The 12th volume of North Light Books’ Splash series, showcasing the best in contemporary watercolor, is now in the works, so get your submissions ready. The theme for Splash 12, set to be released in May 2011, is “celebrating artistic vision,” which contributing artists may interpret as they wish. The dominant medium must be transparent watercolor, though minor uses of other media are acceptable. Submissions by CD/DVD are preferred, but 35mm slides will also be considered. The entry fee is $25; submission deadline is December 15. Find more details and download your entry form at www.splashwatercolor.com.

Part of the fun of moving (if we’re being optimistic) is reminiscing over old stuff—photos, notes from loved ones, objects kept for sentimental reasons. Then there are items you have for who knows why, which is why it’s going to take us probably more than just a few days to move one floor down in our building. (We’ll now have all of the company’s art publications in one spot.)

Kelly brought over a few pads of note paper she’s had in her desk for some time. To give you an idea how long they’ve been there, the heading reads Watercolor Magic. I took some for nostalgia’s sake.

Needless to say, for the next couple of days we’ll be wading through boxes and bubble wrap, and might even post a few pre- or post-relocation pics.

Find out what took watercolorist M.E. "Mike" Bailey from painting one (left) to painting 83 (right) in our Creativity Workshop column. (Find it in the October 2009 issue of Watercolor Artist or read an excerpt online.) And don't forget to enter your paintings to win our prize: One entrant will receive a six-month subscription to ArtistsNetwork.tv online video workshops, plus $50 worth of North Light fine art books. The deadline for entry is October 20, 2009.

When was the last time you had your work critiqued by the professionals?

Like any other discipline, art has its own language. In our latest online seminar, we reveal the mysteries behind the way artists, instructors, and critics discuss art. You’ll have the opportunity to submit three of your works for evaluation and we’ll show you how to describe what you’re doing, how to think about what you could be doing, and how to take the next step in your art.

Spots are filling quickly, so be sure to reserve yours in next week's session by clicking here. The fun begins at 1 p.m. (EST), August 26, 2009.

(P.S.: Don't worry if you can't make the session. We're now offering live recordings of all of our live seminars for download.)