Kathleen Maling challenges artists to paint their local environments in the October issue of Watercolor Artist:

Research your local environment and decide what makes it unique. Then consider methods of intimately exploring it in ways you might not normally attempt: by trail, by water, or even by air. Always be aware of your surroundings and pack appropriate equipment. If you're spending time on the water, be sure to carry your camera or other electronics in an airtight, waterproof container.

Maling is pictured at right, using her canoe to search for subjects in their natural environments. Read the full online article by clicking here.

Try It!
Get together with your painting group, or complete the Creativity Workshop Activity on your own; then tell us about it. Send a JPEG image (with a resolution of 72 dpi) of your painting to wcamag@fwpubs.com. We’ll publish a selection of the entries on our website and choose a favorite. One winner will receive a $100 gift certificate from Jerry’s Artarama. The deadline for entry is October 20, 2008. To see more Creativity Workshop Activities and a gallery of reader responses, click here.