The December 2011 issue of PaintWorks marks its 20th anniversary, and things have certainly changed since then! Twenty years ago, PaintWorks launched as a 68-page quarterly. Today, it is published eight times a year, averages 100 pages an issue, and includes bonus online projects! For this special issue, we have included designs from some of our favorite contributors, both past and present.

Throughout the years, both the industry and the art form have grown in many ways. Today, the number of products available to the consumer is simply astounding. Many types of paints and mediums have been developed, and brushes are now available in a wide variety of shapes to perform a number of functions. Decorative painters have crossed into other markets and now incorporate mixed media, such as inks, stamps, and papers, with their painting. Creativity knows no bounds!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful artists who have shared their outstanding designs, techniques, expertise, and personal stories with us. These artists are the core of our success as a decorative painting magazine.

I would also like to thank the dedicated staff at All American Crafts and the photographers and stylists who make my visual dream a reality. On a personal note, the community of painters and professionals involved in this industry has enriched my life immensely. Working with so many creative individuals has been energizing, inspiring, and rewarding.

And a special thanks to our loyal readers, who share our joy of painting. We pledge to continue to provide you with inspiration, education, and exciting projects. Throughout the next year, we will be celebrating our anniversary with new columns, fun contests, and creative ideas. It is my hope that each of you share the joy of painting with someone who has never painted before. Give them a gift that keeps on giving.

Happy Holidays!
Linda R. Heller, Editor in Chief

Take a Peek Inside this Issue

Projects

Layered Poinsettia Scoop Plate

Three Wise Men Tray

Nativity Triptych

Blue Jay in Oak Frame

Winter Retreat Watercolor Cards

“Noel” Banner

Twelve Days of Christmas Charger Plate Series, Part 2

“Sugar and Spice” Tin

Santa Welcome Board

Maritime Santa Box

Santa Cloche Table Runner

Santa with Gifts

Santa’s Painting Satchel

Tree Delivery

Winter Leaf Study

“Christmas Sampler”

“Snow” Tray

Snowflakes by the Hearth

Features

Brushstroke Technique Guide

Prime Your Palette

Style File

RB Homespun Elegance

Painter's Potpourri:

Signs of the Seasons

Book Nook

Savvy Studio

Projects

Layered Poinsettia Scoop Plate Margot Clark

Three Wise Men Tray Golda Rader

Nativity Triptych Janelle Johnson

Blue Jay in Oak Frame Cheri Rol

Winter Retreat Watercolor Cards Kathi Sojka

“Noel” Banner Beth Wagner

Twelve Days of Christmas Charger Plate Series, Part 2 Chris Thornton-Deason

“Sugar and Spice” Tin Rosemary West

Santa Welcome Board Antoinette Cox

Maritime Santa Box Sue Beckerton

Santa Cloche Table Runner Cynthia Erekson

Santa with Gifts Donna Scully

Santa’s Painting Satchel Judy Westegaard

Tree Delivery Pam Grady

Winter Leaf Study Prudy Vannier click here for patterns

“Christmas Sampler” Barbara Nielsen

“Snow” Tray Chris Haughey   click here for step by step photos

Snowflakes by the Hearth Monika Brint

Features

Brushstroke Technique Guide: A Majestic Winter
Debby Forshey-Choma

Prime Your Palette: Discover the Versatility of Alcohol Inks Dimensional Poinsettia
Kathi Hanson

Style File: Christmas Trends: Handmade & Burlap Pomegranate Table Setting
Kelly Hoernig

RB Homespun Elegance: Christmas Song Ornaments
Rebecca Baer

Painter’s Potpourri: Everything Old Can Be New Again!
Gisele Pope and Nony Housh

Signs of the Seasons: Holiday Blessings
Sue Allemand

Book Nook
Susan Mynyk

Savvy Studio: 20+ Stellar Stocking Stuffer Ideas!
Kathi Hanson

Departments

Expressions
Coming Next!
Designer Directory
Product Palette

Buy this Issue