Alan Hydes, a TV artist, tells how he painted the portraits of many celebrities and gives useful hints, tips and practical advice on how to paint people, as well as several step-by-step portraits painted especially for the book. There are chapters on lighting the sitter, underpainting and facial structure, how to paint flesh tones and the importance of sketching and photography. The author also shares with us some of the anecdotes from politicians and celebrities who have sat for their portraits for him

Many men dream of living out their James Bond fantasy, the screen version: exotic travel, adventure, hot women, and icy martinis shaken not stirred. Reality proves different as an innocent quest for a simpler, more spiritual life turns into a nightmare as two seekers, ordinary Americans, stumble across the path of the covert operations of two world powers and become unwilling spies. The story takes the reader through the nether world of the shadow government, all governments in fact, and the ruling classes. Accused by the woman he loves of using and betraying her, the damned hero of the story...