As we head into a new year, this is the perfect time to start thinking about your goals as artists for 2026—ways to push yourself a little more, expand your horizons, and perhaps take on some new challenges. A great way to do this is through our International Art Competitions, where artists can submit their works for consideration in the magazine as one of our top eight finalists. All submissions are thoroughly reviewed and judged by International Artist founder Vincent Miller.

These challenges take place throughout the year, with each issue focusing on a different subject: Cityscapes; Seascapes, Rivers & Lakes; Favorite Subjects; Still Life; People & Figures; Wildlife; Landscapes; and Florals & Gardens. The issue you’re holding in your hands right now contains the winners of our most recent Florals & Gardens competition, including some gorgeous artwork capturing the innate beauty of nature from artists like Paul Baldassini, Scott Royston and Cathryne Trachok. Turn to page 6 to see the rest!

In the next issue, we’ll be highlighting the finalists in Cityscapes. To enter the latest competition, go to internationalartist.com/competitions or turn to page 15. 

You’ll also find in the December/January issue our Art Materials & Supplies Guide, starting on page 31. The pages of this guide contain quality art brands offering tools like brushes, paints, solvents, substrates and more—all available to purchase. 

I’m wishing you all a very happy New Year, and as always, happy painting!

Warmly,
Alyssa M. Tidwell
Editor
atidwell@internationalartist.com