Introducting paintings -- Behind the scenes in a gallery -- Painting for a purpose (Why paintings were made) -- Telling a story (Stories in pictures) -- Hidden meanings (Clues and symbols) -- Layer upon layer (How paintings were made) -- Focus on colour (Colour and paint) -- Tricking the eye (Making things look real) -- Ordinary and extraordinary (Everyday life and special events) -- The power of light (Light and atmosphere) -- Painting people (Portraits and self portraits) -- Still life (Painting objects) -- Magic landscapes (Real or imagined views) -- Making arrangements (Organising the picture) -- List of artists.