Decorative painting - the ornamentation of wood, tin, glass, paper, and other surfaces with painted designs - requires no previous artistic training or drawing skill. The Big Book of Decorative Painting contains invaluable information on this delightful and imaginative craft for artists and crafters at every level of experience: hesitant beginners looking for a thorough and reassuring step-by-step guide; "Sunday painters" who want to perfect their color mixing and brush control techniques; intermediate painters and accomplished fine artists who want to take their art in a new direction; teachers seeking a thoughtful manual, complete with a progressive curriculum and lessons for a range of skill levels. Using exercises to develop the skills necessary for working on and successfully completing projects, chapters on color mixing, brush control and loading, basic brushstrokes, paint application and blending, and surface preparation provide a strong foundation for the beginner and an excellent review for the experienced painter. Each motif in the four design categories - brushstrokes, fruits, vegetables, and florals - is covered in three skill levels: Quick and Easy, Intermediate, and Advanced. Every lesson includes: a list itemizing the required materials and skills; step-by-step instructions for the specific project's surface preparation, decorative painting, and finishing; a worksheet that provides a detailed breakdown of how to paint the major elements of the design; and a photograph of the completed project. Regardless of their ability, readers can get the most out of the book by mixing the patterns and lessons; for example, a beginner can use Quick and Easy techniques on Advanced-level patterns and projects. Information on lettering, special effects such as faux finishes, trompe l'oeil, and gold leaf, and finishing techniques is expanded in separate in-depth chapters. The concluding chapter on how to work with patterns includes the patterns for all the project