In the June 2008 issue of Watercolor Artist, Wendy Hill challenged readers to loosen up with a spontaneous background. "Deciding how to handle the background can sometimes be the most difficult part of making a painting," she said. Hill recommended that artists experiment with unconventional tools--tea bags, coffee filters, sponges, leaves, paper, plastic wrap and salt, to name a few--in order to liberate the painting process. (Click here to read an excerpt of the column)

Artists from all over the country responded to her call in record numbers and sent us images of experiments of their own. We're now pleased to announce the winner of the $100 gift certificate from Jerry's Artarama: Gail Gwinup with What's Black and White (see below). Runners-up include Nancy Standlee, Helen K. Beacham, Mary Hopf and Doreen Spoor. Click here to see all of the winning works and read about their creation. And thanks to everyone who entered!

A reminder: There's just one day left to enter your Speedy Delivery paintings for a chance to win your $100 gift certificate to Jerry's Artarama. Click here for the details.