February Issue

This issue is filled with a variety of wintry designs to keep you busy until the spring thaw arrives! You can choose to tackle an intricate painting or a simple one, because we made sure that we included paintings for all skill levels. And, if you feel adventurous and want to try a new medium, give colored pencils a try. See the Arctic Wolf Plaque; it is truly stunning.

As promised, we continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary with special features throughout most of 2012. Our Savvy Studio column highlights 20 Specialty Brushes (see a close-up of each brush). As painters know, one can never have too many brushes! Perhaps it’s too late to put them on your Christmas wish list, but there’s always Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day (and I’m sure you can come up with a few more “special occasions”). Also, be sure to check out 20 Painting Tips to Make Painting Easier by Gisele Pope and Nony Housh—this article is filled to the brim with valuable information.

Learn more about popular artist/columnist Patricia Reichenbach in this issue’s Painter’s Profile feature. I’ve known Patty for a number of years, and it’s true that people line up two and three deep waiting to paint a make-it-take-it with her at consumer painting shows—and they all walk away looking content with smiles on their faces. If you have not yet tried one of Patty’s paintings, you must put that on your “to-do list.”

Get out your pad and pencil, and start making a list for the New Year. Let 2012 be filled with new adventures and wondrous creativity.

Happy New Year!

Editor in Chief

See Contents of the February 2012 Issue