With the cold northern weather rapidly approaching, it's a perfect time to plan your painting projects for the entire winter season. We trust the feature projects in this issue will inspire you to paint up a storm to chase away those winter blues!

We've include a few last-minute holiday ideas for decorating and gift-giving. Yes, there's still time to paint up a few gifts before Christmas arrives, and there's nothing like a handmade gift!

This issue also includes technique articles for faux brick, grisaille, and skills to improve brush control. If you love winter landscapes, we have several to choose from. And animal enthusiasts will certainly enjoy our polar bear and Siamese cat paintings. Just keep in mind, whatever you choose to paint, feel free to adapt the pattern to alternate surfaces and change colors to suit your décor. We're here to inspire you—be creative and think outside the box.

So often we hear of people frustrated by lack of space in their homes to set up a painting area. Columnists Gisele Pope and Nony Housh are here to help with a two-part series on making your "paintin' place" in a limited space!

While you're in the planning mode, why not think about attending a painting convention in 2008? If you've never attended a convention before, we hope you have an opportunity to experience the fun and education these gatherings provide. This would also make a great gift for the painter in your family (or even for yourself)!