An Outdoor Education
What can cloudy days teach you? Find out, plus check out two other lessons you'll want to apply to your landscapes now.
By Camille Przewodek

Built to Last
Bring your portrait subjects to life by getting off to a great start.
By Margaret Carter Baumgaertner

Animal Magnetism
Details, details. Use them effectively to better express the personality of creatures great and small.
By Gretchen Huber Warren

Reading the Light
It's not what you paint, but how the light is shining on it that gives it power. Kyle Stevens describes his chiaroscuro technique.
By Greg Schaber

Life Lessons
Before you dive into a painting, take the time to study your subject and create some color sketches.
By Michael Malm

Capture the Sensual Side of Florals
Discover how Georgia O'Keeffe's floral painting process can put zing in your still lifes.
By Jane Jones

Columns and Departments

• Editor's Note
• Meet the Media: The inside scoop on three oil paints.
• Materials Handbook
• Technique Toolbox: Explore the potential of fat-over-lean, sgraffito, knife painting and alla prima.
• Color Corner: Push your paintings to the next level with tips on painting white, mixing colors and more.
• Ask the Experts
• Picture This: Take a closer look at the work of Kyle Stevens.