Many, many years ago Leo Lee and I were shipmates. Our ways parted but recently we have regained contact and find that in addition to our wartime memories we share many new interests. Sadly water colour painting is not among them but perhaps there is still time for me to pick up from where I left off - sketches in my Midshipman's Journal, circa 1940.

Leo Lee came to painting relatively late in life. By his own enthusiasm and perseverance he has become - in my opinion, not his - a very good amateur artist. It is typical of him to want to guide and inspire others to acquire the skills of which he is now a master so that they may experience the pleasure and satisfaction that he so obviously enjoys. This is an instruction manual the beginner will understand, written by a man who started from scratch and understands the needs of those in the same situation. If I needed any stimulation or guidance to start again, this splendid book would provide it.