Features:

• Michael Sole describes his intuitive approach to painting seascapes in oil and acrylic
• We talk to Martin de la Bedoyere, managing director of Search Press, about his company's 50 years of success
• Charles Williams shares his experiences as a contestant in this year's Sky Portrait Artist of the Year competition

Practical painting and drawing:

• Hazel Soan begins a new three-part series on honing your artistic vision
• Tips and techniques for using pastels en plein air in the UK and abroad from Richard Suckling
• Graham Webber continues his series on landscape painting with advice on subject matter
• Brian Smith shares the process of a plein air painting day at Windsor Castle
• Paint snowdrops in the landscape and as subjects for still life with Soraya French
• Robert Dutton highlights his favourite drawing media and shares his top tips for using them creatively
• Follow the process of painting a hyperrealistic portrait with Andrew Norton
• Discover the importance of planning as Kim Whitby concludes her series on developing your watercolour skills
• Explore fresh, spring colours for painting still lifes with Julie Collins
• Glyn Macey continues his coastal journey looking at Constable and Yarmouth as he records Yarmouth pier in mixed media
• Prepare to travel with Claire Bowen's guide to managing your painting while you are away
• Use line and wash to draw historic houses and buildings with Milly England

Plus:

• The Art World
• Your views
• Exhibitions
• Art Books
• Opportunities
• This month's PaintersOnline Editor's Choice Award

All this and more in the May issue of The Artist, out on March 20 - click here to purchase your copy.