Artist and writer Harrison offers a fine beginner's guide to artists' materials, which beautifully illustrates discussions of materials for a variety of artistic media. Classic paintings, newly commissioned work, and a gallery of photographs and sketches accompany each demonstration. More than 20 artists provide expert tips on everything from pastels, pencils, charcoal graphite, pens, and inks to watercolors, gouache, tempera, acrylics, and oils. Though this book may not actually include "all the materials you will ever need to make art," it's highly recommended for general collections. For more recent advances in art technologies, such as digitally printed laminates and laser-cut metal, see Ray Smith's New Artist's Handbook. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.