After 30 years of being in finance, Dave White discovered he could paint, and recognising that we all have creative gifts inside us, bursting to get out, he embarked on a new road of painting people's animals and teaching students how to do it. He exhibits annually at Crufts Dog Show and the New Forest Show, and has done numerous commissions all over the world. Living in the New Forest in England allows an up-close encounter with a variety of animals, including horses and dogs.

It's difficult for many painters to achieve realistic looking skies and water. Dave demonstrates how to paint both so that you can refine your skills. Simple techniques that any can follow. Take a closer look at waves and cloud formations, I really enjoyed these two sections. There are three step-by-step projects and examples of finished work. Discover how to add a little drama to your acrylic paintings.

• IntroductionMaterialsColour and opacityTechniquesSEA:The splash zoneA rising waveA falling waveSurf and ripplesReflectionsBeachesWind directionSKY:Selecting a vanishing pointCloudsMoods and SunsetsPROJECTS:BeachcomberThe Heavens DeclareBarton Corner