Drawing and painting the human figure is one of the most difficult skills to master, and it is a fundamental necessity in art school to learn to correctly represent the human figure in proportion, light, muscle tone, etc. It is an exercise that requires developed eye-hand coordination and an awareness of space, depth, and perception. It is not for everyone, but some artists are able to conquer this time-honored tradition and draw and paint the human figure with not only acute attention to proportion, color, and likeness of the subject, but also with emotion, creating a story about the time in which that portrait was createda conversation between the model and the artist. One such artist is Philip Salamone.

For as long as anyone can remember, The Plaza Tavern on North Henry Street in downtown Madison has been the
place to be on a Thursday night. With its famous $2.50 Long Island iced tea special, perfect to wash down the bars signature Plaza Burger, the tavern is a mecca for college students, seasoned locals, and downtown waitstaff when they get off work.

Madison has long been known as a foodie haven for local fare and farm to fork restaurants. But thanks to Tempest Oyster Bar on East Wilson Street, this capital city is also home to one of the best East Coast-style seafood restaurants in the Midwest.

To cut or not to cut? is not the question, but when and how to prune is. The long-term health and beauty of your landscape depends on properly pruning trees and shrubs. Plants left to grow freely can overtake spaces, crowd walkways, and become an unsightly feature in the landscape. A new awareness of the importance of aesthetic pruning calls for the retirement of electric pruning shears and instead marries the science of horticulture with artful interpretation of plant forms.

Unless you plan to take up winter sports inside your home, youve probably given a thought or two to drafts, ice dams, and heating bills. This is the time of year you remember your home could benefit from a few updates in the comfort department, and the right professionals can help you sort through your options to make the wisest choices.

We feel it, but we dont want to admit it. A tiny, creeping dread lingers somewhere in the background of all the things we love this time of year: candied yams, a few days off work, winning an intergenerational Scrabble game, and watching an animated three-year-old tear into a wrapped gift. Holidays should perk us up during an otherwise drab season, yet the pressures they bring often have the opposite effect.

Dozens of homeless families call the Dane County Housing Crisis Hotline each night to find somewhere to sleep. Many end up at the Salvation Army, a large room with mattresses lined up on the floor. There is no privacy, the lights stay on all night, and visitors must carry belongings with them and leave early the next day. But at least families can remain together. When warming houses like the Salvation Army fill up, parents must leave their kids at the Respite Center, which admits children only, and then find space at adult shelters on their own.

Ive done it, and you probably have, too. You walk into a bookstore for a gift and realize that, while you can almost remember the name of the recipients favorite author, you have little to go on. The first name is Italian, I think, and the last name begins with a T or D.

Jeanette and Larry Riechers own a Madison legend. Their Hilldale store carries a smartly curated collection of mens and womens shoes, along with handbags, jewelry, novelty socks, and other accessories. Its the type of store people come back to visit when theyve moved away, and lots of customers drive a considerable distance to enjoy the Cornblooms shopping experience.

On the 300 block of State Street, Jazzman has been a mens clothing institution in Madison since its 1980 debut. And when it comes to the fashion found inside the brick and mortar walls, youll notice it is fun to be a little different. Thats the philosophy Jazzman owners Craig Butenhoff and Paul Strong run their store by, and that sartorial credo is apparent the minute you walk through the door.

Sturgill Simpson soothes with his new-age lyrics over a classic country sound as shoppers tab through an organized, yet seemingly endless collection of vinyl records. I study the walls, posters, stickers, and sea of music that stretches across the interior of MadCity Music Exchange. Madison is home to many treasures, and this local music store is a glimmering one. Owner Dave Zero stands at the counter, his hands filled with records. I wonder how and why his path brought him to Madison. His relaxed reasoning mimics the atmosphere, Its my home.

When I plan a getaway, I want wonderful accommodations, eateries of all types, and a wide range of activities that will entertain and engage me. Madisons Capitol Square has all of this and more, luring both Wisconsin residents and visitors. It was not always that way.