A practical guide which aims to provide an introduction to the extensive range of soluble and non-soluble pencil media currently available. This range includes water-soluble coloured and graphite pencils, water-soluble crayons, wax oil crayons, oil pastels and the ordinary coloured pencil. The author demonstrates their versatility and, step by step, explores the ways in which they can be used to improve and expand drawing and painting ability. He suggests various creative ideas and simple skills, such as stencilling and frottage, so that the absolute beginner can gain confidence and move on to landscape, still life and figure drawing.