Features
Social Distortion Dynamic paintings filled with distorted figures and exaggerated scenes of Middle America tell the stories of our time. By Robert Barnum

Art Will Find a Way Bucking family and cultural traditions, Fealing Lin found the courage to paint. By Katherine Mesch

Practical Magic In spellbinding paintings reminiscent of stained glass, Paul Melia portrays the good and evil of mankind. Interview by Betsy Dillard Stroud

The Architecture of Detail Learn step by step how Laurin McCracken constructs complex still lifes in amazing detail. By Michelle Taute

Special Report: Sharing the Journey How a mentor can have a lasting impact on your art and your life. Plus, four tips for finding the right one. By Caroline Purtell

Columns Making a Splash How plant DNA is being used to label artwork, why Margaret Huddy made history painting all 50 state flowers, and where to see great art this spring. Edited by Loraine Crouch

Brush Basics Small architectural details can be the fix for ho-hum houses and buildings. By Mark Willenbrink

Studio Staples Classic colors reborn in modern-day watercolors are put to the test. By Butch Krieger

Creative Challenge #19 Four artists share the secret for finding an endless supply of ideas. Plus, your responses to Creative Challenge #17. By Betsy Dillard Stroud

Watercolor Essentials The skinny on five techniques every watercolorist needs to know. By James Toogood

Practical Creativity How making art can help you recover from pain and find meaning after tragedy. By Cathy Johnson

Meet the Masters Discover why Jessie Wilcox Smith's illustrations of children made her one of the most popular artists of her time. By Walter Garver