A Grand Illusion
New Mexico artist David Drummond reveals once and for all the secret to painting reflections on water.
By Beverly Leesman

Animal Instincts
William Silvers puts the lessons he learned painting for Disney into practice in his bold wildlife work, plus he gives you the inside scoop on how to break into Hollywood.
By Caroline Purtell

Watercolor the World Over
We scoured the globe to bring you the best painting advice and inspiration from artists around the world who share your passion for watercolor.
By Katherine Mesch

Defining a Style: One Artist's Journey
In a candid interview, watermedia icon Edward Betts reveals how his shift from realism to abstraction helped him find a style all his own.
Interview by Betsy Dillard Stroud

SPECIAL REPORT: 3 Ways to Improve Your Next Painting

Sketching a Blueprint for Success
Maximize your painting time and guarantee success by starting with preliminary sketches. It's quick and easy with these three basic techniques.
By David R. Becker

Making a Splash
Where you'll find great watercolors this season, where you won't and why, plus how to get the Mona Lisa in your living room.
Edited by Katherine Mesch

Studio Staples
Artist Joan Rothel tests a new sable brush with a unique spring-action design.

Practical Creativity
Learn how sumi-e, an ancient drawing technique, can breathe life into your watercolors.
By Cathy Johnson

Brush Basics
How to draw and paint a bird in four easy steps.
By Mark Willenbrink

Creative Challenge #14
Workshop instructor Miles Batt demonstrates his popular "Random Marks" exercise—the start of many of his award-winning paintings. Plus, your mask-inspired responses to Creative Challenge #12.
By Betsy Dillard Stroud

Meet the Masters
Take a peek at the lively watercolor sketches that served as inspiration for some of Eugène Delacroix's most famous paintings.
By Walter Garver

Watercolor Essentials
An experienced painter takes the mystery out of understanding and using value—the key to defining shape and form and creating drama in your work.
By John T. Salminen

Watercolor Q&A
Expert answers to your floral painting questions, plus a surefire tip for knowing when to put down your brush.
By Birgit O'Connor