Ian Sidaway originally trained as a graphic designer and has been working as an artist since 1970. He is the author of many art techniques books including Learn to Paint with Watercolor, and Painting with Oils, Acrylics and Gouache (both Southwater), and The Instant Artist, which won the Artist's Choice Art Instruction Book of the Year award in 2001. His other published works include Color Mixing Bible (David & Charles) and Pastels (Sunburst Books).