Warmer days are just around the corner, and even though the thermometer reading is only 11°F, the promise of spring is in the air. With the arrival of the New Year, PaintWorks readers can look forward to new feature columns and fresh, inspiring designs. This year we have some interesting articles in store for you, so be sure to stay tuned!

Give oils a try
Our new regular feature, The Magic of Oils…Basics for the First-Time Oil Painter, is sure to be a reader favorite. Well-known teacher and artist Sherry C. Nelson will share a wealth of information and guide you step by step as you build your skills with this exciting medium. If you are hesitant about working with oils, Sherry will put you at ease with her expert advice.

Try something new
If you are adventurous and want to try your hand at a wax-resist technique, be sure to check out this issue’s Prime Your Palette column, featuring Kathi Hanson’s watercolor batik on rice paper. This stunning, vibrant painting will definitely get you into the spirit of spring. Though the process will take a bit of time to complete, the results will surely be worth it.

Additional inspiration
Other features include projects incorporating watercolor techniques, colored-pencil techniques, and mixed-media effects. We also explore skills to improve brush control and discover ways to use a variety of products to bring color to your surroundings.

Adapt…adapt…adapt!
Whatever you choose to paint, feel free to adapt the patterns to alternate surfaces and change the colors to suit your décor. We’re here to inspire you to be creative and to think outside the box.

Happy painting!

Editor in Chief

Projects

Changing Seasons

Magic Lilies

Buttered Popcorn

Non-Traditional Telemark Rosemaling

Madalyn and Olivia

Beautiful Day in Assisi

Spring Blooms Greeting Card

Kindness Collection

Address Banner

Goldfinch Keychain Holder

Botanical Table Setting

Spring Folding Chair

Signs of Spring!

Owl Be Seeing You

Wine Lovers Canvas

Mixed-Pattern Salt & Pepper Set

Antique Rose Tea and Herb Boxes

Features

Brushstroke Technique Guide

Art & Coffee

The Magic of Oils

Prime Your Palette

Out & About

Create on Canvas

Funky Folk Art

Savvy Studio

Projects

Changing Seasons (acrylics) by Rebecca Trimble

Magic Lilies (colored pencil) by Janelle Johnson

Buttered Popcorn (acrylics) by Debbie Cotton

Non-Traditional Telemark Rosemaling (acrylics/oils) by Jan Boettcher

Madalyn and Olivia (acrylics) by Joan Dixon

Beautiful Day in Assisi (acrylics) by Lydia Steeves

Spring Blooms Greeting Card (watercolors) by Kathi Sojka

Kindness Collection (acrylics) by Chris Thornton-Deason

Address Banner (acrylics) by Chris Thornton-Deason

Goldfinch Keychain Holder (acrylics) by Sue Beckerton

Botanical Table Setting (acrylics/glass etching) by Patti DeRenzo

Spring Folding Chair (acrylics) by Judy Diephouse

Signs of Spring! (acrylics/mixed media) by Chris Haughey

Owl Be Seeing You (acrylics) by Amy J. Mogish

Wine Lovers Canvas (acrylics) by Cheryl Nuccio

Mixed-Pattern Salt & Pepper Set (acrylics) by Linda Hollander

Antique Rose Tea and Herb Boxes (acrylics) by Susan V. Cochrane

Features

Art & Coffee:
Celebrate Spring’s Palette Morning Glory (watercolors)
Debra Henkener

The Magic of Oils:
Basics for the First-Time Oil Painter, Part 1
Sherry C. Nelson

Prime Your Palette:
Watercolor Batik Techniques
Kathi Hanson

Out & About:
Thrift-Shop Adventure!
Nony Housh and Gisele Pope

Create on Canvas:
Majestic Tree (oils)
Patricia Reichenbach

Funky Folk Art:
Spring Place Setting (acrylics)
Shara Reiner

Savvy Studio:
New Year...New Products!
Kathi Hanson

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