What do artists do in the summer when they're not painting? Apparently, they garden, as indicated by the flowers, fruit and vegetables that dominated the Summer Still Life All-Media Paint-Off entries. What a feast for eye and palette these paintings are!

All four finalists made a good showing, but the clear winner is Colors of Summer (below) by artmum (Artists Network forums user name). She comments that her painting was "inspired by the state fair entries. People bring the best of their gardens for display. The colors of the fruit and vegetables are always so beautiful, each one a work of art. I set this up on a plate on my kitchen floor because I like the way the morning light comes in on things."



Colors of Summer (pastel on sanded paper, 14x11)
(Click on the image for a larger view.)

Artmum will receive a $50 North Light Books gift certificate for her winning entry—not to mention our congratulations!

Other finalists were tinae for Basket Full of Summer (watercolor, 20x25); Pablo V. for Squash Blossoms (transparent watercolor, 16x12) and eburns for Onion (oil, 8x12). You can view the work of these finalists plus that of other entrants in the Summer Still Life Paint-Off challenge by clicking here.

To enter the current Paint-Off challenge, go to the All-Media Paint-Off forum on the Artists Network message board. You could win  a $50 North Light Books gift certificate. (Remember to log on as a registered forum member to post artwork and messages on Artists Network forums.)