Behind the Cover Art: October, 2027

Last year, I created the theme for this month’s cover. It was nearly chosen, yet something felt missing. That uncertainty led me to create a second October 2026 cover in the meantime. I hoped that, with time, the missing piece would reveal itself.

Pumpkins were central to my vision, inspired by Anne Sandler’s beautiful harvest photograph for the October 2023 Crier cover. I wanted to revisit the pumpkin theme, but only after letting it rest for a while.

October is a month full of vibrant activities, and I realized that a simple field of ripe pumpkins was not enough. My painting was incomplete—the ground, pumpkin vines, and withering grasses were still absent; yet there was something else, too.

Sometimes, stepping away from a problem and returning with fresh eyes is exactly what is needed. That approach brought me closer to finishing the design.

I passionately believe that art is interactive, and your imagination is an essential part of my work. What do you think was missing from the painting?