This is an art form rich in symbolism, with a wonderfully stylized love of pattern and linking elements. To really get a good grounding in this highly distinctive form you need more than this slim volume, but it is a fine starting point. The author begins with constructing the human body, then shows you how to depict braids, tattooing and other elements, such as popular symbols (raven, triskele etc) and apparel.

All this whets the appetite for more, and here a list of other books needed for a working base of knowledge would be helpful. But this is not intended to be a book for beginners to art, nor for anybody unversed in the basics of Celtic lore and life.

Touched on briefly, too, were a few watercolor techniques to try such as wet-in-wet, scratching out and drawing starbursts; but again, the focus is on revision rather than how-to in any depth.

Two paintings of Celtic mythological deities are given, step-by-step, and working through these gives the reader a start in this type of thing. More a taster than a primer, this is attractive enough to whet the appetite for more, whatever aspect of the Celtic world the reader desires to have more of.

If you cannot find watercolor materials locally try SearchPress.com for a list of suppliers.