American Artist is the leading monthly magazine for representational and figurative artists. Since 1937, American Artist has been a resource for artists seeking inspiration and instruction on improving their craft - a need we attend to in every section of the magazine. Devoted to the realism in art that our readers cherish, American Artist features artists who are shining examples of excellence in their medium, whether oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic and other media.
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This issue considers artists who paint the figure in context, such as Martha Erlebacher, who paints figures in classically informed configurations, and acrylic artist John K. Harrell, who offers a demonstration of how he paints city scenes filled with pedestrians, trees, and bright lights.

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In honor of 2012, this issue offers a survey of 12 new or unknown artists, based on the recommendations of respected art professionals. We also feature our art materials buying guide, with shopping tips for all your studio needs.

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This issue of American Artist features consummate classicists Jacob Collins and Daniel E. Greene—artists who champion figurative art and its embrace of beauty and humanist thought.
The autumn season is approaching, and the lazy days of summer will soon
be a hazy (and humid) memory. Our collective engines ramp up to full
throttle this time of year as we cycle through the few remaining months
in the calendar. November marks the end of harvest season, and we are
reminded to be grateful for the abundance that is provided us. Artistic
abundance—the product of sustained study, diligent effort, and a deep
appreciation of beauty—overflows in the art world, and we can provide
but a small sampling of all there is to see, learn, and create within
the context of contemporary practice.
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The October issue of American Artist explores the infinite world that
lies outside of our understanding. This display of mystery and
magnificence, brilliantly depicted by the 19th-century landscape artist
Albert Bierstadt, has inspired generations of artists to paint their
?finest works.
We hope the artists featured in this issue
inspire you to open yourself up to the wonders of the universe. We
hope, too, that the techniques they have shared will aid your ability to
harvest the feelings and sensations you experience and translate those
open moments into great works of art.
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Realism today comprises a myriad of working styles that derails any effort to define it based on select studio practices—such as whether an artist works primarily from life or from photographs. Nor can realism be equated with an effort to capture exacting detail, which would leave out the probing vision of Degas.
How an artist paints is as important as what he or she paints. Enhance your work with realism, the most indigenous art form, a product of its own time derived from keen observation and direct experience with present reality. The artists featured in this issue fall within this singular vision. Their works are sophisticated images of contemporary city and town life that demonstrate noble study, native talent, and a genuine interest in the people, places, and things in their lives.
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As the sun grows warmer and the days lengthen, we begin to yearn for our favorite vacation spots-—seaside towns, mountain-top retreats, or maybe just our backyards. In this issue we take a look at art inspired by romantic getaways and the carefree days of summers past and present.
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On the Cover: Untitled (work in progress, detail, reversed) by Steven Assael. FEATURES The Interiors & Figurative Work of Ben Fenske: A Critical Look at Raw Talent by Allison Malafronte & Michael Gormley Two American Artist editors review the
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On the Cover: Belle (detail, reversed) by Galina Perova, 2007, oil, 50 x 44. Private collection. FEATURES Rosemarie Beck: Exploring the Physicality of Paint by Eric Sutphin This New York artist used themes from mythology, music, and literature as ways
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On the Cover: Nelson Shanks in the natural north light of his home and studio in Philadelphia. Photo: Nathan Kraxberger FEATURES The Proper Disposal of Supplies, Solvents, and Waste by Daniel Grant Artists savor many things, including sketches, correspondence
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On the Cover: First Light at Yellow Banks, Santa Cruz Island (detail) by David C. Gallup, 2010, oil, 8 x 10. Private collection. FEATURES Materials Roundup: Acrylic Paints & Products by Bob Bahr New acrylic paints and products have expanded the possibilities
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Experiment with Acrylic; Learn from the Masters: Hawthorne, Hensche
& Sargent show you how to become A better artist; Drawing from Life;
Combine Media in Deep & Meaningful Still Lifes
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How to Paint Landscapes; 10 Cover Contest Winners Offer You Their Best
Advice; Combine Watermedia & Pastel for Inspired Results; Express
Content with Fewer Brushstrokes
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SPECIAL REPORT Explore New Creative Ideas With Acrylics; Learn From
Sorolla’s Epic Masterpiece; Increase the Drama in Pastel Paintings; How
to Plan & Improve Your Watercolors
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Special Report: "Green" Products for Artists; Use the Right Practices to Paint Better; Paint Classical Themes in a Contemporary Context; How to Judge Values Accurately.
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