The chapters in this volume were delivered at lectures to students of the Royal Academy of Arts in January 1904 by George Clausen, who was at that time Professor of Painting. He approaches the subject a number of ways, including specific masters, styles, methods, techniques, contexts and composition. The book offers a balanced introduction to the subject, and to the modern reader, an insightful glimpse at an approach to this evergreen topic as delivered over 100 years ago.

George Clausen was a founder member of the New English Art Club, Clausen became Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy in 1906. His lectures at the Academy were published as Six Lectures on Painting (1904) and Aims and Ideals in Art (1906). Clausen developed what became known as a semi-Impressionist style. Most of his paintings were landscapes and scenes of rural life. He was fascinated with the effects of light and his work often featured figures set against the sun.

1. Introductory: Some Early Painters 2. On Lighting and Arrangement 3. On Colour 4. Titian, Velasquez, and Rembrandt 5. On Landscapes and Open-air Painting 6. On Realism and Impressionism