be further inspiration for any artist who, although already competent with watercolours, could enjoy experimenting with different styles and effects in their work. Initially I thought I would read through the book before starting to paint - but I couldn't wait! However, first efforts made me keep going back to the book for advice! I intend to work through it trying out the tutorials as I go along. The introduction about the different papers and paints available and the results you can expect from them was particularly useful for me. To show how long it was since I had last painted, I had to go out and buy a new bottle of masking fluid as my previous one had turned solid, despite the cap being tightly fitted. I am looking forward to many hours of fun ahead!