ABOUT THE AUTHOR Margaret Kessler began painting as a hobby in 1972 when the youngest of her two sons entered the first grade. Since then she's judged art shows, conducted inter- national week-long oil-painting workshops, authored Painting Better Landscapes (Watson-Guptill, 1987), and written articles for or appeared in Southwest Art and The Artist's Magazine. She is also included in Who's Who in American Art and Who's Who in America. Margaret's paintings have won major awards, including five Best of Show awards for Artists and Craftsmen Associated (Dallas), where she is a signature member and served as president (1985-1986). Other artistic honors include an appearance in the Arts for the Parks' Top 100 (1989); an honorable mention in the Grand National Exhibition of the American Artists Professional League at the Salmagundi Club (1984); gold, silver and bronze medals from Grumbacher; and a Best Traditional Painting award from Hoosier Salon in Indianapolis (1983). Margaret lives with her husband, Jere, in Hilltop Lakes, Texas, where they are National Registry Emergency Medical Technician volunteers for the local ambu- lance service. Art from pages 2-3: Highway One · Oil on linen · 20" x 30" (51cm x 76cm)