I am not a painter by any stretch of the imagination. I decided to get this book for my gf who is much more artistically astute. The funny thing is that she still has yet to use it, although I read it to see what its all about. After reading the koi pond i thought why not give it a shot. I followed the instructions and took my time, and strangely enough i completed the painting. What was most incredible to me was when i finished I actually was proud of the painting and it was a pretty good rendition. I never thought that i had that ability to make something which was really something i'd hang in my hall. Anyway, it inspired me to use her tactics to take on a different project of painting another scene that i saw a painting of in a museum. Once again the painting came out pretty good. While of course I wouldn't consider what i created really great or even very good, it was definitely worth sharing and being content with the work.All in all I found using my fingers rather than a brush much more rewarding and easier for me to do. I think its a great unique idea that others should pursue and am very happy with the purchase. BTW. . as i write this review my gf just told me that she is finally going to try it out this week.