CALL FOR ART! THE URBAN SKETCHER’S NOTEBOOK101 Cityscapes and Scenes to Color DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION FEBRUARY 29, 2016Readers have asked for more, more and more coloring books and inspiration. We are hoping urban sketchers like YOU will answer the call! We are putting together a uniquely crave-worthy collection of urban sketches to color, crowdsourced from every corner of the world and we want to include your work!

Landscape Drawing BasicsA landscape drawing is a formidable artist’s tool for many reasons. But learning how to draw landscape features such as trees, mountains, or beaches allows you to become familiar with how to deal with issues of texture, light and shadow, and proportion, all of which are cornerstones of strong artistic practice.

Award-winning watercolor artist Eric Wiegardt often finds that the rules of composition and the theorizing that often goes with it are rigid and not all that helpful. Because the rules never seemed to fit his watercolor painting at hand, Wiegardt devised a simple process for evaluating his paintings that has worked well for him over the years and a way to focus in on an area of dominance to assure you catch a viewer’s attention.

“I see my watercolors as an extension of the history of English watercolor painting—absolutely within the tradition, but moving forward a bit, I hope,” British artist Ian Potts says. “People’s ideas of how they want to express themselves have changed, but the underlying craftsmanship doesn’t alter radically.

With each Paradise City stop, we take an artful spin around cities near and far that lure us with their sights and history, delicious and unique food, interesting happenings and (of course!), amazing art experiences! This time we explore the wonders of Santa Barbara, California!Queen of the MissionsSanta Barbara, California, is named after the patron saint of architects, builders and masons.

Introducing The WinSchaller SweepstakesWhen reflecting on the most influential watercolor artists of today, Thomas Schaller ALWAYS comes to mind. There is no question his use of color, ability to capture atmospheric qualities, and his entrancing cityscapes and landscapes will be celebrated for decades to come.