Sunlight & Olive Oil

The simplest ingredients always make the best pizzas—and paintings. See how Raimondo Roberti's basic materials and process make for tantalizing landscapes. By Sandra Carpenter

Go Your Own Way

Technique can take you only so far in art. Create more exciting paintings and find artistic fulfillment by discovering your true passion. By Susanne Forestieri

Going Digital
Using technology to your advantage can mean better paintings and a more efficient business. Four artists share their tips for making computers a vital part of the studio. By Steve Smith

Modern Metaphors
What do you get when you mix traditional subject matter with a 21st-century spin? Meet three artists whose paintings have an unmistakable edge. By Michelle Addis

Painting Out Loud
Learn all about the voice in Elizabeth Mowry's head, and how having conversations with herself plays an important role in her artmaking process. By Steve Smith

Special Section: The Way of Watercolor
An inside look at the history of this medium, plus insights on how it's made, how it works with paper and how you can make it do what you want it to. By David Pyle

Columns

Brushing Up
Learn what an underpainting can do for your finished works. By Tina Tammaro

Color Corner
Take this simple refresher course on the design element of value. By Mark E. Mehaffey

Art Clinic
Create appealing scenes by enhancing depth, honing the focal point and harmonizing color. By Martha Newfield

The Drawing Board
Expand your drawing repertoire by working in the ages-old medium of silverpoint. By Juliette Aristides

Master Class
Find out how Georges de La Tour used light to infuse mood in his paintings. By Martha Newfield

Departments

• Dialogue
• The Artist's Life: A rising star in edible paintings; a Renaissance nose under the knife; five tales of art intrigue; and more.
• Competition Spotlight: 2004 Art Competition Finalist Larry Nelson.
• Technical Q&A: Guidelines for mixing media; tips for proper framing; and making digital images from slides.
• Art News
• Materials Handbook: An alternative to putting glass over watercolors; and two instructional painting resources.