Detailed photos clarify how to build each individual stroke, from the proper loading of the brush, to placing the bristles on the surface, pressing down, turning or pivoting the brush, lifting up, and finishing off. All the conventional brushstrokes are covered, plus many that are unique and innovative.

Step-by-step demos illustrate how to put individual strokes together to form many different kinds of leaves and flowers such as poppies, roses, thistles, violets, daylilies, bluebells, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and more. The book concludes with easy-to-follow demos of scrollwork trim, glazing, and faux finishing techniques.

Maureen McNaughton is an internationally known decorative artist and teacher. She has been teaching in Canada since 1974 and internationally since 1980. She has designed and written several books and over 100 pattern packets, and made four instructional videos. In 1999, she was appointed to the Teacher Development Program task force for the Society of Decorative Painters. Maureen teaches seminars at her own studio in Belwood, Ontario.