The photorealistic figure painting in most books is intimidating and, to many, unappealing. Mel Stabin liberates us from this tight, souless style. His people are fresh and fast, and something of their essence of the person is captured.Stabin's instruction, which could be more plentiful, is full of useful information. Copying his paintings is very instructive. As is his former book Watercolor: Simple, Fast and Focused, this book is a gift to watercolorists and those who love looking at spontaneous, fresh paintings.Two other painter-authors who use this loose style for figures are Charles Reid and, for the nude figure, Douglas Lew (Painting from Life).