In 1861 the young man who would become one of the most famous Impressionist painters, Claude Monet, was called up for national service, and ended up in Algeria in North Africa. His experiences there, of the intense colors, the bright light, and exotic-seeming culture, would help lay the foundation for his artistic experiments with color.

Monet described Algeria as a "splendid country with constant sunshine, with hot, seductive colors, an eternally blue sky accentuated by the greens of palms and exotic plants." Find out more about the impact of Algeria on Monet...

Algeria isn't a very popular tourist destination (though, of course, Monet wasn't on holiday!), but neighboring Morocco is. The numerous artists influenced by the light, colors, and culture in this northwestern corner of Africa include Delacroix and Matisse. For a bit of armchair traveling, take a look at the Top 10 Sights of Morocco from About.com's Guide to Africa Travel.

See Also:
• How to Paint Like Monet
• Artist's Quotes: Monet
• Book Review: The Unknown Monet Exhibition Catalog
• Photo Album: Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny

I'm sure you've been there, almost finished a painting and it's turned out as you'd envisaged, then you have a "What if I...?" moment. That's what Painting Forum member Martin is facing. He says:

"I have just completed a painting, I think... A simple salmon river in Scotland, one which I feel the longing to go to again. I do not know if I should include a lone fisherman or cattle on the bank, sheep on the hills or perhaps a host of other ideas but will it spoil the picture or add to it. What do you do when you reach this point, presuming you do?"

Share your thoughts on the Painting Forum...

See Also:
• How Long Should It Take to Finish a Painting?
• How to Create Time for Painting

Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Snowman Ornament
Sherri Osborn will show you how to create a cute snowman face using a clear, glass ornament. It's a great project for the whole family.

Recycled Pine Cone Gnome
Get a glimpse of this pine cone gnome at the Recycled Crafts blog. It's a cute reason to collect a few pine cones around the yard.

CopprClay Pendants
Try your hand with pendant making this year with a little help from some winter foliage. The Beading Arts blog will show you how.

How to Make Paper
Handmade paper not only makes a great gift for the avid scrapbooker in your life, but you can also create tags and cards for every present on your list. Find out how to make it here.

Little Town of Bethlehem Cross Stitch
Get down to the true meaning of Christmas with this simple cross stitch pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Mitten Earrings
Tammy Powley shows us how to make these cute mitten earrings using lampwork beads.

Christmas Stocking
This cute two-color Christmas stocking is a breeze to knit, even if you've never knit a sock before. Worked with bulky yarn on big needles, it will be done and ready for you to embellish in no time.

Advent Garland
If you are looking for something a little different when it comes to counting down to the holidays this year then take a look at this pyramid box garland. Use the free template to make the boxes and decorate them with your favorite festive stamps.

Miniature Gift Boxes
Have a little gift to give? Check out these free printable miniature gift boxes for small gifts or advent calendars from Lesley Shepherd.

Manga Holiday Card
Instead of a traditional Christmas card, you could go with something a little more contemporary this year. Helen South has tips on how to create a manga style card.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Flat, filbert, round ... new brushes just waiting for paint.

These particular brushes are Raphael Mixacryl which have a mixture of synthetic and natural bristle hair. They've long wooden handles painted in a distinctive light green, covered with a smooth gloss varnish. The ferrule has a satin finish. Hold the handle at the tip and the balance is beautiful.

It's been love at first touch. Now it's time to get to know one another even better. Brush, meet Paint...

^{Photos © 2009 M Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc}