Jeremy Ford is a very patient, generous and thorough teacher. The fact that he also clearly enjoys what he's doing helps as well. I mention this because this is a very nicely crafted and balanced course that will appeal to the beginner as well as the more practised exponent of painting with pastels.

Demonstrations are at its heart (and, as I hinted, it has a big heart) and they ensure that, at all times, you're learning by doing and not by reading or by rote. Yes, of course there are sections on materials, mark-making and methods of application, but they're short and to the point. They're also fully illustrated, so you're never in doubt as to what you're supposed to be doing.

All the landscape elements are here and we have skies and clouds, trees, water, hills and structures. Seasons include both winter and summer, and lighting varies from soft daylight to dramatic sunsets. Neither does Jeremy forget to include advice on perspective, reflections and painting from photographs.

Book: Search Press . Paperback . 96 pages . Colour throughout.