Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Gold Picture Frames - Elegant and Unique

While framing pictures to be put up on walls, study tables and office desks, we need to take some time before we pick just any frame. This is because the overall beauty of the picture and the importance that we attach to it depends greatly on frames that we choose. Thus, if you want to give some very special moments a very high status in your life, or dignify them with a special grace, you will need to make some very careful choices. It is totally worth the effort, because these are those golden moments in your life, which changed something inside you. These are those people, who have played a very important role in shaping your life and personality.

Essence of classic memories

Thus, gold frames are the ideal choice from framing pictures of parents, grandparents, special family members and so on. Some people even prefer to frame their degrees, or special newspaper cut- outs that carry subtleties of certain moments of fame in such frames. These frames give a very elegant and classic touch to the entire picture. They are able to make even the most ordinary pictures look very extraordinary with their elegant grace and beauty. This is why it is very good to use these to frame degrees and cut outs. These gold picture frames are able to absorb the natural dullness of paper, and make the onlookers feel that this is something which is a very important part of your life.

Options with gold frames

The additional advantages of a large gold frame are that it is available in plenty of exciting designs. You can get frames that have a wonderful antique look, or go for something which is much simpler. The simple frames could be used for pictures which have a large amount of content in them, and which have some very bright colours. You can go all out on the design of the frame, when the picture itself is very simple or plain. These frames are thus the ideal choices for framing old, black and white pictures. They can make even faded pictures look extremely beautiful and amazing.

Glorified memories

Thus, you must get these frames for your home at once. There are also plenty of antique designs available. If you are willing to spend, then there are also frames available in solid gold or with at least some part of the designs in solid gold. These frames help you to give the kind of respect and glory to those special memories in a way nothing else can. These memories have to be treated specially, since a social networking website seems too little and low for them. Your golden frames can be obtained either through direct purchasing in a store, or even from an online store.

For more information on gold frames, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the gold picture frames!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Photo Frames: To Beautify and Protect Your Photos

Framing a photo not only gives it a pretty look but also acts as a protector from outside elements. Therefore, if you were under the impression that Photo Frames act as a beautifying accessory, then you are right but also add its role as a protector. Therefore, a frame has the dual responsibility of "beautifying" and "protecting" a photo. It plays an important role of preserving your photo for a longtime while adding to its beauty. That is why you will find old photographs are neatly framed and hanged onto the walls for many years; probably you must be still giving some old photographs of your grandparents hanging from the wall in your house.

Chances are that most of the photographs of your grandparents and, maybe, even your parents are neatly framed with transparent mirror on the face of it and hanged on the wall of your house. Some of the photographs are so neatly done that they reflect the artwork that went into making the frames of the photos. There are postcard sizes or larger frames that can be used for framing photos. Photos Frames of various sizes and shapes can be framed. You can either hang them on the wall or keep in some places as a decorating accessory.

You will get them in various shapes, sizes and even customs made. Visit your local framers and probably you will get the frames that you want. If still you do not get the exact frame, you want you can also order him to make. The local framer will make it for you but he will charge little higher if you ask him to customs made. However, if you want ready made you should visit other local framers and you might get what you want.

You will also get them made of different materials. In the olden days they were made exclusively with wood, but today you will get frames made of steel, wood and plastic. You can also get photo-frames in different colors- black, gold, silver, white and others. As making them is a big business, you will get quality of them and some of them are even imported quality. There are different photo frames companies that specialize in manufacturing them and even exporting it outside their country.

Making them is a work of art. In olden days, wooden photo frames were exquisitely carved by woodcraft artists, which looked unique and beautiful. Even today, we still have wooden artists who specialize in making image holders for different companies. With the advancement of technology, they can also be designed by computer and you can even personalize it on your desktop. Most of these companies take an advantage of the technology and designs their image holders in computers. Remember you can also order them online



Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Magic of Black Picture Frames

Perhaps one of the most difficult things in the world, and the most impossible, is to capture time. Yet, this is something which we humans will never stop doing. It is for these reasons why we always take pictures of certain special moments in our lives, and then feel the need to give the pictures a special place in our surroundings, so that we can always look at them occasionally, and relive those special moments. These moments are not ordinary ones. They are special because they have a very significant role to play in defining who we are. Thus, they need to be treated as such, and we must give them proper respect. This also applies to special people in our lives, who have played a very important role, and who our heart will always cherish more than the others.

Black frames

Black picture frames are the perfect ways of achieving this. These frames are now available in some truly exotic designs, and at a very cheap rate. The main reason why such picture frames are becoming so cheap these days is because the makers are facing intense competition from digital pictures, frames and social networking sites. Yet, we still purchase them, because the charm of a framed picture on a table or on a wall can never be matched with something on a networking site. Websites feel very virtual to us, because we cannot touch and feel them. On the other hand, pictures on tables can be stared at, held lovingly and respected.

Types of frames

A black picture frame can be purchased in various types. You can get simple wooden or plastic frames in some pretty cute designs for simple pictures, or those bearing the pictures of special people. They have a very quaint charm, and can be used to set up anywhere. If you want something more special, you can opt for metallic frames, or ornate ones with heavy intricate designs. These may also be available in paper Mache or other miscellaneous varieties. You can select from a huge variety, depending on your budget, and the importance of what you want to frame.

Selecting a frame

While selecting a frame, you must always keep in mind that advantage these black frames offer. They go with almost any kind of interior, and will never look odd or misplaced. Thus, if you are someone who will keep changing your location, or will always want to keep renovating the place, you can go for these frames, since they will always look very beautiful and in place. The style quotient of these frames is also something that cannot be ignored. These frames are the epitome of dignity and grace, and can make even the most jaded pictures look very surreal.


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Photo Frames: Give Craftsmanship A Fillip

Photo Frames are the work of art. They have provided craftsmen gainful employment as they are in demand for different photo studios or even traders who supply them to many outlets. They serve dual purpose of protecting the photograph and also giving photos the style and grace they need. The frames can be used either for a photograph or for a painting. We are not sure about its origin but needless to say photo-frames have performed a great function of not only decorating photographs but also of protecting them for many years. Frames are used for framing photographs since ancient times and the art of making photo-frames have evolved into a craftsmanship.

The most commonly used frames have been wooden frames. Wooden frames were the favoured ones in the olden days and you will find that most of the old photographs in your house or even at your friend's house are made of wood. Even the rich and famous used wooden image holders as they were the most commonly available frames and you would also get them in different shapes, sizes and textures. Photo studios all over the world had ready-made frames in their studios for sale. The photo-frames were of various shapes and sizes to fit the photographs. It is more likely that you would get black and white photograph in a wooden frame.

They also spawned whole lots of craftsmen. The craftsmen specialised in making various shapes, sizes and texture. Making of an image holder is also considered a craft. It, therefore, encouraged frame craftsmanship in many countries including India. However, today wooden photo holders are rarely found as other materials have overtaken this material. Today, most of the studios sell picture frames made of steel, plastics or even other materials. But, the classical wooden frames are still available in some of the studios.

If we do not talk about the Indian origin frames, then the story of photo folders will remain incomplete. The Indian royalty was known to encourage making of an artistically and stylish picture frames. The craftsmen perfected the art of making that was not only beautiful but also reflected their talent for carving. It symbolized the grace of Indian art and crafts.

The ones of the Indian royalty, displayed in some of the museums and galleries in India look elegant having beautiful etched designs with carved, inlaid, varnished or hand-painted borders. They make for a favourite gift items given on occasion like Valentine Day, Wedding, Birthday and anniversary. Taking advantage of the market need of photo frames many people over the world have taken to manufacturing and importing them abroad. It has also encouraged this craftsmanship and has given a fillip to this particular industry.



Friday, March 2, 2012

Tips To Get Perfect Photo Framing Done

Photos if captured and framed properly can help one relive every single moment of one's life. We all are very busy running the race of life and it has seriously very difficult for any of us to take out some time and enjoy the little incidents which makes our life so special and the only way to hold back these moments are capturing these moments in reel. Photos are a real companion in lonely times, an emotional boost in happier times. Pictures along with appropriate frames really bring the picture to life and can speak thousand words silently.

Perfect photo framing is definitely an art not practiced by many and one who can master this art has made it. Here come certain tips to get a perfect photo framing done. First of all choose the perfect frame for the picture depending on the size of the picture. Some picture will look good in good photo frames while others will look better in small photo frames. Certainly a group photo or family picture will not look good in a small photo frame. Similarly a small baby's single picture will not look good in a small photo frame. Next, the color of the background wall where the photo is to be mounted matters a lot. If the background is light colored and the frame is extremely dark colored it does not look attractive, moreover the texture of the frame, its material also matters a lot. A metal frame on a wall with a wooden look will not at all look good. These little things have to be taken care of. Always remember the price of the frame should not be the only deciding factor or the brand or the shop from which it is brought should not be of prime importance, the most important factor is to give the photo a real look so as to bring life within it and this should always be kept in mind while framing a picture. Often if a wrong frame is chosen for a beautiful picture the entire feel of the picture goes for a toss, it is entirely spoilt. Pictures, when taken are taken with a lot of thoughts in mind and it is always coveted that whenever we see the picture those old times should be fresh in our mind, but a wrong frame can just waste the entire effort and dream. To avoid such situations, extreme care should be taken while selecting a frame for any picture, be it the first time when a child walks, or one's first birthday celebration, marriage ceremony or first parenthood photo frames should be just the perfect one, worth these joyous moment of life.

Once gone, time never rewinds, pictures are the only thing which can keep these moments constant and fresh in our minds. To frame these moments in the perfect frame definitely requires some patience and time, but once done perfectly these are some of the most treasured possessions in life, some timeless treasures which makes our lives worth it.


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Framed Pictures - Let Your Memories Be Vivid Forever

Just like the fence outside your house, a picture frame protects some of the greatest treasures of your family - your family pictures. A little care will help you keep these treasures well protected and they will keep looking brilliant for several years to come. Here are two excellent steps to help you care for your photos.

Clean the Frames Regularly

Cleaning the photo frame regularly is one simple way to make them last long. The picture frame just like any other object in your house collects dust. If the frame is not cleaned regularly, more dust will get accumulated and will work all the way to the inside of the picture frame and will leave both the frame and the picture looking dirty.

To reduce the dust build up, you should simply dust the frame regularly with a damp cloth. In case your picture frame has been neglected a little, you will have to do more meticulous job. You have to remove the glass and also the picture to clean the frame completely. In order to clean the photo frame, completely, you should begin by laying it face down on a soft, thick towel. However, remember never to keep your precious frame, like a sterling silver picture frame on the front side, always keep something to protect it. The last thing you would want is a scratched frame when you sit to clean it.

Once the frame is opened remove the picture with care and then clean the glass and the picture meticulously. Try using a cloth to clean the glass since the paper towels might leave acid residue behind which is potentially dangerous for the pictures.

After you are done cleaning put the picture back in the frame only after it dries completely. Any little bit of moisture might damage the frame as well as the picture.

Reproduce the One-of-a-Kind Pieces

Even though the modern technology has increased a lot these days there is still no substitute for caring of your priceless memories is by making duplicating them. Let us consider your wedding photo; probably clicked by your photographer. It now proudly sits in a perfect sterling silver picture frame on your gallery wall, however if you have only one copy of the picture, then you should have another copy of it without delay.

Some extremely delicate old photographs need to be professionally duplicated. For pictures present in your discs make a backup in case the disc gets damage or corrupted. Never keep the copies in the same place. Keep them at a safe and secure place.

In case of accidents, like fires, floods and other catastrophes, although insurance will cover the physical cost of every single item, but you will lose them forever. Ensure that you store a copy of the duplicate photos in a safe and dry location away from your home as well.

If you follow the simple tips stated above you will be able to keep your picture frame looking beautiful for several years to come.

For more information on photo frames, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the clip frames!


Friday, February 24, 2012

Tips for Proper Maintenance of White Picture Frames

Do you know for what exact purpose are the photo frames used for?
Apart from displaying our favourite photos in front of our eyes, these photo frames also does one of the most important things: That is to protect our photos from outside interference and to keep it in the safest way it can.
What will happen if you find the thing used to protect your pictures itself is getting damaged due to improper handling and carelessness shown by the user? The picture inside the photos frames will also get damaged due to the damaging of these frames.
So, in order to protect the pictures that are enclosed, you need to protect the frames and take proper care of the frames to last on longer period of time and to retain their shine and glow to provide for a greater visual treat while putting them on the walls of a room or keeping them at the showcase or table.
Photo frames can be of different qualities, colors, sizes and shapes but not all of these require those high maintenances like the white picture frames.
A large white picture frame definitely features for a beautiful object that highlights class, excellence and dignity. But to maintain the constant shine of these frames, you need to take extreme care of these frames on a daily basis with much of involvement.
There are certain rules and regulations that need to be followed while undergoing the caring of the white photo frames. As the frames are white in color, it will attract the most of sunlight to come and go through it. As a result, the photo lying inside the frame will be exposed to a good amount of sunlight. This will be extremely dangerous as well harmful for the photo because the sunlight contains ultra violet rays which are one of the sources that easily damages a photo. Not only do the ultra violet rays damages the photo, but it also causes high negative impact on the white picture frames causing the frames to get faded and as a result leads to damaging the shine and overall gloss of the frames making it unattractive.
So, it is well suggested that these frames should not be kept at places from where it will have direct exposure to sunlight. Keeping away from the direct exposure of sunlight will prevent the ultra violet rays to reach the frames and the photos and as a result the frame as well the photos lying inside will get no harm and the longevity will be prevailed.
Next, you need to keep these photo frames in places free from moisture contents. It is because moistures are something that causes the photos to get damaged in the easiest of ways. The white color of the frames will also get damaged if too much moisture gets in there. So, in order to avoid moisture to get in the frame and picture present inside, you need to place the frames in areas that are not moist and are not exposed to outside natural hazards like rains, thunderstorms, snow falls and strong winds.
Regular dusting with soft dry clean clothes is essentially required.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Children's Modeling Agencies

Modeling is often considered to be a profession of glamour and fame for many. These are actors who perform in advertisements and commercials of products and services of different companies. They are largely responsible to making a commercial publicity look appropriate and attractive with their performances.

Children as Models

There are several products that are considered to be specialty areas for children like toys and chocolates. Then there are other products that may concern children mainly. These are consumer products, medication, and other products for personal hygiene or baby care and childcare.

Modeling Events for Children

There are different events for which children are often required for participation as models and brand ambassadors of particular companies. There are company-sponsored events that pertain to children and their lifestyle requirements. Thus, child actors and models are the ideal means of getting the commercial message across.

There are catwalks in fashion shows, promotional, publicity campaign events, commercials, advertisements in television, newspaper, and magazines, radio as well as on the internet. In all of these children are required as models for various products and services.

Modeling Agencies for Children

There are several modeling agencies that specialize in the training or grooming for professional participations of children in the advertising industry. These agencies are the perfect platforms that newcomer models can approach for the perfect break of a career opportunity.

In case of children, too these agencies take special interest in training and grooming them with the necessary attributes of a model. They are also equipped with commercial and business contacts for the proper participation of child models in events and ad campaigns of different products and services.

There are large corporations and companies of brand products and services that include children in their promotional campaigns as per requirements. In addition, in such cases they allocate the same responsibility to modeling agencies to locate and find that perfect face to launch million dollar products.

In addition, in their search modeling agencies welcome profiles of your child if they have the requisite talent and zeal to perform in front of the camera and a crowd as well. There is adequate support and training that is provided to the children in every possible way.

There are other aspects of payment rates and legal issues that are also safely handled by specialist modeling agencies for children. They acquire all kinds of governmental and legal permissions to conduct the business of employing children in this work.

Due permission and legal contracts are signed by the parents and legal guardians who authorize the participation of their children in modeling assignments and events for various products and services. All payments are made in favor of their legal guardians and parents.

The hours of work and the nature of the same are all in keeping with regulations of the government laws and statutes for children.

Modeling for children can be a very creative and prospective option for children who have the skills and enthusiasm in performing arts. There is also a scope for earning handsomely which can be further invested for their better future as well.


Saturday, February 18, 2012

Poster Frames - Sensible Options at Low-Price

The poster frames are an excellent low-cost option to advertise for your company both indoor and outdoor! Be it the ultimate island getaway or an exceptional holiday decoration or the excellent home makeover, the poster open up new world to the customers. The possibilities of using a poster are unending and you will need poster frames to keep them safe from the outside weather and street-smart people.

Since the posters are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, their prospective is endless. One can buy the pre-printed, poster created by the mass. The internet has some excellent stock of posters, and also has the vintage and worldwide alternatives. You can also opt for the display posters of your vendors, to showcase the items or the companies that you market. This will let their popularity to work in your favor and propel your organization.

You can again create unique graphics, highlight a targeted advertising slogan, and also add an eye-catching image to make the poster your own creation. A poster needs a lot of dynamic potential to advertise your item, or occasion, or service or brand loyalty. It should catch the focus of the passing-by site visitors. So when selecting or developing a poster is done your next step is to get them printed. A number of large format printers are available over the internet, and at very affordable price! The price of having a poster printed is a recurring amount and will be done several times a year for one particular occasion. So there should not be much issue on the variety of the poster you are deciding on. You will also need a poster frame to ensure safety and protection to the poster.

The poster frame is quite critical until you want the pushpins to be used. Since most of the posters are body-much less. Previously, posters were made for specific purposes and specific duration, and can be pasted to the walls or the billboards to promote an event. This was quite popular for the concert or the films. As time went, companies from other sectors became aware of the effectiveness of advertising, and hence creating posters became popular. With this there came poster providers as well.

Since most posters have limited time use, the poster frame is also made for short phrase use. They are mostly made from very thin and fragile broken plastic. Such a frame is not made to withstand the fury of weather or time. If you are willing to invest a little more in marketing you can invest in industrial grade poster body. They do not break or turn out outdated with time. The industrial poster frames are made to stand the test of time and can be used classically.

With the modern posters and poster frames, break free to experience a new and bold advertising marketing campaign. Your advertisement will surely catch the eye of your consumers. Good Luck.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Black Picture Frames for Beautiful Images

The reasons that we have pictures and photographs taken at special moments of our lives are to be able to capture the joys, the happiness and the laughter forever. These are, thus, a significant part of our existence, that help us to live through the special memories long after they have passed.

Visuals can also fade or fritter away like memories in old age. If you want these to look fresh and as good as new you have to give them good protection. Moreover, an appropriate picture frames may be just what you will need.

Picture Framing

There are various types of stuff available for you to choose.. There are frames made from wood, metal, glass and even plastic. Moreover, in each category there are different colors and designs that are available too. This is true especially in case of wooden ones.

You will find the largest collection made from different types of wood. There are different colors and designs given to frames from wood.

There are dark shades, like black ones while there are even lighter shades of natural wood color varnishes that are available.

Elegance exudes from the variety of black ones that are available. These made from solid wood that gives it a look of durability, strength and firmness. The color black is preferred because it creates a sublime effect for all kinds of pictures and room décor or even wall colors.

You may enjoy a few advantages because you are using black picture frames. Moreover, this may be the reasons that this is also a very popular variety of picture frames among buyers and customers.

Among all the colors known to man, there are a few shades neutral in the way they can carry other colors along with them. In addition, black color is one of the chief colors among those shades. You can place any black and white photo into it, or even a flashy colored picture or even a certificate. They will all look prominent and attractive.

The second important perspective for choosing a black one is the room décor and the wall colors. The use of a black variety will go very easily with everything else that is there in a room.

These will look opulent and graceful in every type of setting - residential or commercial.

Black Picture Frame Types

There are different styles that given to them. There are made from solid wood that are flat and broad. Then there are other designs made from solid wood that are broad and thick as well.

There is another design of thin frames that are light and trim the pictures elegantly. You can also customize the black picture frame with a light engraving as an embellishment.

For more information on black picture frames, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the black picture frame!


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Artist Francis Bacon's Lifetime Accumulated Mess Transported Intact to Irish Museum

Francis Bacon's Studio
By Margarita Cappock
Merrell Publishers Limited, 2005, 240 pages, hardbound, $59.95
Francis Bacon (1909-1992) was born in Ireland to British parents and today is recognized as one of the most significant post-war painters, his disturbing oil portraits acquired by major museum collections worldwide. Bacon is remembered primarily for his symbolic, macabre portrait of Pope Innocent X. London/New York publisher Merrell has produced a definitive, retrospective coffee-table volume on Bacon using the device of his unique (read unimaginably messy) studio as the springboard into his career and lifework.
Six years after his death in 1992 the contents of his rather cramped London studio were donated to the Dublin City Council in Ireland with the understanding that it would be recreated there with all its contents intact for public viewing. Easier said than done, because the studio, Bacon's home and workplace since 1961, contained 7,500 items - a treasure trove of precious artifacts to an art historian. There are two absorbing stories here: the challenge of cataloging, transporting and reassembling the contents of the studio (front door, paint-encrusted walls and all) across the Irish Sea to Dublin, and then the significance of each uncovered item as it related historically to Bacon's oeuvre.
"Maintaining the studio exactly as it stood was crucial to the experience," Dr. Cappock writes. So a team of photographers, archeologists, conservators and curators went to work, launching an indoor archeological dig to create a detailed diagram of exactly where each item lay/stood/hung so that the recreated space would be precisely accurate. Today the reconstructed studio is open to the public at Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, Charlemont House, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland.
Needless to say, the piles and piles of clippings, photos, sketches, catalogs, books and even slashed canvases speak volumes to the historic arc of Bacon's work and Dr. Cappock finds in this detritus the inspiration for each phase of his artistic development. Some of the many graphic images Bacon collected over his lifetime reveal the macabre basis for much of his output: massacres, meat carcasses and the assassination of President Kennedy. Other photos show the subjects of his commissioned portraits including Mick Jagger. By the last page the reader has received a detailed, insider's view of the creative evolution of Francis Bacon.
For anyone building a library on 20th century art this impressive, heavy book, Francis Bacon's Studio, is a must.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Best Photography Books

Most people regard books as a good companion. Whether you're an adult or student, you can find interesting books to satisfy your needs. These informative books are able to fill your mind with ideas and at times completely transform your way of life. Whether it is adventure, action, romance, art or photography, you can find books with any topics.

Many people are passionate about photography. A few of the titles for the well-known photography books are How to Shoot Great Photographs; An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide; The Digital Photography Handbook, just to name a few.

In most cases simple digital photography books can offer you a myriad of information that will help you to master this art, such as lighting effects and also how you can improve your images using both genuine and artificial lighting. You can find a wide variety of these books on the market to select from, but you have to determine whether or not you should rent from a library or purchase them.

These days, you can easily download these books from reputable websites. But before doing this, you should check the reviews and forums to see what other photographers have to say about these books. Forums will help you to solve problems, find discussions about specific equipments and also learn about where and when events are taking place.

The best photography books will be the ones which addresses everything about digital photography. A good photography book must take you step-by-step and show how you can capture the best shots at different angles. These days, the digital photography industry is becoming extremely popular. As a result, you can find even more photography books written and published in recent times.

These types of books also provide the users with essential details that will help to make the best decision when shopping. By reading those books, it is possible to determine easily the type of camera that would suit your style and also what components you should know about while purchasing a camera. It's also possible to find several specialized subjects such as digital night photography; digital infra-red photography; digital portrait photography; digital black and white photography, and so on.

In case you are just getting started in photography the Complete Digital Photography book will be a good one to read. Thus if you are interested in buying or upgrading your camera, you can find some helpful tips in this book. You can also get books that will give you information about the technological aspects of working in the digital photography field. In the end, you should learn the best to carry out actual shooting and also how and when to use flash, plus more


Friday, January 13, 2012

Book Review of Color Is Everything by Dan Barges

Color is Everything: Master the Use of Color in Oils, Acrylics or Watercolors [Soft cover]

by Dan Bartges

96 pages, $14.99

ISBN-13: 978-1892538369

Nonfiction

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

Marc Shagall, a Russian-Jewish artist, has been hailed as one of the successful artists of the twentieth century. His expertise allowed him to forge an impressive career utilizing many artistic mediums, including stained class, tapestries, and fine prints. Shagall indicated, "Color is all. When color is right, form is right. Color is everything...."

Artist Dan Bartges dovetails on the latter portion of that quote to give the world this guide to utilizing color. It is read like the warmth of a conversation with an old friend but with the technical excellence of a well-written textbook. Ideally, readers will grasp color harmony when employing strategies mastered by all great artists.

At just under 100 pages, Bartges paints a masterful description of color and its appreciation. As a master teacher, his goal is to take a student on a journey of several projects to understand color and its application. Remaining the consummate professional, he always makes theory more interesting by providing real world examples of famous (and not so famous) paintings to illustrate his point.

Although never utilizing a condescending tone, Bartges' tutelage leaves no stone unturned. He details the type of materials needed: a color wheel, the specific hues of paint, and brush selection. A thorough analysis is provided of the six existing color schemes and how their mastery leads to better artwork. Additionally, Bartges examines famous artwork to provide explanation of why a particular artist utilizes, let's say, a complementary color scheme.

As one would expect, the rich vibrancy of colors leap off every high glossy page of this tutorial. Sometimes it is difficult to follow precisely what Bartges is trying to elucidate by examining some paintings, but even a casual read will have the reader nodding in agreement that a particular color harmony is apparent. If understanding the nuances of various paintings is your primary need this tool would serve as a good color guide corollary.

Those aspiring to teach art or to understand better color harmony will enjoy this book. If you are willing to make a small investment in addition to the book (the cheapest color wheels are about $4.50), Bartges will lead you on a fascinating journey where you will ultimately discover that color is everything. Fascinating projects are interlaced in the book to give the reader the hands-on feel of excellent instruction.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Ebooks on Art Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions and Color Theory

With the passage of time, electronic books are gaining immense popularity among people of all age groups. The reason behind is their easy availability on ebook stores, which also offer discounts to regular customers. Be it science, sports, history, law, communication or media, electronic books are available on almost all topics. Today, ebooks on art collections, catalogs, exhibitions are highly demanded as these provide an insight into the work done by different artists and their impact on society. These books also contain information about finished works that have not been collected by art collectors.

Exhibition 36 is one of the popular ebooks on art collections, catalogs, exhibitions that is written by Susan Tuttle. This book showcases the altered and repurposed art of 36 mixed-media artists. Through this book, readers will get to know the thoughts of various artists and the articles written by them. Some other electronic books on art collections, catalogs, exhibitions are Civilizing Rituals; Aesthetic Journalism: How to Inform Without Informing; Heritage, Museums and Galleries and New Museum Theory and Practise.

Documents of the 1913 Armory Show: The Electrifying Moment of Modern Art's American Debut contains original publications from the Armory Show (1913). Published by Hol Art Books, this book states how Armory Show changes the perception of American people about art. It also contains "A Layman's Views of an Art Exhibition", a popular essay by Theodore Roosevelt. Readers will also find the entire content of "For and Against: Views on the Infamous 1913 Armory Show" in this book.

Art and Its Publics: Museum Studies at the Millennium is an admired book, which contains various essays by museum professionals as well as academics. This book presents contemporary concerns for art and addresses issues related to museum community. Art and Its Publics: Museum Studies at the Millennium is written in an interesting manner and can be easily downloaded on Mac, Android, Windows, iPad, iphone and various other operating systems.

Colors are always an important part of the art and therefore color theory ebooks are also in huge demand. These book are very useful for beginners as these have important information about proper use of colors and their importance. Paint Along with Jerry Yarnell Learning Composition is a famous electronic book, which contains simple instructions for creating impressive compositions. Through this book, Jerry describes three different composition types, appropriate utilization of negative space and principles of flawless design. Some other books written on color theory are The Complete Color Harmony; Colour and Humanism: Colour Expression over History and Colro Design Workbook.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Barcelona Enshrined - Antoni Gaudi - The Complete Architectural Works by Rainer Zerbst

Rainer Zerbst's book, Antoni Gaudí - The Complete Architectural Works, is just what it says, the complete works. Treated chronologically and in turn, each of the architect's major projects is reviewed, described and analysed. Copious illustrations allow the reader to appreciate the often fascinating -and usually fantastic - detail that Gaudí used. The text, elaborate, itself florid in its description, conveys not only the colour and the shape of Gaudí's work, but also its intent and derivation.

Though it concentrates on the buildings, their features, their detail and their innovations, Rainer Zerbst's book does deal quite adequately with Gaudí's background and inspiration, though it does not attempt to be a biography. It may come as a surprise to many readers that it was England and English art that provided the young architect with his model. The theories of Ruskin advised a return to direct contact with nature. The Pre-Raphaelites resurrected both the Gothic and colour, and also employed minute detail throughout a work rather than invite total concentration on a single, artificially-lit central subject. And then William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement provided the social and industrial model that aspired to put art at the centre of everyday life. Finally, and not least, it was the English tradition of the ornamental garden that inspired Gaudí's treatment of broader settings.

All of these influenced the young Gaudí. And at the time he was seen as a something of a radical. Later, when, if anything, the architect's style became more fluid and less self-conscious, he had already shaved off his beard and cut his hair in order to aspire to membership of the local establishment. In England, the once revolutionary Pre-Raphs had largely done the same.

In presenting Gaudí's woks chronologically, Rainer Zerbst is able to chart the development of the artist's style, both personal and professional. The reader can follow the development of a style, see how ideas came to maturity and then were re-used and re-applied. The reader can also clearly understand how Gaudí's work anticipates both Dalí and Miró, both in its content and its use of colour. Placing minor works together in a final chapter, however, has the feel of afterthought and does detract from the overall experience.

For anyone who has visited Barcelona and has seen some of these buildings close up, this book is a must. It really does fill in the detail that a casual observation would surely miss. And for anyone who has not yet visited the Catalan capital, Rainer Zerbst's book, Antoni Gaudí, could conceivably provide the stimulus to make that visit at the first available opportunity. Gaudí's work is something that is thoroughly worth real-life experience. Only in the rather scant treatment of Sagrada Familia is the book rather wanting, but then an adequate description of such a project would be a book in itself. Sagrada Familia, like the man who conceived it, is unique.

Philip Spires

Author of Mission and A Fool's Knot, African novels set in Kenya

http://www.philipspires.co.uk

Migwani is a small town in Kitui District, eastern Kenya. My books examine how social and economic change impact on the lives of ordinary people. They portray characters whose identity is bound up with their home area, but whose futures are determined by the globalized world in which they live.