Charles Reid, one of America’s finest artists, starts with his favorite subject of all: the human figure. Sit in on his sessions with a live model, as he paints several artistic poses, both sitting and reclining. If you're intimidated by the prospect of figure painting, this DVD is just the thing to take the edge off and show you how achievable it can be. You'll learn easy tricks for taking visual measurements, creating a contour drawing, and achieving realistic skin tones, shadow colors and more.

Next, the lesson moves outdoors as Charles paints a wheelbarrow against a lovely country backdrop and a more detailed painting of a quaint inn. As each scene develops, Charles shares the secrets to his loose, impressionistic style:

• Adjusting the temperature of colors
• Using negative shapes to carve out a subject
• Mingling colors on the paper
• Suggesting, rather than "spelling out" textures
• Laying down brush passages with confidence ad determination
• Knowing when to stop to avoid overworking

From the lovely slant of a shoulder to the lush look of foliage, it's an absolute joy (and a great education) to watch Charles capture the essence of his subjects. Perhaps the most enlightening lesson of all, you'll see that it's not always easy for Charles, either. But the challenge, he assures, is what keeps painting fresh and fun.

DVD is 115 minutes long.