Professions in Photography

Photography is an artistic skill adopted by some as a hobby while as a professional job by others. It is not only a specialized skill, but can also be a profitable one as well. Professional photographers capture amazing moments of our lives, and some gain a following of fascinated viewers over their great pictures. They display their work in newspapers, art galleries, and leading magazines.

Professional photographers nowadays have excelled to the point of providing great development to both the world of media and digital photography. Many have "stumbled" into it as a profession only because of its commercial value, such as photographers who are hired to take pictures of weddings, birthdays, graduations and other memorable life events.

Though potentially a profitable profession, photography is not just a skill learned through training, but the really creative ones tend to have a natural talent as well. Despite that, it is still important to learn different techniques to achieve good photography results. Learning different skills also complements and enhances natural talent.

Below are some optional fields for those who might pursue photography as a profession:

1. Advertising is a good area where a photographer is hired to provide photographs of market specific materials such as promotional brochures, catalogs, and annual reports.

2. You navigate through the bio-medical field. In this specialization, a photographer produces illustrations of different images related to medicine.

3. Digital imaging firms provide another source of photography needs.

4. Setting up a photo laboratory and studio is a possibility. You can use it to produce printed digital photos. This also helps you learn to manage equipment. From this experience, you will be able to provide services in other commercial studios, including schools located close to you.

5. You can find a job in the entertainment industry where a photographer takes on-set shots for various projects.

6. You might consider opening an art gallery where you allow other photographers to exhibit their work along side of yours.

7. Specialization in photojournalism. You can post your work on human interests, nature, behavior, etc. in magazines and newspapers.

8. Image editing and archiving are skills that can be learned as a profession. For example, you might catalog photographs in city libraries and even in schools. You can also become a photograph editor for some online web sites related to imaging.

9. Another means of earning an income is through portraiture. In this photographic profession, you typically earn commissions through public engagements and other commissioned works.

For those interested in a photography profession, the earnings potential is high. However, that projection is tempered by the fact that the photographer needs to develop expertise and a significant depth of understanding in the technology of this field.

Many beginners receive good advice from experts or mentors and religiously adhere to it. Others learn primarily through training and practice on their own. The best way to decide which specialized field to pursue is to tap into available professional resources who can provide details and clarity to your inquiries.

Source : Ezinearticles

Best SLR Digital Camera For 2010

Are you planning to buy your first SLR camera in 2010? Reading this will save you time and money and help you choose the best SLR camera for you.

Camera prices have actually dropped the last couple of years. As technology advances, manufacturers are able to give first time digital slr camera buyers more camera for the money.

The Major Players

The major players are Canon, Sony, Kodak, Samsung, Nikon, and Olympus. But if you are going to talk about bestsellers, you have to look at Canon and Nikon. Now I am not trying to ruffle any feathers. If you have your heart set on a Sony, then buy a Sony.

And Olympus is cutting into the market share with its new micro four thirds systems. Not technically a DSLR but they do offer removable lenses.

Best Selling SLR Cameras

1. Canon EOS Rebel XSi 12.2 MP

Larger LCD than the XS. No auto-focus in Live View.

2. Nikon D3000 10.2 MP

Most affordable Nikon. No HD video.

3. Nikon D90 12.3 MP

Integrated focus motor which means you can use more lenses and still have auto-focus capability. Most expensive of the Nikons.

4. Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP

Newest release from Canon. Largest mega-pixels. Most expensive Canon.

5. Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP

Little sister to the T2i. Obviously cheaper. HD video. Better Live View than the XSi.

6. Nikon D5000 12.3 MP

Lowest priced SLR with HD video. LCD monitor tilts and swivels.

7. Canon Rebel XS 10.1 MP

Most affordable Canon. Lowest mega-pixels in the group.

What Kind of Photos Do You Take?

Now all these cameras are in the $1000 range. The question is... How are you going to use your camera? Are you the point and shoot type just looking for a better quality picture? Then an inexpensive camera might be best for you. Look at the Nikon D3000 and the Canon Rebel XS.

Are you a You-tube fan anxious to be able to shoot some videos to upload? Then check out the Nikon D5000 or the Canon Rebel T1i.

Are you looking to upgrade you camera to pursue your photography hobby? Then you might want to get the best camera for the money. Take a look at the Canon Rebel T2i or the Nikon D90.

Well now you have some basic information. Check out your favorite cameras and join the rest of us passionate photographers.

Source : Ezinearticles

Basics of Camera Usage

Taking pictures is a fun hobby which, unlike most other activities, provides you a lifetime of tangible, visible memories.

Below are some tips to help you take great pictures.

Indoor Shots

Taking sharp pictures indoors can be difficult for a beginning photographer when the camera mode is set to the 'manual' setting and he must focus using his own skills. On the other hand, switching the camera to 'auto' will enable the camera to do the focus work automatically, normally providing a great picture.

The flash is also an important camera setting. When a picture is blurred, this is usually caused by a lack of required light. Using the flash helps to avoid this problem. If you are in doubt, though, take two pictures - one with, and the other without the flash, then compare your results.

Batteries, Batteries, Batteries

Check the camera batteries regularly to ensure they have sufficient power available to use the flash, as it consumes a lot of battery power. Low remaining power can be detected easily when the flash doesn't activate while taking a shot.

Avoiding Glare on Pictures

While using the flash, make sure a mirror or white surface is not in the direct line of the shot. Either of those would result in a sharp brightness over your shot and a poor quality photo. A shot should be taken in the opposite direction of such these surfaces.

Frame and Focus

While taking a shot make sure that your subject is centered in your picture and not off to one side. Also focus on the subject before considering other details to be included in the picture.

Another important consideration when positioning your camera is to take all pictures without any other objects in your hands, including gloves. Otherwise, you might inadvertently block the camera lens and cut off part of your intended picture.

Taking Pictures Outdoors

Because of the brightness of the sun, taking pictures outdoors is best with a film of ISO 100.

People are often uncomfortable with the sun's heat or light in their eyes when posing for a picture. Consequently, a better spot would be a shady location or perhaps under an umbrella.

At times photographers have a problem with dark pictures even outdoors. This is typically caused when the camera lens is in front of direct sunlight. To avoid this, always ensure that the sun is behind the camera, or use a flash instead.

Lock it In

Cameras available today have a built-in feature of locking in the focus of their subjects before the shot is actually snapped. To make use of this feature all you have to do is to focus your target, then press the shutter halfway without completely pressing it. After a brief pause to ensure the picture in the frame looks clear, then press the shutter completely to complete the picture.

Your Background

Another important factor to consider when taking a shot is to be aware of the background. Take notice of each detail such as walls, trees, plants, etc. You don't want your picture "infiltrated" with undesirable objects through careless inclusion.

Source : Ezinearticles

How to Be a Good Photographer

The art of photography is very profound and unique to express one's feelings through photos and stop motion figures. If you will notice many artists are on to high fashion photography these days to create and express their selves in unique and creative ways. If you are going to pursue a career in photography make sure that you understand its principles as a photographer. Photography is not an easy thing to do; you have to be resourceful as well as creative to be successful in this career. Here are some guidelines to become a good and successful photographer.

* A great photographer is always eager to upgrade his/her camera for the sake of taking a good shot to a subject.

* Remember that photographers are very patient and have good moral values to the subject he/she will be taking a shot.

* The lens of a camera is like bringing the artificial world to reality. The lens is the most sensitive part of the camera; you must take care of it.

* A good photographer multi tasks; he/she can do anything under the sun and always ready to take a shot in any situation.

* Usually, successful photographers eventually become photographer for models because it is a good training ground to step into a higher career.

* Then after that, they step into a more complicated career in photography, usually as a fashion photographer. It is usually the highest paid career in the field of photography because it deals with art and fashion.

* Photographers are always adventurous and are not afraid to break an ideology to surpass the old tradition of photography.

* Taking care of the camera is very important. Daily cleaning of the lens and the body is a must. Be very cautious to avoid unwanted incidents like blur lens and dirty film ribbons.

* When taking a shot, make sure that it is an excellent shot. A great photo is always appreciated by viewers.

* A great photographer always tells the truth through his art. There are photographers that always see the world differently and they make sure that reality exists in their work.

Source : Ezinearticles

Photo Collection As a Family Hobby

Every photograph has its own story to tell thereby connecting you to the past. It makes you feel like you are in the scene when you took the picture and captured the unique and special moment. It is a visual link to treasured memories and emotions of the days-gone-by.

Cherished and colorful photos add warmth and brighten a room no matter where you place them. Photographs taken during vacation trips, beach holidays, birthday and wedding celebrations, graduation exercises, school events, baptism rites, visits to a zoo, festivities and other special events may be placed in photo albums, scrapbooks or book projects to be enjoyed and remembered especially in the later years of your life. A classroom picture during your elementary or high school days, pictures of your pet dogs, cats, love birds, doves or parrots, family orchids, beautiful sunset or sunrise, clouds, waterfalls and other landscapes or cityscapes may be displayed prominently in your living or bedrooms.

Beautifully framed photos of your family such as a graduation picture, a wedding portrait or portraits of your ancestors bring nostalgic or glorious moments of the past and these usually occupy the most conspicuous place in the house such as on the center or side tables of your sala set, on the piano, on your corner stands, or are showcased in your bookshelves or hanged on the walls of your living room.

Your collection of beautiful pictures, particularly landscapes, trees and flowers, can also be a good source of income. These can be displayed to be admired at or bought in art shows, galleries and local venues.

Family photographs, especially ancestors' portraits, are subject to deterioration, fading and yellowing. To preserve a black-and-white prints, scan them and print copies with a printer that uses pigment inks because these withstand light, humidity and temperature variation. Moreover, print only on good, acid-free photo papers which are usually available from office supplies stores. If the photos were taken by a digital camera, get them off your camera and onto your computer then burn them onto a compact disc (CD) to ensure greater longevity. For insurance, duplicate the CD and store it in a separate location. However, see to it that only high-quality archival CDs that are intended for long-term storage shall be used. As technology changes, be prepared also to update your digital storage medium.

Photo collection, as a family hobby, allows you to share your joys and passion for capturing beautiful moments and events that can be relived, enjoyed and shared to your family, your future generations and friends.

Source : Ezinearticles

Digital SLR Camera Tips For Beginners and Pros

During my career as a photographer, I picked up lots of ideas that would help a newcomer start off on the right foot. The tips I am going to share in this article are my personal suggestions and should not be taken as state of the art truths.

1. The ISO setting is the only highly important technical detail you have to know about your DSLR. When taking pictures in an improperly lit room or outside at night, you can dramatically improve the quality of your shot by increasing the ISO setting. By raising it, the lenses will stay open for a shorter amount of time and the photo will be less influenced by the natural slight movement of hands.

2. When taking a shot in dim light, it's always best to find something to brace the camera on. Ideally, you should use a tripod, but a table, chair, bar or even a telephone or light pole could do the trick.

3. Don't get cheap when buying for a tripod. If you are on a low budget, it would be better to wait, save some money and buy a good one. Cheap tripods will break when you need them mostly, shake when the wind is blowing and sometimes not keep your camera at the right angle. You know the saying: you get what you pay for; this is especially true with tripods.

4. The power is in the lenses. I know it sounds like a quote from a Jedi master, but it's as true as it can be. There is a tremendous difference between the quality of a picture taken with, say, an 135 prime L series lens and the low level stock one that comes with each digital SLR camera. Experiment with a few good ones (I would recommend any Canon L series lens) and choose your preferred one.

5. Buy and learn to use Photoshop. I can't stress this enough. No matter how great a picture may be, you can always make small adjustments, like alter the contrast, sharpness or color saturations, to make it even better. There are many Photoshop tutorials out there, some of them are even free. And it's not very expensive, the low end version of Photoshop costs only $75.

As a final tip, don't forget to have fun! Photography is a great hobby and can be lots of fun. Stay creative. Take lots and lots of photos. Explore. And, again, have fun!

Source : Ezinearticles

How to Sell Photos Online For Profit - Find Out How to Make Money With Your Digital Camera!

Have you ever thought about turning your photography hobby into a business? Digital photographers are making good profit from stock photography sites and many of them receive hundreds or even thousands of dollars by selling photos to various media publications.

Stock photography is the supply of digital photos which can be licensed for use. There are many businesses that use stock photography websites to locate photographs including magazines, advertising agencies, web designers, and graphic artists. This saves them the fees they would have to pay for a professional photographer.

So, you just need to take a few photos and upload them to a stock photos website. This way, every time someone buys one of your photographs, you can get a commission of about 50% - 80%, depending on the site.

Most of the time, you can get between $1 and $10 for every photo you sell. Usually, the price these photos are sold for varies between $1 and $10, but if the photograph is of high quality and is unique, the price can drastically increase. Of course, earning $3- $4 per photo may not seem that much, but think about how much you can earn if you sell a lot of photographs every month! It would be actually possible to earn a full time income online.

So, here are a few tips you need to follow if you want to start selling your photographs online for profit:

• Register with as many websites as possible, in order to get maximum exposure for your pictures.
• Always submit your photo to the right category, because if you choose the wrong category it will either be rejected or go unnoticed.
• Make sure that you have all the rights for the photos you are going to sell to avoid copyright infringement issues.
• Choose the right subject: very few people would be interested in buying a photograph of your sister. It's important to choose generic objects or travel destinations, which have a larger audience. Doing a little research by visiting a stock photography site can help you decide on the subject.
• A good camera can make the difference between success and failure: choose a camera with at least a 4 mega pixel sensor. Don't worry about the cost; this will be the only investment that you will have to make. Besides, the camera will pay for itself in the long run.
• Take a lot of photographs: you will need at least a thousand good photographs to start making a good profit. But, you don't need to worry about the number, because if you really love photography you will greatly enjoy the whole process.

Source : Ezinearticles

Learn Digital Photography - Introducing Digital Photography

Over the years, photography has evolved from film based to fully digital. With digital photography, you can capture that special moment with far more accuracy and detail than you used to. Digital camera manufacturers have improved the camera features so that professionals and beginner photographers can enjoy the hobby.

However, these new features sometimes might not be enough to capture the essence of the photo. Maybe you frame the subject well and you got the lighting right but you forgot to include the red eye reduction setting. That is when photo editing software becomes handy. You just load your picture into the software and make the necessary adjustment.

When you really want to enjoy digital photography, you need the right tool for it. When you are beginning with the hobby, you can start with compact digital camera and if you are thinking to become a professional photographer, you must look into DSLR camera.

Always look into what you need when selecting your digital camera. If you are not a photography enthusiast, you don't need anything more than a simple point and shoot camera. On the other hand, when you want to make money with photography, you should consider a DSLR camera.

You do know you can make money with your hobby right?

You can be a wedding photographer, host a photo blog and even sell your picture online. When you do a search online, you will find more chance to earn money with digital photography.

As you already knew, photography is an art and you need to improve your skills to make it better. You can go to workshops, read blogs and buy a photography book to learn more about digital photography. But no matter what you do, remember to go out and snap more nice pictures.

Be creative when you are taking your pictures. You can take a few shots of the same subject with different settings and angles. After that, compare your pictures and analyze why some pictures are better than the rest. It is through research and practice that you can become a better digital photographer.

Source : Ezinearticles

Photographers Get Organized With Photo Storage Boxes

Everyone, from the hobby photographer to the professional, ends up with hundreds of photographs. When you have a large number of any item, they can get disorganized very quickly, which is why it is a great idea to invest in some photo storage boxes. With these boxes at the ready, you can sort and store your photographs so that they are protected and also easy to retrieve whenever you wish. Photo boxes can also be used for storing other delicate items around the home.

When you have cherished family photos and other photographs of value, you will want to do everything possible to preserve those photos for as long as possible. There are archival storage boxes available for this purpose. Archival photo will consist of boxes made from conservation-quality materials. What this means is that they are acid-free, and this is a big help because acids commonly found in wood and paper products can, over time, damage the delicate surfaces of the photographs. By using acid-free products, your precious photographs will be protected from this harmful substance, and better able to stand the test of time unscathed.

You have many options for organizing photos using photo boxes. You could simply sort the photos by year, and label the outside of each photo storage box, so that you can easily find the pictures you need. Another way to organize them would be by photographer name; this may be a good option for art galleries who show several artists' works. Some photographers enjoy placing photos sorted by subject matter into their own photo storage box.

Other photography supplies, such as film, can be stored in photo storage boxes. Many of the better photo storage boxes come with reinforced metal corners, and this means that you can stack them up, and over time the weight inside the boxes will not crush the contents inside. Using similarly sized photo storage boxes also means that you can stack the boxes, and they will be equal in size and height, making for a neater display and most efficient use of storage space.

Archival storage boxes also make a great spot to store important documents. Papers that you want to preserve, perhaps even historical documents, can be kept in archival storage boxes and protected from damaging acids and other airborne pollutants.

Archival photo boxes can also work well for storing delicate fabric items. For historical costume pieces, or other sheer and lightweight fabric items, a photo storage box can serve as safe storage.

You can find these and other fine art photography supplies online from photography supply merchants.

Source : Ezinearticles

Shopping Tips For Digital Camera

Ever since American scientist George Eastman invented the first box camera and roll film, generations of enthusiasts took up photography as a hobby or profession. The art of photography has fascinated not only the photographers but also those who posed themselves to be photographed. Like all other branches of science and technology the techniques of photography also underwent several changes in the course of its development. It was a series of development that started from celluloid film to digital camera and in the course of its long history photography attained marvelous growth. Development of digital camera is a remarkable milestone in that process.

Digital cameras capture the images on photosensitive chips instead of films. There are many advantages for this innovative process. Foremost among them is that images are available instantaneously on the screen. Unlike the film there is no need for developing the film and viewing it to confirm its quality. If the image obtained is not satisfactory it can be deleted. The photographer can retain only those shots which are good. The bad ones can be omitted and more number of photos can be shot and stored in the memory card. These are easy to handle and even lay persons can click many a wonderful moments without hassles. The laborious process of unloading the film roll, developing and then choosing those which are good for printing is not required in the case of digital cameras.

Several brands of both expensive and cheap cameras are available in the markets. Many mobile phones are also featuring digital cameras. Sophisticated one from reputed manufacturers have many innovative features. Cannon Power Shot for example features lens with 2.0 focal length and dual anti-noise system. It can create wonders even in low light ambiance without flash. Pentax entry level DSLR, Panasonic Lumix, Nikon D3005 and Olympus PEN EPI are among best selling digital cameras in the contemporary markets. Innumerable other brands and models are flooding the markets to enable the consumers to have wide range of products to choose from.

There are many technical specifications that are to be considered while choosing a right one. At the outset the consumer has to decide about the features that are expected in the product. Resolutions (mega pixels), lens aperture, lens zoom range, lens quality, software and the brand preferred are to be decided before finalizing the purchase. There are relevant websites to help those who are not well versed with the subject, especially the beginners who are eager to take up photography as a hobby.

As some of the digital cameras are very expensive, budget is an important factor in the process of choosing one. Product reviews appearing on the websites are useful for the shoppers to gather valuable information about various products and special features that are incorporated in them. Some of such websites analyze the qualitative advantages and disadvantages of each product entering the markets. Apart from browsing internet prudent shoppers are advised to consult professionals who are fully conversant with photography. They will be able to guide the aspiring amateurs in the right direction. Price comparison sites are of immense help to the buyers in order to strike bargains.

Source : Ezinearticles

Gift Ideas With Text and Photos

Photo Calendars

A photo calendar is a stunning gift that enables you to add photos for each month as well as one for the title. What's more, you can add captions to each of the monthly pictures as well as a title to use on the front cover creating a unique and beautiful photo gift idea with text to boot. You can use any pictures and any text greetings or text captions in order to create incredible gift ideas with text and pictures.

Photo Albums

A photo album has long been a popular choice of gift for the recipient that loves photographs and the modern incarnation of the photo album is no different. As well as being able to insert and mount your own selection of photos you can also customise the cover and presentation tin by adding photos, montages, and text. Create an entirely unique design that incorporates photos of the recipient as well as a text greeting on the front, or for an anniversary or wedding photo album you can include the names of the recipients and the date of the big day.

Photo Books

A photo book is an even more convenient alternative to the photo album. As well as being able to customise the cover and tin or box, all the photos are printed directly on to the pages of the photo book and because there's no border left around the images this gives a high quality and luxurious appearance. The standard layout includes a single picture on each side but you can add multiple images and text to any of the pages you wish.

Photo Boxes

A photo box can make a great gift or it can be used to store and give a gift in. As with any of the items above you can select one or more photographs and you can add other pictures as well as text in order to create a very unique and stunning photo gift. Used as a gift box, the photo box is extremely durable and will essentially act a second gift because the recipient will be able to use the box even after they've removed their gift. Design options include the capability to print your picture on just the lid or on the lid and across all of the sides of the box.

Photo Bags

Photo bags include items like handbags and makeup bags as well as laptop bags, shopping bags, and beach bags. All can be customised in a similar fashion by incorporating photos, designs, and text in order to create unique looking personalised bags. A graffiti bag enables you to choose a few words of text and have them printed in a graffiti style font in multicolour on the front and reverse of the bag making graffiti bags excellent gift ideas with text a simple addition to the design.

Source : Ezinearticles

Classic Erotic Photography From the 20th Century

Classic erotic photography and art for millenniums now man and woman has been mystified by the sight of undress of the human form in sculpture and paintings, erotica in this form is as old as man. The Ancient Romans had graffiti artist draw erotica on wall and building throughout the conquered lands. However it was the invention of the camera that fast tracked the modern day classic erotica and its evolution.

The Camera is invented next to landscapes the portrait and erotic pose photography began almost at the same time of the camera, Models used would have to pose still for up to 10 minutes for the correct exposure. These images although rare spread throughout affluent Europe and soon became a collectible and a must have of 18th century men. Artist experimenting with this medium soon developed a following of art lovers as they exhibited their art through the countries of the time. Technology of the day moved forward and soon more images could be taken and in a much more mass produced fashion, the mass market of erotic images came into being. Large areas of cities grew overnight to cater to this newly found product sourced by many as a novelty and a unique item. Mass production developed further to the point of postcards becoming popular with the erotic poses on them for world wide distribution. Unlike pornography of today erotica was seen as a art form that involved the human sexual fantasy in a series of non real situations. Although pornography grew in demand also the true erotic photographs could be described in today's terms as almost acceptable by most. The world wars spread erotica photography throughout the world as most serving abroad took it as a reminder of what was being left at home. Armed forces turned a blind eye to this as it was seen as a morale builder for the troops serving in extreme conditions.

Early Viral Marketing - The power of the erotic photograph saw many burlesque and up and coming models utilize this as a form of viral marketing of their images, many famous names were made more famous by the spread of images during post World War 1. World War 2 and the pinup girl had become a must have of the serving soldier. Again most were soft core and non explicit,but become a must have in a male dominated environment. After the war erotic photography was captured and with other usually male dominated content put forward in a magazine form most notable was the 1953 introduction of Playboy magazine. First issue was sold out at 700,000 copies showing the world that erotica was here to stay and continues to today. Today we have gone away from the art and the culture of the time but classic erotica from the early years of photography rates very high amongst both men and woman.

Source : Ezinearticles

Light Drawing - How to Do Light Graffiti

One hot new trend in photography is a technique called "light drawing" or "light graffiti." You've probably seen it in photos, videos, print ads, and even TV commercials. The process basically involves using long exposures in a dark area with a digital camera and LED or other light sources.

Unlike typical graffiti, this technique isn't illegal and doesn't cause property damage. It's essentially another form of time-lapse photography.

Before you start, make sure you have a digital camera that had manual settings. Some smaller/cheaper point-and-shoot cameras don't have this option. You'll need to change the shutter speed so that it stays open longer. And as stated previously, you'll need a light source (LED, flash light, glow stick, etc). A tripod also comes in handy because the camera needs to stay still while taking the shot.

Change the settings so the ISO is 100, the shutter is open to the widest aperture, disable the flash, and the exposure should be 10-30 seconds. You will also want to set a timer so you have time to get in front of the camera.

Hit the button on your camera to start taking the picture and get in front of the camera with your light source. If you set a delay, you might want to wait until the timer is up if you're drawing something specific (like letter, for example). When you're ready, start waving the light source around to "draw" your graffiti.

As you move around, your body will end up being a blur or ghost like figure in the actual photo (if at all). The light source will create streaks of light. You can draw shape, letters, and other designs. Just use your imagination and experiment with it.

One technique you can try is having another person stand perfectly still in the photo while you draw around them. You can point the light source at your face or other objects to create interesting reflections in the photo.

It's a lot of fun creating light graffiti in public because nobody will complain about your "drawings." They only exist in the photograph. You might even get some strange looks from people who have no idea why you're waiving a light at a camera!

Source : Ezinearticles

Types of Acrylic Paints For Portrait Painting

There are many different acrylic paints on the market each with slightly different properties. One such paint is by Daler-Rowney Cryla Acrylics which allows the portrait artist to use the paints impasto or thick. These paints are slightly cheaper than Golden, Liquitex or Winsor & Newton.

If starting out as a family portrait artist or a artist of any kind, it is probably best to try and buy the best paints you can for your budget and don't get greedy - a little paint goes a long way!

An artist should buy a few quality colours rather than a whole range of cheap colours: white with the three primary colours, red, yellow and blue is actually all you really need.

Student acrylic paints usually have more filler in them or are made from cheaper pigments that will fade over time. Even if you don't want your paintings to last for generations, good quality paints flow better, have similar opacity and mix well together, keeping secondary and tertiary colours vibrant and not muddy in certain areas of the spectrum.

Each portrait artist has their own way of arranging the colours on their palette. As a general rule though, keep the warm colours on one side and the cool colours on the other with a large blob of Titanium White in the middle.

A basic colour range for family portrait artists when painting faces is arranged in an arc starting with: Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Crimson, Raw Sienna, Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, a touch of Olive Green, Ultramarine, Coeruleum, Payne's Gray and Mars Black and a big blob of Flesh Tint at the bottom.

It is good practice to make sure all the lids are screwed back on each tube as there's nothing more disheartening than starting a new painting to find your favourite colour has dried completely solid.

Mediums

The medium used for mixing acrylic paint is water but other mediums can be used for different effects. Cryla Gel Retarder slows down the drying time and Glaze Medium can be mixed to make acrylic paint more transparent for over-glazing.

A good medium for family portrait artists to use is Texture paste which can be used as a base layer straight onto the canvas or can be mixed with paint to create texture for hair and skin. Some portrait artists varnish their work if it is not going behind glass using a soluble varnish which is available in matt or gloss.

Source : Ezinearticles

Oil Painting Art - The Advantages and Disadvantages

Oil painting has been around for hundreds of years. In fact, the thirteenth century has brought us some oil painting art from England. This is where they used oil paintings for decoration. However, during those early years, many of the artists liked using paints that are known as tempera, instead of using oil paints. This is because tempera would dry faster than the oil paint. During the fifteenth century, certain artists came up with the idea of taking tempera and mixing it in with the oil paint. It was not until the seventeenth century that the pure oil paint became more popular. Below, we are going to discuss this topic even more.

If you are in touch with your artistic side, then we are sure you are in this type of art. Oil painting has a tendency to slowly dry. In fact, it dries slower than any other paint out there. This is because it is made from small particles of pigments.

Some of the artists out there may find it troublesome to wait for the painting to dry, but when taking a class, you will find that the artists believe this type of art should be taught to every student. This has a lot to do with the fact that there are many oil paint reproductions developed using these type of paints.

When it comes to this type of painting, there are more advantages than there are disadvantages. You see, if you forget about your paints and you leave them open, then they are not going to dry out as fast as the other paints.

Since it takes longer for them to dry out, the paint in the tube is not going to dry out if you leave it open. In fact, it could take up to a couple of weeks for it to dry.

This also makes it easy for an artist to leave their picture and come back at different sessions without fearing the painting is going to dry up too early. Of course, for many, this may be viewed as a disadvantage because the slow drying could make it difficult for them to go to the next stage of their project.

These type of paints are great when it comes to blending with the paint that is surrounding it. When you blend it on canvas, you will be creating unique strokes that are not possible with any other type of paint. Of course, to some, this advantage could also be viewed as a disadvantage. It is possible to blend colors that one did not intend to blend.

Have you taken a look at all of the oil painting art that is out there today? We're not just talking about the pictures that are hanging in the museum. We are talking about the type is for sale. There are many websites on the Internet that have a large variety of pictures for sale. Some of them are from private artists, while others are from famous artists. Oil paintings would look great hanging on your wall.

Source : Ezinearticles

Oil Painting Is Not As Hard As You Think - Really

I began drawing as a child, and quickly mastered graphite, charcoal and colored pencil. Eventually, I gave water colors a try and found them to be a relatively easy medium to work with. The same went for Pastels. But what I really wanted to try was oil painting.

For some reason, though, the thought of oil painting intimidated me, despite my prior success with other mediums. I had dipped my toes into the pool a few times, and it only confirmed my fears. It wasn't until I finally dove in that I discovered what a versatile and forgiving medium oil paints really are. So, when you're ready to dive in, consider these tips:

1.) Don't Skimp on Quality: It definitely doesn't pay to buy cheap, or low-quality, art supplies. Like they say, you get what you pay for. For example, low-quality oil paints often fail to correctly adhere to the canvas and usually change color over time. The same goes for cheap paint brushes, which don't hold the paint well, and often paint unevenly.

2.) Too Much of a Good Thing: Surf over to any online art supply store and type in "oil paints". Then prepare to be awed, and somewhat intimidated, by all the colors that are available. The good news is you only need a select few of these colors, which you can then use to make whatever color you need. A basic set of colors might consist of Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Alizarin Crimson, Prussian Blue, Cobalt Blue, Viridian Green, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red, and Ivory Black. Not only will it save you money, but using a limited palette will also give more unity to your paintings.

3.) Don't Try to Paint the Sistine Chapel: Bigger may be better, but not when it comes to learning how to paint. Small canvases are a lot cheaper and won't set you back a fortune when your planned "masterpiece" turns into a "learning experience".

4.) Fat Over Lean (Whatever That Means): If you don't want your painting to look like it was painted during the Renaissance, with tiny little cracks crisscrossing the surface of it, then make sure you follow this simple, yet critical, rule of thumb in oil painting: apply paint with a higher oil to pigment ratio (fat) over paint with a lower oil to pigment ratio (lean) to avoid cracking. Basically, this means you want your bottom layer to dry faster than your top layer, so start with a thinner like turpentine, followed by, for example, linseed oil.

5.) Dark to Light, Dark to Light, Dark to...: Are you detecting a pattern here? Always work from dark to light in your paintings. For example, when defining your masses, block in your darkest tones first. After that, start building up your medium, or mid-, tones, and finally your lights. When you're finished, you can lighten your lights and darken your darks, creating just the right contrast.

6.) K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple Starting-out. I probably can't hyphenate "Starting-out", but I needed something more appropriate, and respectful, than "Stupid". If you're painting a portrait, don't start painting the pores and peach-fuzz on your sitter's face before you even get the shape of the head right. Always get the large masses worked out first, before fussing over the details.

Source : Ezinearticles

Make Your Home Glitter With Oil Paintings

Different types of oil paints are used for different things and they can make your home a site of fine decor and bliss with the way you make use of them.

First, we will start with the painting of your walls, you will know by research or by consulting a professional painter that oil paintings are great for a home and adds a certain level of sheen that makes your house sparkle. It has this light sheer glow that makes any color you choose seem to bounce off the walls and brighten up any room. Many persons like to go with white oil paints because white always seems to be the brightest and offer an angelic glow to any atmosphere; it just reminds of you something clean and fresh with a hint of glitter.

After you have taken care of those walls, you should go even further with use of oil paints by getting those decorative paintings to hang on your wall that are done with radiant oil paint colors. Whether or not you are an art buff, you will realize that you can always find a painting that suits your style and matches perfectly with the decor that you choose to go with. If you already have ideas about arts then you can opt to search for your favorite oil paintings by the artist that painted it, the colors that are entwined in the art or even the theme, especially if you have already developed a theme for your home.

For instance, if you have decided that you want your home to have a tropical feel, you can paint the walls in green and maybe pain the ceiling in blue or even go out of your way to paint a mirage on the wall, but then you will top it off with a few tropical theme oil paintings that will reflect maybe some palm trees and the beach or anything that you think best ties in with your tropical theme. Art is infinite and there are no limitations to the imagination, so you will have no problem finding what you are looking for.

You can go about this another way though, the aforementioned plan was to have the walls and the rest of the house decorated first and then find the paintings that match, but that does not have to be the case. If you visit somewhere and see gorgeous oil paintings that just simply catch your eyes, then you can bring them home and decorate your house to match those paintings and bring it all together.

If you are a traditional person and would rather to have family portraits than random pieces of art, even though they look exquisite, you can still get your family portraits done as oil paintings and have them look vibrant and yet peaceful so that they bring about a sense of pride and tranquility to your home. When your home is decorated to suit you, you will see that you are a lot more comfortable in it, despite whatever your circumstances may be.

Source : Ezinearticles

How About Using Photos As References For Portrait Painting?

Are you looking forward to getting a portrait made of your own self? Not finding enough time to visit studio of the artist and getting it done? Well, why don't you consider sending your photograph as the reference?

Commissioning a portrait painting by having the artist use photos as references helps you save your precious time. And also, it is cost effective and convenient. Do you have talented artists in your geographical area? No......then would you like to satisfy yourself with a mediocre painting? Of course not, when you have the option of sending photographs to a talented artist in any part of the world and get a beautiful painting done for yourself.

If you are looking forward to a painting with all of your family members then getting all of them to visit the artist is indeed a difficult task. Instead, you can use different photographs and mix and match people from different photos to put them altogether in a painting. You can also get yourself painted with your loving deceased members of the family using photos.

One of the wonderful benefits of using photos for paintings is that you can choose your best facial expressions. On the other hand, replicating your favorite expressions while sitting in the studio might be extremely difficult. You can just pick up your favorite Kodak moment and use it as a reference for the portrait painting.

However, there are certain drawbacks of getting a portrait done from a photo. The artist can be tempted to just copy the photo instead of putting his creativity into the painting. In such case, the painting might just turn out to be a bland picture. You can take care of this by choosing an artist who is skilled, talented and experienced enough. Look for an artist who can add energy and humane touch to the portrait.

In case you are getting the painting done by an artist who is at a far off location than you might have fewer chances of actually seeing the work progress and provide timely feedback. Ask your artist to share a pencil drawing before starting to paint in oil. This would give you a clear cut picture about how the final design of the painting would turn out to be. Also, you can ask him to share with you the first draft of the painting. In case of oil paintings the artist can easily paint on the top and give it a final version as you had imagined it to be.

More often than not, people prefer to get a portrait painting by an artist working remotely using pictures. It allows you to buy good quality art at a fraction of the cost of working with an artist nearby. Getting a portrait painting done using photos as references is indeed a powerful concept because it allows customers worldwide to commission art work from some of the best artists of the world at very affordable prices. Are you still waiting to find time to personally visit the artist and get a portrait painting done?

Source : Ezinearticles

Portrait Painting - 3 Useful Renaissance Techniques

The Renaissance period is well known for the innovation of new techniques within painting. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Andrea Mantegna began using methods such as Sfumato, Chiaroscuro, Foreshortening and Underpainting to significantly develop their work. Described below is three different examples of these techniques, which are particularly useful and beneficial to oil portrait painting.

Sfumato

Sfumato is a technique of gradual blending, a method to subtly blur two tones, subsequently removing any harsh outlines. This method was thought to have originated in Leonardo da Vinciís work, with the Mona Lisa being a perfect example of Sfumato. The technique can give your work more depth, structure and form and is very advantageous to portrait painting. A good example of how to paint using the Sfumato method is to first apply a translucent dark colour, and while that coating is still wet to then apply an opaque light over the top. This way the opaque light will lighten the dark and simultaneously the darker colour will darken the light, from that you can create a blending effect with subtle changes in colour and tone.

Chiaroscuro

The chiaroscuro technique is best described as being a strong contrast between light and dark and can be very effectively used to create form and volume in portraiture. Chiaroscuro is the opposite of Sfumato; the latter looks to remove any sharp or harsh outlines and blend to create depth, the former uses these outlines to create the form and that three-dimensional feel, so whilst they are two very different styles they are both used for the same purpose. Caravaggio is just one of a number of artists who used this technique during the renaissance period and is generally accredited with creating this contrasting method. His style of painting inspired others, who developed on the idea to create Tenebrism, which is a more pronounced version of chiaroscuro and uses a stronger more violent contrast between light and dark.

Underpainting

Underpainting is a great way to create the look of depth, which is very important in portrait painting. Different artists use different colours for underpainting; Leonardo da Vinci preferred to use sepia tones, others used grey, Italian renaissance artists used a green called Terre Verte. Although an unusual colour to work upon, the green underpaint enhances the warmth and solidity of skin tones.

Source : Ezinearticles

Photo Prints on Canvas For the Nursery

There are many opinions surrounding the best manner to raise children, however most experts agree that properly decorating a nursery can be a benefit to both the baby and those who care for baby. Using photo on canvas prints can add to the benefits.

Experts say that when decorating a nursery, plan ahead before spending money on new toys and accessories. The plan should include a sensible décor that can be upgraded with little cost and effort as the baby develops. Sensible furniture, such as a changing table that can be converted into a dresser once the baby grows out of diapers is a smart idea. Avoiding the use of carpets will make cleaning up spills much easier, and also won't harbor dust that can cause allergic reactions.

Painting a room is important as well. Once a child gets to a certain age they may not fully appreciate the bright pink or blue color on the wall. Experts say to choose wall treatments that are appropriate for any age, and use accessories to provide the "feel" that suits the child's age.

What better way to decorate a room than with the use of photos on canvas?

By taking coveted images of special places, people or items, a nursery can become a wonderfully decorated room. Don't forget, adults will be spending time in the room also so plan to utilize images that make them feel at peace as well, such as a beautiful beach or an image of a mountain creek in the fall.

Photo to canvas service providers can transfer any image onto canvas to showcase the combination of both the photographer and the digital camera. Custom software applications are capable of enhancing every pixel in the image in a fascinating manner, revealing detail and color that is truly amazing. Many service providers that can be located quickly by searching the internet, and qualified companies provide an abundance of their work to illustrate their abilities. Customers simply upload images to a website and can complete the entire transaction online without ever printing the image at all.

Converting photo prints to canvas has become very affordable; entry level packages start out around $60. Most canvases can arrive in as little as 3-4 business days. Take a chance and see how fantastic one of your images can be as a print on canvas.

With over 5,000 satisfied clients, Canvas On Demand has been featured on E! Entertainment Television and ABC Television's The View morning talk show. They are located in Raleigh, NC and specialize in custom services that place photos to canvas.

Source : Ezinearticles

Planning a Winnie the Pooh Themed Baby Nursery

There are many themes you can choose from when planning a baby's nursery. Probably one of the most popular and beloved themes for a baby's room is Winnie the Pooh. A Winnie the Pooh nursery theme is a great choice for many reasons. First, it works great for a boy or a girl. If you don't know your baby's gender or if you are planning to have more children, a Winnie the Pooh baby nursery is the perfect fit. Another reason a Winnie the Pooh room is a good option is that due to the popularity of it, you will have no trouble looking a wide selection of Pooh baby bedding and other Pooh themed nursery items such as artwork, rugs, hampers, and lamps. You will even have your choice of regular Pooh or Classic Pooh.

Here are some ideas for decorating a Winnie the Pooh themed baby nursery:

Find a Pooh baby bedding set that you like and buy all the coordinating items that you would like to use. Items that you can usually find to match you nursery bedding include window valances, a hamper, table lamp, and crib mobile.

Decide how you would like to prepare the walls in your Pooh nursery. You could simply paint them white or a color that compliments your Pooh bedding. Another option is to use a Winnie the Pooh wallpaper and/or a wall paper border on the walls. Stenciling Pooh and his friends on the wall is another cute option. For something really dramatic, you could hire an artist to paint a mural of the 100 acre woods on one wall of the nursery. This is an expensive option, so if you have a tight budget for planning you baby's room, you will want to consider other options such as purchasing Winnie the Pooh wall stickers to accent the walls.

Finish up the room by adding the little touches that make it cozy. A nice Winnie the Pooh rug will warm up the floor. Décor for the wall can include Winnie the Pooh art work or wall hangings. The baby quilt from the Pooh bedding set could be hung on the wall as a wall hanging since it is too bulky to use for a newborn baby. You may want to add some Winnie the Pooh touches to the nursery furniture as well. Pooh knobs could be added to the dresser and Pooh could be added to the ends of the crib by stenciling, painting, or applying decals of Pooh to it.

When planning your Winnie the Pooh nursery, keep an eye out for items you can use. Pooh merchandise is available all over the place so you may find things you can use in your room in the most unexpected places. Also don't feel that you have to use only Pooh décor in the room. Non-Pooh items may also fit nicely and compliment your rooms décor. Just use your imagination to be creative and you will be able to create a wonderful room for your new baby.

Source : Ezinearticles

Choosing Face Painting Kits

An artist at his easel draws his inspiration from everything around him. But without the right paint brushes or the right mix of colors to give life to his paintings, he fails. Thus it is important that brushes and colors should work together to create the right mix that would breathe life to artist's inspiration. This is also true with face painting and face painting kits.

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Painting Kit

Painting faces is fun but it can be daunting to choose a kit for face painting if you don't know how to start. Like an artist who knows his paints, you should know which face painting pack would do justice to your efforts, may it be a simple drawing of multi-colored stars or a more complicated rendering of a warrior's stern visage.

If you are a mum who wants do the painting for your kid's costume party or school play, you don't just pick up a kit and dash off to paint your kid's face. You must know what colors are needed to complete a particular look and the type of face paint brushes to use for thin fine lines or bold artsy designs. You might also be tempted to get the most expensive kit thinking that it would have everything you need. That would be a mistake.

Inexpensive face painting packs contain a few colors that would suffice for a particular design. The colors are already selected for the required facial painting and some kit colors will only be enough to paint one face. The brushes have to be soft to prevent causing rashes on young faces. These kits come with sponges to even out edges of the face paint, just as you would do with your regular facial make-up.

How to Choose Your Kit

A starter kit may not suit a design you have in mind because only the basic colors are included. However, this is a good idea if you want your children to have fun painting their faces or to practice face simple face painting designs.

But if you are faced with a situation that requires a particular design, you need to study the colors you might need. It can be frustrating to get a starter kit when the colors are limited; look around for face paint packs for scary faces or wild faces that would go with your child's costume. Fortunately, these kits make the job easy for you.

There are several options for face painting kits. There is the starter pack, party pack collection for a bunch of faces, or a carnival themed facial paint kit. There are kits for several painters and kits for professionals.

If you are tasked to create a scary face, you don't have to worry about starting the work from scratch. You can look at the kit's pictures and follow how it is done and what colors to put where. These face paint packs have all the colors you need for the face paint job at hand.

With frequent practice you can improve your art. To help you along and get face painting ideas from face painting books available in art shops and online.

Source : Ezinearticles

How to Get Commissioned For Celebrity Art

If you have talent as an artist, you will naturally want to get paid for what you love doing. One of the best ways to make this happen is to get commissioned for a celebrity painting. Someone agrees to give you a certain amount of money to make a type of painting for them. One of the most fun types of painting that you could make is that of celebrity art. This type of art form allows you to take world famous celebrities and make a work of art about them, showing some of their best, most glamorous sides. You could have a great deal of enjoyment in making one of these paintings.

Getting someone to know that you can make them a certain painting of a celebrity can be the tricky part, however. Suppose that you are particularly talented at making portraits of a certain celebrity. You know their face well and are particularly skilled at drawing them in a variety of poses. If you want to be commissioned to make celebrity art about this person, you will want to find someone or even the celebrity themselves who would be interested in buying one of your paintings. There are a few ways that you could get knowledge out there that you are interested in making these paintings for these particular celebrities.

You should certainly have a portrait of this celebrity already made which you can show people so they know what kind of an artist that you are. Most people will not commission any artists without knowing an idea of what they might be getting first. If you can show them a portrait of the celebrity that you want to paint, however, you might have a good chance of being the artist selected for the work. Finding people who would be interested in one of your portraits, however, might be the tricky part. You will want to target both people who collect celebrity art as well as people who have collections based around the particular celebrity.

If you take one of your portraits of that celebrity and post it on an auction website, you can get a number of people interested in the piece of celebrity art that you have made. If you can start people in a bidding war for this work of art, you automatically know a few people who would be interested in commissioning you for a piece of celebrity art. One of these people will naturally win the painting. The others do not necessarily have to be without the painting themselves, however. You could approach those people and offer your services to paint them another portrait of that celebrity for a certain fee.

Additionally, if you look for people on other websites who are interested in collecting memorabilia about a certain celebrity, you may be able to contact those people to see if they are interested in purchasing a custom made piece of celebrity art about that person. If you are a talented artist and you offer your services at a reasonable rate, your career as an artist will definitely flourish.

Source : Ezinearticles

Use Picture Mats to Make Your Framed Pictures More Attractive

If you want to go for a very special gift for a closed one, a personalized framed photograph is one of the best options. You can actually take a picture yourself and frame it right at your own home. Pictures can be easily framed using colorful picture mats. The primary aim of these mats is to make the picture look more organized and beautiful. They are placed like a border around the photograph to make them look more prominent and attractive. Once you use these mats, you will be surprised how these simple picture mats can transform your pictures to a great deal.

One of the most commonly used sizes for picture mats is 11X14 mats. These mats are an appropriate size that is neither too big nor too small. You will have to consider the size of your printed photo before you plan to use the 11X14 mat. This is important since a picture which is too small in size will look overshadowed by the size of the picture mat. If your picture is large in size, however, you can opt for a 16X20 mat which will suit your picture better.

Picture frame mats are also helpful since they sort out the confusion of choosing between a readymade frame and a custom frame. If you opt for custom frames, you will get a wide variety of choices and options, but these custom frames come for a high price. On the other hand buying readymade frames will allow you to buy frames at a much affordable cost. The disadvantage of readymade frames is that they can only fit in standard sized photographs and cannot be customized for odd sizes. This can be solved if you use picture mats which help to fit in a photograph in to a frame.

A picture frame mat allows a picture of any size to fit into a picture frame and make it look attractive. The mat is inserted between the photograph and the glass thus forming a second frame for the picture. You can also cut the mat in a particular size or shape that you fancy. This will allow you to decorate your picture in a better way. You can even place icons or write words on the picture mat to make it more personalized. Most importantly these picture mats help in protecting your photograph from dust moisture and other external factors.

Source : Ezinearticles

7 Tips For Starting Your Painting Art Journal

Your painting art journal is a powerful way to jump-start your future painting projects. Consider the following tips to get started.

1. Obtain an 8 1/2 x 11 size hard cover sketchbook. Of course, you could make your own journal, but that is for another discussion. Why keep a journal? It is important to maintain a journal to record important ideas that you receive. If not those great ideas will fly out of your mind as quickly as you receive them. Therefore, Keep your journal with you at all times.

2. Use zip lock or similar pint sized storage bags.

These bags will contain small clip files. Keep images in these bags that can be drawn on for inspiration and included in your painting. Also, keep a sharpie pen to write on the zip lock bag to record its contents.

Get a glue stick to paste some of these image ideas into your journal with notes stating the possible uses of the images. Try recording your notes with color. This will give you a good visual record of the direction that you planning to go in.

3. Write your thoughts about your painting ideas into your journal.
Your thoughts are in addition to the notes you have recorded in step 2. They should be images that inspire your creativity.

When possible include the time, date and place where you obtained your inspiration. The recording of the TIME may help you in understanding what time of day, or month you tend to be more creative.

4. Use color swatches for ideas and paste into your journal.

Look for color samples from magazines clippings that can be inspiring in your color choices. This can help in the overall color feel of your painting series. They may have an earthly color feel, a warm color sense or cool colors made up of blues and greens.
This is also the time to play around with different color combinations. These color swatches can be pasted into your sketchbook with your glue stick.

5. Paste photos inside your journal and maintain records.

A photographer's best friends are the records that are kept for future reference. These records include:

o Camera and lens combinations used, what digital settings were used or film type.

o Time of day that light in a scene was observed. Some great light is seen early dawn or near sunset. It is usually during this time that you can get nice color changes and light angles.

o Seasonal changes. This will enable you to know where and when to go to get that breathtaking photo.

6. Draw, Draw, Draw.

Drawing is fundamental. Drawing is the key foundation to all art forms. With the use of note taking in your journal you can record studies for future artwork.

I like to do thumbnail sketches first. These are small quick drawings that record the sense of composition before a more careful worked out drawing is done. Sometimes in the thumbnail stage I will record notes that will be helpful in my later work. The incubation stage for a series of paintings can be born in your journal.

7. Carve out a time and place each day to visit your journal.

Sure there may be days you just do not post to the journal. But if you aim to do it daily then you will miss not doing it. As a result you will go to your journal the next day or two that week

Source : Ezinearticles

Sand Painting - Art to Soothe the Savage Child

Your four year old is having a hard day. He's whiny and uncooperative, and even a hug and a tickle won't lift his mood.

Time to bring out the sand painting.

That's what Michelle Kahan of Bedford, MA does when her almost five-year-old daughter gets cranky. "It's like magic if she's in a bad mood," says Michelle. "It makes her feel better instantly."

There's a reason: sand is nature's way of calming us. Imagine how you feel when you're on the beach, digging your toes into the sand, letting the grains run softly through your fingers. Remember tirelessly building sand castles, carving out moats, and watching the water fill them and then sink away. Think how the sand invites you to lie down on it for hours, listening to the rhythm of your own heart.

Art sand has that same ability to soothe and inspire. Sand painting requires no tools or glue: colored sand is applied directly with the hands onto sticky canvases and then rubbed gently to make it stick. This tactile activity enhances the sense of touch, building and improving fine motor skills while it helps kids slow down and enjoy the process. And they love the colorful results, which can be different every time.

For a child, painting with sand can be a satisfying way to soothe himself when he is upset. It can also help him communicate how he's feeling. Sand canvases have a simple picture cut into the top liner - a friendly dog, for example. The picture can turn out differently depending on the child's choices. He peels off parts of the liner, pours colored sand on the sticky, and rubs the sand gently. As he gains mastery over the basic steps, he will learn ways to create more complex pictures that reflect his own mood - the dog becomes a sad-eyed beagle alone in a room or a big red dog romping in a field of flowers.

Sand painting works to calm kids down because:

• it's sensory, bringing together physical energy with imagination
• there's a natural rhythm to it - peel, pour, and rub - that is comforting
• the picture tells a story that helps kids talk about their feelings
• it's easy to be successful: even very young children can make colorful, pleasing designs

Get the most out of sand painting with your child by scheduling art as part of daily "down time" for the kids. Keep a supply of favorite sand canvas images on hand. Get involved! Work together with your children, even if they already know how to do it, so you can talk about the pictures together as they create their masterpieces.

Source : Ezinearticles

Oopsy Daisy Art - Decorating Baby's Room

Baby's room is one of the places that parents love at home. Anyone would love this room because aside from it is usually designed as cute as the baby; the ambiance is very innocent and fun. Decorating the baby's room is one of the exciting parts when expecting or having a baby in the house. Whether it is a baby boy or a baby girl, there's nothing more fun that making the room a great place for the baby while growing. Usually, we find baby crib, big letters, hangings, and a bright paint job inside the room. But to add more taste to the room and make it even more artistic and creative, wall painting for kids is a must have!

Room for babies and growing kids must know how to appreciate art in order to enhance their creativity and good judgment while they are growing up and starting to learn. We must teach them by making them appreciate art that are around them which they first see before they finally come out in the really world. It is great to know that there are artists who create artworks which include paintings for kids and all of these wonderful paintings are in the collection of Oopsy Daisy Art store.

Oopsy Daisy offers a collection of paintings to choose from, especially made for kids and baby's room. These are called Fine Arts for Kids where unique wall art paintings for kids are made by excellent artists. These products are made of stretched canvas secured in durable wooden frames or your choice from nightlights, mural banners, or with additional accessories for babies. Aside from the Oopsy Daisy paintings, they also have growth charts which are also considered an important stuff for growing children. With the artistry of the people who created it, you and your children will surely love these beautiful pieces of art.

These pieces of art are a collection from different artists from different places in the globe. To name some, it includes artworks from Gale Kaseguma, Maria Carluccio, Jill McDonald, Aaron Christensen, Donna Ingemanson, and many more. Once you owned one of their pieces, it will include their background and some information about their design. These paintings are really loved by many even celebrities. In fact, well-known celebrities in the United States are fans of these wall paintings and they have some hanging inside the room of their kids. These can be great in nurseries, baby rooms, bedrooms of kids, and also play rooms. School classroom will look great having these pieces hanging that will not only give delight to the eyes of children and parents but will also inspire them in some ways.

Having Oopsy Daisy wall paintings and growth charts is truly a blessing being a part of child's growth. Now, you can select from their 600 pieces of arts and own one for your kids.

Oopsy Daisy Art for kids is offering wonderful paintings for kids' rooms, baby nurseries, school classrooms, and playrooms. The paintings in Oopsy Daisy are collections from great painters from around the world.

Source : Ezinearticles

Is an Italian Charm a Great Birthday Gift?

Are you planning to buy a present for a love one? Italian photo charm is the perfect gift you can give. The receiver would surely feel loved and appreciated especially since this Italian photo charms brings happy memories of the past and present.

An Italian charm bracelet is actually good for all occasions like birthday, wedding, baby birth, graduation and more. It is not just an ordinary bracelet but it holds memories of you and the receiver can take these memories with you everywhere.

Even when you are old, you are able to share this to your grandchildren telling them the stories each bracelet holds. It would be a loving memory of someone so dear to you. So choose well when you buy an Italian photo charm for a present for your family and friends. Choose one that can be customized. There are two categories of Custom Italian Charms.

• Custom Laser Charms
It's a plain steel charm where laser has permanently imprinted a text or design. So you can actually get it personal, and imprint names and personal messages. For anniversaries or birthdays, it is possible to imprint the dates. These custom charms are more expensive than any regular charms. This is custom made to your own preference. The price is quite high, ranges from $20 or $30 compared to any regular charm that you will buy for just $7. It might be expensive but it surely is worth it. Memories are valuable ad memories put into this charms are priceless.
• Custom Photo Charms
It would be fun to read messages but a picture is something that really appeals to the emotion especially if these photos hold such a dear memory close to your heart.

There are two ways to put a photo into the Italian Charms.

• A photo is pasted in the Italian Charm and then sealed over. The quality of these charms is nice.
• The picture is put to the charm through "Dye Sublimation". It is a process where in an image is transferred to the charm like an image are put on T-shirts. They are durable and last for a long time.

You can shop online for these items. It is much better to buy online since you can find a lot of reliable online websites that sells exclusive Italian charms and Italian charms bracelet. You can be assured that you are getting the best deal of your money.

Just make sure to know their return policy or if they offer a money back guarantee of all their products. Check also the quality of their jewelry and most of all check customer support if they address your concern s immediately.

Say "Happy Birthday" to your love one by giving them a customized Italian charm bracelet featuring a "Happy Birthday" custom made charm and a personalized photo Charms. This would surely bring forth smile in her face if not tears of joy. Make it memorable, Give her the best personalized charm bracelet.

Source : Ezinearticles

Designing Online Jewelry Ads That Sparkle

The internet has created a new medium with endless opportunities for jewelers and artists to display their talents and market their products. Shopping for and showcasing jewelry online proves an extremely visual experience. Rather than touching an actual, tangible item to inspect and manipulate in person, customers will make a purchase based solely on posted online pictures. Due to the virtual nature of the entire transaction, the best online jewelry sales start with close up photography.

Despite the internet's many advantages, taking pictures to advertise jewelry online does have some distinct challenges. Some people still rely on somewhat dated methods like placing jewelry in a scanner to try their hand at close up photography. However, many higher technology and enhanced resolution options are now available.

Capturing The Essence And Fine Details In Jewelry

The overall perceived quality and market cost of jewelry and precious gemstones lie in the fine details. A gem's brilliance, the cuts and detailed facets of a diamond, and the craftsmanship in intricate settings and mountings are what initially catch customers' interest. A document scanner, with its static output, simply can not properly highlight all the three dimensional features of the product to entice consumers enough to spend money sight unseen.

Macro photography represents a form of close up photography ideal for showcasing decorative pieces. Performed using specific lenses and techniques, this imaging procedure provides high magnifications with superior detailing without sacrificing resolution. It's a popular method for extreme up close, object oriented photographs. Food arrangements that show the granular texture of each ingredient or the magnified compound eye of a fly can all be achieved with macro photography.

Making Macro Photography Accessible

Macro photography is not an exclusive practice or secret method; it is very accessible with many professionals utilizing the technique in various capacities. Showcasing pieces doesn't require over orchestration or elaborate setups. Imaging experts will simply allow the product's inner radiance to shine through and capture it on film.

In addition to special lenses and lighting, macro photography is done with digital cameras and doesn't require a production crew. It is very easy to capture images of a complete line of items at one time to place an artist's or jeweler's entire stock online in brilliant pictures.

Modeling Tips And Tricks For Close Up Photography

Organic backgrounds sometimes best compliment the final close up photograph. Occasionally, the best way to display a piece is to showcase it on a live model. A macro photo of an earring dangling from an ear appears just as luminously as ring set on a stand with only a simply white background. The extra little flair produced from modeling specialized trinkets will set an online advertisement apart from a plain showcase on a blank background.

When deciding that displaying jewelry on its own is the most appropriate course of action, a little modeling clay can be used to support a bracelet, ring, or other item without being caught on film. Photo artists utilize this trick to add a little additional dramatic flair to a piece by propping it up without any visible support.

Source : Ezinearticles

Atmosphere of Art in Five Big Fashion Centers

As we all know, Paris, Milan, New York, London and Tokyo are five big fashion centers in the world. They are regarded as the most famous fashion centers in the world. The history of these five cities also is the history of international clothing brands. Why will they become the fashion centers in the world? They are benefit from the atmosphere of culture and art. Now let me tell you more.

Firstly, I want to introduce the atmosphere of culture and art in Paris. Paris is the city which is full of creation of fashion. Fashion of Paris occupies an important position in the world. People who visited to Paris will immerse in the artistic atmosphere there. Architectural art and places of historic interest and scenic beauty are well known all over the world, such as Louvre and Eiffel Tower and so on. Under this environment, imagination and creation of designers are inspired by other litterateurs and artist. Their works will blend with various artistic forms, such as music and dance.

Secondly, let me tell you the atmosphere of art in Milan. Milan is a beautiful city. It runs over with full-bodied artistic atmosphere. Therefore, we can see many places of historic interest and scenic beauty. This cultural environment creates numbers of excellent designers. They pursue beauty. What is more, their works have their own style. Their elegant, casual and comfortable designs explain the aesthetic delights and life styles.

Thirdly, let me tell you the atmosphere of art in London. As the same to all the historical cities, London has many places of historic interest and scenic beauty. British Museum was built in 18 century. It is the biggest museum in the world. Besides, there are many famous Science Museums and other culture facilities, such as Big Ben and London Tower. Even if you walk along the street, London will give you a special feeling. Every corner tells you the glorious history of England. They will create dense artistic atmosphere for designers.

Fourthly, I want to tell you the atmosphere of art in New York. Free and aggressive Americanism creates casual and natural style for New York. Fashion of New York is popular. There are various styles and prices clothes in New York. These characteristics make clothes of New York develop faster and faster. New York opens a new market in the world. Therefore, it becomes the center of casual clothing.

Fifthly, let me tell you the atmosphere of art in Tokyo. As fashionable center in Asia, many fashionable products were invented in Tokyo. Designers of Tokyo are good at creating base on their tradition and culture. What is more, Tokyo is the cultural and educational center in Japan. There are many museums and galleries in there. Therefore, designers benefit from this atmosphere.

They are brief introduction of five big fashion centers. Wish they are useful for you.

Source : Ezinearticles

5 Types of Photo Bags For Men and Women

A photo bag is a bag that has been customised to include one or more photographs of your choice. You can add a self portrait, a group image, or any other picture that you would like to see printed onto a high quality bag. Handbags and purses can be customised but so too can hold alls, laptop bags and a great assortment of other bags.

Handbags

Created in leather or vinyl you get to decide the picture or pictures that are printed on the finished item. While it is standard to print a single picture on one side of the handbag you can add a little more customisation if you wish by including a second picture on the reverse of the bag. You could even use a montage of different photos for a particularly striking look.

Holdalls

Again, the holdall is most often available in leather or vinyl and can be personalised to include one or two images printed on the front and reverse of the bag. As well as being able to use a montage of your favourite photographs you could opt for a pop art representation of your chosen picture for a fun and unique looking hold all.

Laptop Bag

It seems the world has gone laptop mad and with a personalised laptop bag you can ensure that your prized possession is safe and secure while carrying a great looking item that is bound to make a lasting impression.

Shopper

The environmental problems with using plastic carrier bags have become extremely well publicised and we're all being encouraged to do our bit by reusing shopping bags. Photo shopping bags not only offer a unique look but they also allow you to carry more shopping while offering a more comfortable means to do so.

Make-Up Bag

The ideal accessory for the photo handbag? A photo make up bag, of course. The satin print provides excellent looking image reproduction, impeccable colour clarity, and striking results. Your picture is printed on the front of the make up bag and you can usually choose a colour or pattern for the reverse.

Photo bags really allow you to express your individuality while showing off on or more of your favourite photographs. If you're stuck deciding on the perfect picture to use then why not instead have a montage created from several of them at once. Alternatively, you can have a photo converted into black and white or even into several pop art styles.

Source : Ezinearticles

Different Types of Russian Nesting Dolls to Collect

If you have decided that would like to start collecting Russian Nesting Dolls, keep in mind there are several different types, and several different price ranges that are available. Have fun while you are looking at all of the selections that are available and remember this collection is for you. You decide on what looks unique to you and then have fun with all the ways you can display your new collection of collectible Russian Dolls.

Collectible Russian Folk Art & Russian Tales Nesting Dolls

These types of dolls are the more traditional dolls. These are what everyone thinks of when they think of Russian nesting dolls. These are hand painted in Russia, and are very colorful and have very elaborate detail. Some have white paint and gold foil embellishments creating a stunning contrast against the dark-stained background of the wood burned doll. Some have a Russian Tale associated with them, and carry the name perhaps of the "Littlest Matryoshka Doll", "Semenov Doll", or may simply be called an "Art Doll".

Collectible Animal Lovers Russian Dolls

These animal dolls make perfect gifts for all of the animal lovers. Not only can you find their favorite animal they collect, but you can give it in the form of a nesting doll. These dolls are usually fairly affordable, and vary in size and number. Some of these dolls can come in very small sizes so would not be suitable for small children. These small dolls are not toys, but rather a gift to give or display. You can find horse, dolphin, panda, and a new version of the Golden Retriever nesting doll.

Educational and Occupational Dolls

These are always fun to collect or give as gifts. If you know of someone who is a teacher, Doctor, Nurse, Veterinarian, or any other occupation, you might just be in luck finding a doll for them. Some of the educational dolls consist of nesting cars, Space Shuttle, Civil War Generals, Russian presidents, and even the latest American presidents.

Religious Dolls

Some of the most famous cities and cathedrals in Russia have been transformed into the most beautiful scenes on these types of Nesting Dolls. You can find many different types of Monastery Dolls, Saints, Apostles, and Angels on these elaborate works of art. Noah's Ark makes a perfect backdrop on a nesting doll that can re-tell the story when each doll is opened to reveal even more animals from the ark. There are also Nativity Scenes, Mangers scenes, and a set of the Holy Family

Christmas and Holiday Dolls

These dolls are some of the best sellers. You just can't resist all of the different types of Santa's, International Christmas, Father Frost, Christmas Carol, Snowmen, Nutcracker, Nativity Scene, and Christmas Eve Nesting Dolls. You can now even find the "Charlie Brown Christmas" Nesting Doll. There is sure to be something here for everyone on your list. Another holiday you can find when looking for Nesting dolls, is Halloween. You can find Halloween Cats, and even the "Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" Set of Nesting Dolls.

Source : Ezinearticles

Fiber Arts - How to Turn Wool into Art Dolls

Learn a simple fiber arts technique and you can make fabulous art dolls. Show your unique personality to the world with handmade dolls made using wool.

What is this fiber arts technique? A creative process called dry felting or needle felting. You can make fun 3D sculptures with this method.

What is needed to make art dolls? You will need a felting needle, a foam pad, animal fiber, cloth covered floral wire, scissors, and a great idea.

Felting needles are special needles that have barbs on them. As you punch the fiber with the needle, the barbs tangle the fibers creating felt. You can make different shapes, put those shapes together, layer wool onto the shapes, and build your unique dolls. Felting needles come in different gauges and shapes. A general starting needle is a 36 gauge triangle needle.

You will need a dense foam pad. Styrofoam does not work. Your foam should be at least two inches deep. The foam pad is what you lay your work on to jab it with the needle. The foam pad protects you, or the table you are working on, and keeps the needle from hitting something hard and breaking.

Animal fiber such as sheeps' wool or alpaca fleece should be used. Coarser wool is harder to felt. Medium to fine wool felts great. The wool should be cleaned and carded before using.

A cloth covered floral wire is used as the skeleton or wire frame for your art doll. A wire frame is not absolutely necessary, but it does make your doll more pose-able and sturdy. The wool is wrapped and needled around the frame.

A small pair of scissors is used to trim felt. Once your art doll is made, you may want to lightly skim the surface with the scissors to clip off any stray fibers to make your handmade doll less hairy.

Great ideas are found all around you. Look at your life. What is your profession? What are your hobbies? Can you think of any unusual characters in your life? Would your uncles' quirks work great on a dragon? Start looking at everything in terms of a new character to make and you'll be surprised at the unique art dolls you can create with dry felting.

Learn the simple fiber arts technique of needle felting and use wool to visually communicate your unique personality to the world. You'll have fun and, if you want, you can sell your works of art, too.

Source : Ezinearticles

Animal Kingdom Cricut Cartridge - 7 Tips You Can Use Today

Let your inner Cricut animal roar with the help of the Animal Kingdom Cricut Cartridge - 7 Tips You Can Use Today. Go above and beyond the standard adhesives, stickers and hand drawn figures of animals with the help of this tool. Instead, give your scrapbooks, albums, frames, tags, and cards a more polished, professional look with the stylish and formidable Animal Kingdom Cricut cartridge.

Animal Kingdom Cricut Cartridge - 7 Tips You Can Use Today

1. When the cartridge says animal kingdom, it means animal kingdom. This is not a small collection of half a dozen animals here. The Animal Kingdom cartridge features an incredible array of animals ranging from the very docile to the wildest of beasts. Animal graphics compiled in this cartridge include: penguins, horses, turkeys, bears, birds, beavers, moose, pigs, ducks, goats, sheep, owls, camels, elephants, hippos, gorillas, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, lions, snakes, alligators, turtles, fish, frogs, mice, dogs, cats and much, much more.
2. Another tip is to use the cartridge to create detailed and expertly designed scrapbook pages. Make a page featuring all of your favorite animals or use the cartridge to document your safari or trip to the zoo. If you own any exotic pets, show them off in a homemade picture frame.
3. Help your kids make the most incredible looking school projects with the help of your handy-dandy Animal Kingdom cartridge. While making animals out of popsicle sticks is boring, creating dioramas and exhibits with this Cricut cartridge is fun, exciting and a brand new way to learn.
4. Another way to take full advantage of this cartridge is to make your own gift bags, invitations, party favors and thank you cards, all for an animal themed party. Guests will be blown away by your attention to detail, your creativity and your animals. Make decorations, cupcake toppers and banners all with the help of this amazing cartridge.
5. Teach your kids about the various animals by setting the scene and placing the appropriate animals in their natural habitats. The collection includes farm animals, pets, animals from the jungle, the swamp, the desert and more. Such activities are an effective and fun way to learn.
6. Users can also create fun crowns and headpieces for students and children. Utilizing one of the many special features makes this an easy task and within moments, you can have the head of a rhino, a moose, or even a penguin.
7. Take full advantage of all of the special features which allow users to personalize and play with the graphics. Features include: head, sound, bookmark, book, shadow, and blackout.

Be the ruler of your own creativity, follow these helpful tips and make the most of the Animal Kingdom Cricut cartridge.

Source : Ezinearticles

Novelty Ties Inspired by the Art of Famous Artist Pablo Picasso

There are many different styles of neckties to choose from. There are animal print styles, catchy sayings and phases, and even depictions from many famous painters, including Pablo Picasso. In fact, Picasso designed neck ties are one of the most famous and popular designs available, more so than Salvador Dali, Rembrandt, or even Michelangelo.

Famous Artwork Rendered on Neckwear

You can find an abundance of different neckwear inspired from Pablo Picasso, from contemporary designs like the Woman Playing Guitar, from his 1924 painting, or the Harlequin Leaning on His Elbow, based on his painting from 1901. There are even reprints of his more abstract and disturbing works, like The Smoker from 1969, and even ones by other artists who have been inspired by this famous painter.

One of these is the Abstract Picasso Woman, designed from a water color painting by Matilde Caceres-Zelinger, from Texas. This tie design is printed in brilliant colors and is ideal for any person with great taste. Another Picasso inspired necktie is the "Picasso" Apple, which is a digital collage of the original photo of a lopsided apple, inspired by many of Picasso's odd renderings. There are also many others to choose from, including many different reprints of original paintings.

Places to Purchase

So the question you may be asking is where you can get one of the Picasso inspired ties, and how much they cost. Well you may be able to find a few of them at department stores; however for the best selection and prices, it is a good idea to start online. There are many necktie manufacturers that have a wide selection of famous artist's designs, including Ralph Marlin. These are available in silk or polyester, or even a mixture of materials, and are very reasonably priced.

For example, the Three Musicians, from 1921, is a brilliantly colored rendition made from silk and is reasonably priced. The Picasso Portrait Ovals collector necktie is black and white, and is filled with small ovals of Picasso's self portrait, available in polyester, for under $20 dollars. There are many other styles to choose from as well. In order to get the best deals it is a good idea to shop around, since prices may vary. Also be sure to check for other costs as well, such as shipping, taxes, and even exchange rates. Some companies provide free shipping, for orders over a certain amount.

When choosing an online dealer, make sure you read all the fine print. Check for their return policies, and any guarantees that may be offered. It may also be a good idea to also check with one of the online auction houses. There are many deals there you may not find anywhere else. One thing of concern with auction houses is that many ties may not be brand new, which is not a problem if they are in excellent condition.

Conclusion

So if you want to stand out from the crowd, express your own style, or even show your appreciation for fine art, do it with Picasso inspired neckwear. Each is unique, is available in black and white or color, and will definitely set you apart from the rest of the office.


Source : Ezinearticles