Features

Start from the Inside
Learning composition is all well and good, but to grow as an artist, you must get to a point where you can forget the rules and begin to paint from within.
By Carla O'Connor

The Hardest-Working Medium in the Studio
With acrylics, you get the best of both worlds: transparent and opaque color. Learn how to apply your watercolor techniques to this versatile medium and discover a whole new set of skills in return.
By Hugh Greer

A Bold Approach
Add oomph to your next painting with these five methods for creating exciting textural effects.
By Betsy Dillard Stroud

Clean and Honest Watercolors
Fancy gadgets and slick tricks won't make you a better painter. To create standout watercolors, you've got to get back to the basics.
By Mary Whyte

The Truth about Painting. Period.
No formula or tried-and-true technique can replace good old-fashioned observation skills. And what better way to learn to see than by painting from life?
By Frank LaLumia

Watermedia Handbooks

Matching Materials to Methods and Style
See why seven top artists choose the tools they do, how it affects their paintings, and how you can put what they've learned about their materials to work for you, too.

Bone Up on Basic Painting Principles
Sage advice from 18 masterly artists on how to use color, value, shape and composition to evoke drama and mood.

Techniques for Mastering the Medium
In this step-by-step-guide to must-know watercolor techniques, learn how to paint wet-into-wet; apply an underpainting; glaze paint; create hard and soft edges and use a variety of masking tools.

Drawing on Drawing Skills
Composition, perspective, shape-making—they all hinge on your ability to draw well. Whether you start each painting with a detailed sketch or dive right in with a brush full of paint, you'll need to master these basic drawing techniques.

Columns

Contributors
Get to know the 33 stellar artists who share their wisdom and expertise in this special issue.

Letters, Etc.
Readers sound off on paper sizing problems and ask for more material on painting with acrylics.

Cross-Country Art
A guide to this season's watercolor shows and museum exhibitions.
By Lori Goetzinger

Resource Guide
For even more watercolor instruction, check out these four new books.
By Loraine Crouch

Picture This
How do you paint a commissioned portrait and still make a painting that reflects your personal style? Include symbols and objects that are meaningful to you.
By Kathleen Jardine