Trees are a major feature of any landscape, whether a main subject or in the background, and they are the one element you absolutely have to get right.

Many books have been written on painting trees, but they mostly concentrate on individual species and on the details of structure and foliage. Terry Harrison's approach is refreshingly different and refreshingly simple: his trees are there because the painting would look naked without them.

Terry begins by showing you how to create suitable shapes quickly and easily and he also explains the range of brushes he has developed to help you with this.

As the book progresses, you'll move into more detail, such as portraying trees in the different seasons, working up to individual species, which Terry always shows in context - the tree itself is hardly ever the main subject in this book. Settings include woodlands, landscapes, mountains and rivers and you'll see how trees grow differently in each and how to capture just the right shapes and colours every time.

Trees are a tricky subject and can trip up even the most experienced painter, but Terry, in his customary way, really does take the mystery out of them.

Book: Search press. 128 Pages. Paperback. Colour thorughout.