This book was a bit of a surprise. When I had browsed it at the library it seemed like a good tutorial book, but once I started to read it word for word and prepare to follow the exercises I realized it wasn't worth working from. The completed art samples were gorgeous, but the steps were often text only or with TINY examples. The text was too small as well, and about as much of a strain on the eyes as studying the drawn examples. This layout was a strange decision, I suppose more the editor's fault and nothing to do with the author. Normally art tutorial books are highly visual--including large graphics--, easy to follow, and never text-only. I prefer not to judge a book but it's market peers, but in this case I can see why it's a good idea to cater to what consumers expect to get. I know I can find better tutorials in other books and YouTube videos, so I'm not going to force myself to complete these exercises, which by the way, are not for true beginners. With the poor step-by-step instructions and the level of detail in the completed paintings, I consider this book more for intermediate botanical artists. ( )