Learning for Life
Studying the masters is a lifelong pleasure. Here are a few things you can learn from John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Charles Burchfield and Arthur Melville.
By Stephen Quiller

Natural Resources
Nature has a wonderful sense of design, and here's an example of how real objects can be the subject of beautiful abstract paintings.
By Carlynne Hershberger

Shadow Crafting
Great shadows can make a great painting. Here's how to get them just right.
By Anne Abgott

Cultivating the Critic Within
It's scary to stand back and assess your own work. But it's also critical, and it's easier than you think.
By Kevin Beilfuss

The Finishing Touch
Frame your watercolors without glass and still keep them protected with this safe technique for varnishing.
By Deborah Edmiston and Peter L. Spataro

The Land That Lies Near the Heart
An appreciation of three lovely landscape finalists from last year's Art Competition (and from abroad).

Special Section: Diamonds in the Rough
A sketchbook can be used in countless ways, and it can improve your artwork in just as many. Here are five of its greatest benefits and why they matter.
By Bethanne Andersen and Robert Barrett

Columns

Brushing Up
They make all those different watercolor brushes for good reasons. Here's what the wash, mop, hake and fan brushes can do for you.
By Cathy Johnson

Color Corner
Discover a practical way to use complementary colors to make your paintings shimmer.
By Judi Betts

The Drawing Board
Surprise: The feet can be two of the most expressive parts of the figure. Here's how to make it happen and still get them right.
By Butch Krieger

Art Clinic
Captivate your viewers and show them exactly what you want by creating a strong focal area.
By Martha Newfield

Master Class
How Mary Cassatt revealed her identity as an artist—and as a woman—through her painting.
By Greg Albert

Departments

• Dialogue
• The Artist's Life: A place for kids to make art, how to live life as an artist, a little color history, how to save on art supplies, and more.
• Technical Q&A: A ground for water-miscible oils, making digital art last and what makes pigment matter.
• Materials Handbook: A great oil paint, Stephen Quiller workshops on tape, liquid watercolor paper and a deluxe taboret.
• Art News