Readers discover new insights into the methods of top contemporary watercolor artists with each edition of Splash, now an annual competition with an accompanying book after more than 20 years as a series. Splash 17 will be loaded with more than 125 paintings by more than 100 artists selected from thousands of watercolor and water-media painters across the world invited to submit work for consideration. Each painting will be accompanied by a caption that will show readers something about each artist's processes pertaining to the theme of texture. Entry fee of $30 for the first image and $25 per subsequent image helps defer cost of production; we expect to collect about $40,000 in fees. Call for entries will be promoted in The Artist's Magazine, Watercolor Artist, www.artistsnetwork.com, http://wetcanvas.com and eblasts. Deadline will be December 1, 2014 (earlybird deadline) and December 31, 2014 (final deadline).

Inspiration fresh from the studios of 131 master artists! A celebration of creative drawing, the Strokes of Genius series showcases standout work from today's top artists. This 8th volume focuses on how artists use texture to bring life and depth to subjects ranging from soulful portraits and expressive still lifes, to beautiful landscapes and pulsing city scenes. Texture plays an essential role in each of these drawings--capturing character, building mood, and paying homage to everyday moments that often go unnoticed. These pages serve up a tantalizing buffet of tactile impressions, from rough tree bark and silky fur to peeling paint and timeworn fabrics. Complete with fascinating, firsthand insights on the drawing techniques behind the textures, Strokes of Genius 8 offers hours of browsing and inspiration for artists and art-lovers alike. Inside you'll find: 139 magnificent works in charcoal, pencil, pastel, colored pencil, scratchboard and pen+ink An exciting range of styles and approaches, presented in subject-themed chapters A behind-the-scenes look at the tools and methods used to evoke a wide range of natural and manmade textures

Celebrating the best drawings by contemporary artists! The celebrated Strokes of Genius series follows the beautiful, ongoing story of contemporary drawing through the work and words of some of today's top artists. Focusing on the theme "Creative Discoveries," this thoughtfully curated 9th edition features the artists' most compelling aha! moments. Triggers for these artistic epiphanies are wide ranging--from experiments with new materials, to private meanderings in a little notebook, to fleeting moments of magical light, and one particularly charismatic pelican. Artists and art lovers alike are sure to be inspired by the resulting energy and expressiveness showcased on these pages. 140 modern-day masterpieces in charcoal, pencil, pastel, colored pencil, scratchboard, pen and ink, and more A breathtaking diversity of styles and approaches Subject-themed chapters include animals, the human figure, still life, outdoor scenes, and portraits Comments from the artists offer fresh-from-the-studio advice, insights, and anecdotes not found anywhere else "The greatest creative discoveries are those that find you." --Carolyn Judson, p73

Celebrating the best drawings by contemporary artists, the Strokes of Genius series follows the beautiful, ongoing story of contemporary drawing through the work and words of some of today's top artists. Focusing on the theme "Inspiring Subjects," this thoughtfully curated 10th edition features the artists' most compelling subject matter. Artists and art lovers alike are sure to be inspired by the resulting energy and expressiveness showcased on these pages.

- 127 modern-day masterpieces in charcoal, pencil, pastel, colored pencil, scratchboard, pen and ink, and more

- A breathtaking diversity of styles and approaches

- Comments from the artists offer fresh-from-the-studio advice, insights, and anecdotes not found anywhere else

This seventh volume in the beautiful Strokes of Genius series celebrates creative drawing with more than 140 diverse pieces by today's best artists in charcoal, pencil, pastel, colored pencil, scratchboard, pen+ink and more. * Drawing is an essential skill that all artists use no matter what their primary medium * 100+ of the best artists showcased from 1000s of entrant * Oversized book has coffee-table appeal and is great for collectors * Inspiring captions let readers uncover the secret processes of contemporary masters.

While any subject can be developed with a variety of compositional strategies, in most cases, it is not the subject but the composition of the work that gives a painting its originality and appeal. How you compose your painting determines the way people will view it and how they will be affected by it emotionally. This special 20th edition features the best watercolor paintings selected from an international call for entries, along with instructive, insightful commentary on the theme of Creative Compositions and a special gallery of cover art from the past 19 editions.

• 128 stunning watercolor paintings by 120+ accomplished artists
• Artists speak to artists, with captions revealing their inspirations and techniques, allowing readers to appreciate the work on a deeper level
• Themed chapters include cityscapes, animals, interiors, still lifes, portraits, landscapes, seascapes and more

 A brilliant representation of contemporary watercolor, this book continues the proud tradition that has made Splash the longest-running "best of watercolor" competition series.