Demonstrates all the major styles of traditional folk art, providing step-by-step directions in achieving a folk art style. The book contains 20 projects, showing how to paint the commonly-used shapes of flowers, fruit and symbols found in authentic folk art designs, and how to modify them. Also included is advice on wood and metal surfaces for painting, and choosing and creating the right decorative background for the designs. The topics covered are: the history of folk art, purchasing folk art supplies, preparation, decorative backgrounds, painting with acrylics and oils, basic brush strokes and pattern work, brush techniques, finishing touches and projects.