The Practicality of Fine Art Paintings and Where to Find Them

Fine art paintings are something most people can enjoy. Whether you are an artist or simply a lover of the arts you can usually find a space in your home or office that could best be filled by a painting. They can often compliment the decor of a room or even set its mood. Certain paintings can lend themselves to the rooms of your house such as a game room or the bedroom. A fine art painting in the entrance way of your home can be a nice touch and a conversation piece for guests when they arrive.

Naturally it can help you to choose a painting if you are already familiar with an artist or various other works. However even if you do not have an eye or mind for art you can still managed to find paintings or their replicas for your personal use. It is possible, too, that with time and experience you will have a good feel for what particular artists or art styles might best compliment a room.

Now if you are set on looking into finding paintings then there is a few things you should consider. First is that paintings can be made using a variety of techniques. These can include water colors or traditional oil paints. Some less conventional chalks or pastel art pieces might be to your liking as well. Having a good idea of what each of these techniques tends to look like can give you a better idea of what you are looking for.

Once you have this in mind then you might consider just where the painting is going to be placed. If it will be in your entrance way, for example, you may want something with brighter colors or a welcoming feel. Remember though that you do not always have to consider what other people might think when they see it. Chances are you will be the person looking at it most often, so it should be something you yourself enjoy.

Looking for a painting can be difficult depending upon a variety of factors. For example, if you want an original work then you will not only need to find a gallery or artist but also be ready to pay a good amount for it. Depending upon whether the artist is famous or has a reputation, as well as the size or method in which the painting was created the cost can vary greatly.

If you are looking for a replica or something not necessarily created by a professional artist then the price usually is not as high. However to some people it can be very important to own the original, as a replica is something that can be seen almost anywhere else. If this is not important to you then the lower price may be a nice benefit.

While it can help to know someone in the business of art dealing it is not always necessary. You should feel free to look around either online or about various galleries. Keep in mind, however, that most galleries are only found in large cities and you may have to do some traveling if you really wish to view something firsthand. Some art can be worth the trip and expense, however, if it really impresses you.

Keeping these tips in mind can help you expand upon any room whether at home or elsewhere. You may also learn enough to be able to give people fine art paintings as gifts given time. Good luck in your search and remember to keep an open mind. You never know what might impress you most.

Al Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from modern art paintings [http://www.artgallerypaintings.org/modern-art-paintings/] to American football. Thanks for reading!

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How Art Paintings Change Your Lifestyle

Art Paintings are considered as masterpieces and when you opt to use them; they change your lifestyle completely. They can be inserted in your homes, offices and anywhere else you want to place them. Once you put them in your settings, you will notice that they give an entirely different look of your settings, the attractive look of them will attract the visitors to a great deal. Probably you have noticed that walls without them look like as empty pieces. When these walls either in your home, office or any setting are well decorated with paintings their impression improves a lot. You need to choose unique paintings and it will provide you a lavish look.

In homes while walls are decorated with these art paintings, the entire look of your settings is changed over. You can have art paintings for your living room, you can get art paintings for your bed room, and for TV launch you can get the art paintings. You can have art paintings for your children's rooms. Every set of these art paintings will be different from the others. Specialized artists and painters do produce them over by knowing your needs. Such as the art paintings which are meant to be used over in bed rooms will be different from the one which are supposed to be used in the living rooms. So as the paintings for children's rooms will be entirely different from the paintings supposed to be used in TV launches. Every set of painting has its own purpose and its utility.

You can decorate your offices with these paintings; the offices give an entirely awesome look when the paintings are set over there. When the customers visit your office they get a great experience. The lavish look of your offices is a source of attraction to attract the customers towards your business. You may try the paintings from renowned artists; every room of office needs to have its own settings. Likewise on reception you need to put in a different painting and while in CEO's office, the requirement would be different. You can have different settings for managing director's room and in operations area you need to try different settings. Every different person has the different motivation levels and set of targets and he/she should be addressed in the same manner.

While you are studying at the moment, you may think of paintings which are best suitable for your class room. The class room can be decorated with the help of art paintings, though students have their own mindset and mentality and they have their own motivation level and targets. At the time they are addressed in the way they want to gain the attention, the motivation level increases over to a great limit. These paintings are very helpful in increasing your motivation level.

For different categories of public different sorts of paintings are suitable and while selecting a painting you need to have better understanding about their interests.

This article describes the significance of art paintings in variety of settings. For further information you may visit a website: http://www.bridekirkfineart.co.uk/

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Information About Fine Art Paintings

When you think of fine art paintings, you may think of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo or Vincent Van Gogh. One would be right to associate those names with fine art. They painted some of the most famous works of art known to man to date.

One may typically find authentic paintings in the homes of the elite, the fortunate few, or in art museums. These types of paintings are rare and not easily seen in person. They are also costly, so being able to afford to purchase one is out of the question for most people. However, museums house many original fine paintings for the public to view.

The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci back in the sixteenth century. He began painting it in 1503 and worked on it until the year 1519. People trying to figure it out have mulled over Mona Lisa's expression for years. The expression on her face leaves one with a lot to consider about the painting. In the year 1911, an Italian man stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. It was recovered and returned back to the Louvre two years later.

The Last Supper, another painting by Leonardo da Vinci, is a massive painting that measures fifteen feet by twenty nine feet. He began the painting in 1495 and finished it in 1498. The Last Supper is considered to be a mural. It depicts the twelve disciples' reaction when Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him. The mural is located in Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.

The Storm on the Sea of Galilee was painted in 1633 by Rembrandt. It depicts Jesus calming down the sea during a tumultuous storm. There are fourteen people painted into the boat. It is thought that of those fourteen people, Rembrandt painted himself along with Jesus and his twelve disciples. However, no on really knows if that idea is true. The painting used to hang in Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum until it was stolen from there in 1990. The present whereabouts of this painting is unknown.

Between the years 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Included is the ceiling's paintings are the famous images of the hands of God and Adam. In the middle of this ceiling are nine scenes from the Book of Genesis. The Creation of Adam may be the best-known painting from the scenes of the Book of Genesis.

Sunflowers, a still artwork painting by Vincent Van Gogh, was painted in 1888. This painting is located in the National Gallery in London.

The Starry Night is another famous work of art painted by Van Gogh. The painting is of his view outside of his window at the sanatorium where he resided. It was painted in 1889 and hangs in the The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Fine art paintings are a unique and skillful work of art. They are something that holds beauty to some and intrigue to others. They are rare and hard to obtain. They have been created throughout history whether for the artists themselves, someone the artist knows, or simply for the world to see.

Al Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from modern art paintings [http://www.modernartpaintings.org/] to American football. Thanks for reading!

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Knitting Instructions - Learn the Basics of Knitting and Beyond

I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions as a refresher so here it is. All knitting instructions use basically two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you know these two knitting essentials you will be able to follow most knitting instructions which are just combinations or variations of these two stitches.

Knitting Instructions for the Knit Stitch
Once you have cast on, hold the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Push the point of the right knitting needle in between the front of the first and second stitches, pointing the knitting needle to the right to feed the point through the first stitch keeping it under the left needle. The knitting yarn should be at the back of the work. Loop the knitting yarn around the right knitting needle from back to front, letting the knitting yarn rest between the needles. Catch the knitting yarn on the end on the right knitting needle and pull it through the first stitch to the front of the work. Slip the old stitch off the left needle. The new stitch is now on the right needle. Now you are getting the hang of the knitting instructions. It is a good idea to keep the knitting yarn draped over the right forefinger, this keeps it to the back of the work too. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches, if they are all there, turn the right knitting needle around and put it in the left hand. This is the first row. The knitting yarn will look like it is at the front and you will now take it to the back and start the second row of transferring stitches to the empty right needle.

Knitting Instructions for the Purl Stitch
The Purl stitch will also be in any knitting instructions. Start with the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Your knitting yarn will be hanging in front. Push point of right knitting needle into the front of the first stitch from right to left. Wrap the knitting yarn around the tip of the right knitting needle, crossing over the two needles and hanging once again in front. Slide the right knitting needle down and back taking the new loop of knitting yarn from front to back, through the old stitch. Slip the old stitch off the left knitting needle. If you have followed the knitting instructions you now have a stitch in purl on the right knitting needle and the yarn is hanging, once again, in the front. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches to make sure you haven't dropped any and turn the work around putting the knitting needle with the stitches on in your left hand to start the next row.

I hope you could follow my knitting instructions. This is my version of instructions for the two basic knitting stitches but I have found that it is hard to use a few written instructions. I have found a great book on the subject, much more in depth than I can be. It really helped me improve my knitting with advice on free knitting patterns, knitting instructions, all the knitting essentials. You can find it on my blog called Knitting Instructions. I really suggest you take a look.

Good luck with your knitting.

I love to knit and to teach people how to knit. I also love to blog. I have been knitting for 30 years and have taught many young family members. You can find more information on my blog at http://knitting-instruction.blogspot.com.

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6 Things To Bring To A Knitting Group Meeting

So, you're going to a knitting group meeting. Don't know what to expect?

• Do you feel intimated by experienced knitters?
• Are you shy around people you don't know?

You can bring something you know about like your knitting gadgets, books, and finished knitting projects. For instance, aren't you:

• Curious to know how knitters used a knitting gadget you have?
• What they think of the knitting magazine you just read?
• Are they thinking of buying a knitting book you already have?

Bringing these 6 things to a knitting group meeting can help you "break the ice." You can start a conversation on knitting, and make you feel more comfortable. You can choose to bring only 1 thing or all 6. They're instant conversation starters. I bring all 6 in a backpack.

1. Knitting Gadgets
Have you seen an interesting knitting gadget at the Jo-Ann or Michael's store? The ones that cost under $20. Don't you wish they had a "tester" to try before you bought it? Do you read online reviews but want to try it for yourself? Here's your chance to help other knitters "test" a knitting gadget. They will appreciate it. Bring a knitting gadget to the meeting and tell them that they can try it out, and what you thought of it. Was it worth your money? Too slow? Broke after a few minutes? For example, I bought the Knit-Wit Loom at the Jo-Ann store in Porter Ranch for $8. I bought it because the flowers looked like a quick way to knit square flowers and make a diamond-shaped scarf. It took me an hour to understand how to make the border. Imagine all the time I would have saved if a knitter showed me how she made flowers with the knit wit loom. When I went to a West Hills, CA SnB meeting, I brought the knit wit loom and 2 scarves I made with it.
2. Knitting Books
Have a knitting book? It could be either a pattern book, a technique book like mosaic knitting, or a knitting novel, like "Chicks with Sticks." Feel free to bring the knitting book to the meeting. Lay it on the table and tell the knitters they're welcome to browse it. You'll see knitters putting their projects down to rest their hands and looking at your book. Some might browse it right before leaving. How can your knitting book start a conversation with knitters? Easy. You'll get questions like, where did you buy it, did you like it, knit anything from it, and is it worth buying. Please answer their questions. For instance, bought your knitting books from Amazon? How much was it? You can also see if they already have books that are on your Amazon wishlist! Do you get your knitting books from Zooba instead? Some knitters might not know about their program. It's $9.95 for any book each month with free shipping, including knitting books. If you're on Zooba, are you happy with their service? Do they have a wide knitting book selection? How convenient is it? Would you recommend them to sign up?
3. Knitting Magazines
One thing is feeling self-conscious browsing a knitting magazine at the store. Why not let others see the magazine. Did you knit a pattern in the magazine? What do you think of the pictures? You see there are plenty of ideas on how you can start a conversation at the knitting group.
4. Finished Unique Knitting Projects
Knitters are always looking for some fresh ideas. Do you have a unique knitting project? Your own design? Hey, bring it to the meeting. If you don't know many knitting friends, now is your time to let other knitters appreciate the time you spent on a project. When you finished your project, was it what you expected?
5. Knitting Accessories You Made
Do you carry handmade knitting accessories in your knitting bag? Kindly show them to the knitters at the meeting. In case they want to try to make it themselves, let them know how you made them. For example, did you make your own stitchmarkers? Your own needlecase? Found a creative way to make the flat end of the needle look nice? Have you made a handy notebook with all the patterns you know?
6. Your current knitting project and open mind

Bring what you're working on to the meeting. Don't just sit there and knit it. You can do that at home. Be open to suggestions from other knitters regarding your current project.
For instance, are you knitting a project with 2 or more colors? Let them know what color technique you're using and what it's supposed to look like when it's done. Do you plan to knit the colors using slipped stitches, fair isle, double knitting, or duplicate stitch? Are they letters, stripes, or monograms to personalize your knitting? Some might tell you they only tried a duplicate stitch or recommend you books or knitters who have knit with color using slipped stitches.
For example, I went to a West Hills, CA SnB meeting and started to knit a blue soccer scarf with the white letters of the team, c-h-e-l-s-e-a. I used slipped stitches to make the white letters but after making the letter "A" the scarf curled up. I also didn't like how the slipped stitches in the back of the letter made the scarf feel bulky. A knitter from the group suggested to make the white letters with double knitting and I'd finish quicker. I proceeded to knit the blue scarf and until the end I'll add the white letters.
Don't forget to kindly ask other knitters what they're working on. See if you or someone you know knitted something similar and tell them about it.
There's no need to feel intimidated at a knitting group meeting. Bringing one of these 6 things to the meeting can help you start a conversation on knitting with knitters.

Monica Silva motivates other young knitters in their 20s, like her, to knit thin scarves and skinny scarves with simple knitting patterns, such as horizontal stripes, diagonal stripes, vertical stripes, and a vertical drop stitch. Silva enjoys turning skinny scarves into belts and also wearing them like a headband. Visit her blog at [http://1knitscarf.com] to get knit scarf ideas and patterns.

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What You Need to Start Knitting

Knitting
Of all the different types of needlework, knitting is one of the most popular. Knitting is a specific type of needlework that is identified by the process of looped stitches pulled through one another. Knitting is commonly used to make clothing and accessories such as hats, scarves, sweaters and gloves, as well as blankets and afghans. Most commercially produced knitted items are made with knitting machines; their high speed is indispensable for meeting the demands of the world economy. Knitting machines have not done away with human knitting, however; far from it, knitting has gone through a recent resurgence in popularity as a craft and hobby.

One of the great things about knitting is that you can make a wide variety of items with the same relatively simple steps. Just select a different type of yarn and a different variation in your stitch, and you can come up with a very different end product.

The origins of knitting
Archaeologists have found evidence of knitting as far back as the first millennium. Obviously, knitting has been around for a long time. Indeed, even the ancient Egyptians are known to have knitted colorful socks and other accessories. It is generally thought that the first peoples to use knitting to make blankets and clothing were the ancient Arabians.

The history of knitting was pretty straightforward until the invention of the knitting machine. The knitting machine completely changed the purpose of knitting. Before the industrialization of knitting, it was an essential task for many families, a means to keep warm and clothed. After the knitting machine, blankets and clothing were mass-produced far more cheaply than any one person making it. For this reason, knitting today is primarily a recreational pursuit. Knitters enjoy gathering together to socialize. People love to knit because it can be an extremely relaxing way to pass the time and ease one's nerves. The products of their pastimes are often presented as gifts, which can save you some money as well.

The demographics of knitting are changing as well. Knitting used to be the sole preserve of primarily older women. More and more, however, knitting is becoming popular with younger generations. Indeed, some studies show that knitting has risen in popularity among the 25 to 35 age group by as much as 150%.

Different types of knitting
The two main types of straight-needle knitting are weft knitting and warp knitting. Weft knitting requires only one string of yarn at time, but can be more susceptible to snags and runs. Warp knitting, on the other hand, is usually done by machine, so when most people think of knitting, they are usually thinking of weft knitting. Another important type of knitting that is commonly done by hand is circular knitting. This method uses a circular needle, and creates a "tube" of yarn when completed - great for socks and other tubular garments.
What materials do you need to start knitting?
Knitting is an ancient and rudimentary craft. As such, the materials that you need to knit are fairly basic; when it comes down to it, all you need to knit is some needles and some yarn. You should pay close attention to the type of yarn you use, however, as it will have a significant impact on how your final product looks and feels. For instance, certain yarns are appropriate for stretchy materials, while other yarns will produce less stretchy, more solid final results. The width and thickness of the yarn should be taken into account when selecting knitting needles to use. Picking out the yarn can be one of the more pleasant steps in making an item, as knitting yarn comes in a variety of colors and styles and it is always fun to play around with your imagination. Some are solid colors, others have multiple colors for striping, and others include sparkles and other embellishments.

Knitting resources
The best thing for those serious about knitting is to join a knitting circle. In a knitting circle, members will meet with their yarn and needles at the home of different members or local coffee shop and just knit, share tips, and socialize.

If you are on your own, you can always turn to the Internet for a wealth of knitting resources. Groups, forums, and message boards provide a means of communication and getting together for knitters. Through these avenues, many knitting enthusiasts share tips, techniques, patterns, and tales of successful projects. The Internet is also a great place to order knitting materials and patterns, and can help novice knitters get past some of the challenges that face those new to the craft.

Craft and hobby stores will also carry a robust selection of knitting needles, yarns and patterns. Do not be afraid to ask employees in these stores for help - more often than not, you will be able to find experienced knitters who can offer you some sound advice and tips.

Mary Amos loves arts and crafts and has been knitting for years. See her favorite knit patterns at Knits and Knitting Patterns [http://www.funknitting.com/pattern], and be sure to visit Knitting [http://www.funknitting.com] for more knitting fun!

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Paint in Acrylic Art Paintings

Acrylic paints first showed up on the market in the 1950s. This revolutionary new paint helped to bring about a new form of art. Acrylic art which could be produced at a much faster rate that artwork created with other types of paint. The acrylic art soon became a paint of choice for many artists, but there were also those who saw some disadvantages to this new paint. This made them hesitant to use them and to create acrylic artwork.

Fast Drying
One of the top reasons why so many artists were drawn to the idea of acrylic art paintings was the paints fast drying time. Previously it could take weeks for a piece to completely dry when they were created with oil paints. That waiting time could become tedious when an artist simply wanted a piece to be complete. Acrylic paints offered a quick drying time and that was very appealing to artists. On the other hand, the quick drying time often results in harsh looking acrylic art. This is because colors can't easily be blended or softened.

A Familiar Appearance
Acrylic art also have the ability to be diluted with water. When this is done acrylic art paintings resemble watercolors or oil paintings. They are easily used to replace watercolors and oil paint. In many cases acrylic paints are preferred over watercolors because as the acrylic paint dries the color does not change as it does with watercolors. This allows for a more predictable final coloring of a piece.

Durability
Acrylic paints, when dry, are resistant to water damage. This makes it much easier to preserve acrylic art paintings and other acrylic artwork. They also do not yellow as oil paints often do. They resist cracking and changing at all. Some may actually see a problem with the fact that this paint is resistant to water because it makes altering an acrylic artwork very difficult if not impossible.

Toxicity
Many artists prefer acrylic paint because using this type of art requires far less exposure to toxins. Acrylic paint can be thinned with only water and does not require any type of toxic substance in the thinning process. Also brushes can be cleaned in just water without the use of toxic substances. However, the paint itself may contain some toxins and if an artist is trying to slow the drying time then toxic substances must be used.

The advantages and disadvantages of acrylic artwork is something the individual artist has to weigh for themselves. Some artists may find the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. It all really comes down to what look an artist in trying to achieve. Acrylic paints have a specific look and even though they may be able to somewhat mimic watercolors or oil paint, when acrylics are used it is usually a very distinguishable look. Besides that working with acrylic paint is a much different process. So, it really comes down to the artist and their preference of which type of paint to use.

Nicole Roberts
We offer original one of a kind Acrylic Art Paintings [http://www.kadoodleart.com]. You will also find information on paint supplies and the joy of creating your own original piece.

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Modern Art Paintings

Many collectors and investors choose modern art paintings because they are the cutting edge of art today. They reflect the energy of today's world and serve as barometers against the ever changing art scene. They can also become significant investments if they are created by an up and coming modern artist and bought early in their career.

The reason modern art paintings become successful today is the same reason Picasso's paintings were successful in his day. The art scene is full of movements over time. These movements are usually reactions to previous contemporary art practices of the previous eras. For example the Impressionist artists the world over developed a completely revolutionary way of creating great works in their era. Instead of painting inside studios as had been the custom for hundreds of years, Impressionist painters from around the world such as Claude Monet, Pierre- Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cezanne in France, and in Australia, Tom Roberts, Fredrick McCubbin, Jane Sutherland, Charles Conder, and Authur Streeton took their palettes outside and captured the light in "plein air" in completely new ways with colour. In the late nineteenth century, these were ground breaking modern art paintings at their best. Today these paintings are revered the world over for what they brought to the art world at the time.

However if you put a Monet beside a Jackson Pollock, you will see the amazing differences in conceptual development, technique and practice in paintings. This is a reflection of the development of art over time. Modern art works are successful because they break new artistic ground and show us our world in new and fresh ways. Today, some think current practices are not a reaction to previous genres but a totally different attitude to making art.

Many savvy collectors invest in modern art paintings. They choose to invest in these over traditional paintings for the reasons I outlined above. It is great to be part of an art movement, whether as an artist or someone who collects the art of the time. As a collector it is most exciting to invest in an artist's work when they are young in their career and emerging in the art world. The excitement lies in knowing you are onto something that will pay big dividends in the future. It is always a gamble, however there are usually some indications that these paintings will be a great investment. The other reason people invest in young and upcoming modern artists is they have an emotional resonance with the particular modern art paintings they purchase. Throughout time, artists have always relied on collectors following their work and investing in it. Back in the days of Michelangelo, it was the Catholic church who collected his modern art paintings. These days it can be wealthy collectors, celebrities, artists themselves, art lovers and just about anyone who collects art works of modern artists.

I believe everyone should hang modern art paintings in their home. Each new development in the art world needs to be supported by the people living in the world at that time. However, art is a very personal matter and highly subjective. What one person loves in a painting, another will absolutely loathe. The art works I have collected from fellow artists I have bought because I love them and I also love to support fellow artists. I would not buy something I did not like simply to make money on it in the future as I have to live with the art in my home. I also buy from artists I believe are still emerging and have not yet been discovered but have the potential to do really well in the future. The best way to approach collecting modern art is to combine personal taste and with business savvy. Remember you may have this hanging on your wall for years, so if you are not a fan of Damien Hirst's self portrait with severed head image, then don't buy it.

There are many reasons we can be shocked by modern art. The themes are not that different to some of the themes presented in art paintings over the last few hundred years. Death, life, love, sex and animals. However today, it is their presentation that can cause people to feel shocked. The fact that Damien Hirst uses a real dead sheep, encases it in a glass box filled with formaldehyde and stages it in a gallery causes a different emotional reaction than a neo classical painting of a sheep being killed for sacra-religious purposes. There has been a growing irreverence in modern art since the 1980's and 90's and it somewhat reflects the state of our society today. Cynicism has played a key role in the modern art of the last 30 years. Not all of it is shocking, it can be subtle, witty, humorous, clever or simply beautiful. Whichever way you look at it modern art paintings cause us to stop and stare and wonder about life today as we know it. They resonate or shock because of the values we place on the subject matter involved in the art and our reaction to it is based in our personal belief systems, life experiences, relationships and the world we as we know it.

About the Artist: Cathy Condon is an Australian artist based in the UK and Europe who works primarily in an abstract style. Her blog at http://www.catharticgallery.com chronicles her life as a traveling and working artist in the world and her day-to-day influences and impressions.

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Indian Art Paintings

The term Indian art paintings conjures up a whole myriad of different images. In fact, the term Indian art covers huge range of different art forms all coming from India and all unique in their own ways. This article covers some of the more popular forms of paintings in India from Madhubani Paintings, Mughal Paintings, Phad Paintings and miniature paintings. India's art culture has it's roots in thousands of years of evolution; the hugely varied cultures, ethnic groups, languages and religions from all over India have created what is now one of the most diverse and unique collections of paintings and styles of paintings of any nation on earth.

Here are just a handful of the thousands of different Indian art paintings styles from around the country.

Madhubani Paintings
Otherwise known as Mithila art, Madhuban paintings come from the region of Mithila in India and originated in a small town. Originally the madhuban Indian art paintings where painted onto the side of the mud huts of the women artists but the now the term is used to represent a whole range of art in a similar style done on canvas, linen and paper. The materials used for the paintings where all completely natural and usually consisted of plant extract taken from the local environment. The paintings themselves often represent various symbols, most notably symbols of fertility, love and prosperity and are painted on a large scale in a brightly coloured 3D images.

Mughal paintings
perhaps some of the most famous of all of the art in India is the paintings dating to the Mughal era in India, around the 17th century when the people known as the Mughals controlled huge swathes of the land. The period also brought with it a vast revolution of architecture in India. The style itself is now most commonly known as miniature paintings and the art from has a strong following especially in the desert regions of India like Rajasthan and Akbar.

Phad paintings
Again originating from the wonderful land of kings, Rajasthan, Phad paintings are traditionally done on linen and is no where near a dying art form with artists and studios keeping the form alive to this day. The main content of this fantastically bright and vivid form of Indian Art paintings is usually that of gods and various scenes from religious scriptures although throughout the ages the art form has been used to represent many famous philosophers, kings and other great leaders.

Kangra Paintings
Again originating in the Mughal era in India is the Kangra paintings, another style of Miniature paintings in India but considered by many to be less enticing to the eye. The art form differs from the Mughal miniatures in a sense that the colours are less vivid and the scene usually less complicated. In my mind however the images depicted are no less beautiful. The artists who paint these kangra images use a very natural style with calming colours and relaxing images.
These four different styles of Indian paintings are some of the more well known art forms in India but as I previously mentioned but there are actually hundreds, and that's just the paintings, Indian art is a whole world waiting to be discovered!

Follow this link for more information about Indian Art paintings.
Another expert article from All-About-India.com - The webs most comprehensive India Resource.

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Canvas Art Paintings Vs Metal Wall Art - What Are Major Differences?

Metal art painting is quite different from canvas art, though the basic things are more or less the same. There are different challenges posed by each form and they require completely different set of approaches. Though, a potential buyer can find metal art paintings in the market almost as easily as canvas wall artworks, it can be interesting to learn about the basic differences between the two art painting categories:

Hard metal versus soft canvas: Metal is harder than canvas and a first-timer may have to get out of his comfort zone in order to make a metal art. While a different kind of mental preparation becomes necessary, even technically the artist needs to gear up to tackle some fresh challenges.

Rusting: One of the key differences between metal painting and canvas painting is that the former is prone to rusting. Since metal wall artworks are carried out over metals, the element of rusting comes into play. Rusting is a usual phenomenon with almost any type of ferrous metal. However, certain precautions may be taken in order to minimize the risk of rust development. An alternative is to choose a metal which is immune to rusting.

Surface Preparation: Even before the artist starts out, he needs to make special preparations to ready the surface. The preparation for canvas painting is minimal and does not entail any ordeal. But while working over metal arts, it is vital to take a few things into consideration.
Metallic plate often needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Some artists simply wipe off the dust and accumulated dirt while some take extra precautions and rub sand to make the surface dry and rougher. In order to make the surface friendly, some also apply primers or dab a bit of vinegar solution.

Choice of Paint: Canvas art paintings can be made using all the popular kinds of paints. Water color, oil paints and acrylics are all extremely popular with canvas art and do not pose any major difficulty as such. However, metal art paintings are prone to rusting. So, the oil paint is the most favored form of paint. Water colors are strictly unadvisable and even though acrylics are used by some, they can be tricky to handle. Acrylics stay wet for longer time and they compound the risk of rusting.

Permanence: Canvas painting is more permanent by nature while metal art is subjected to climatic factors, chemical alterations, changes in surface, etc. Hence, they may lose the original texture after a period of time.

In spite of the differences, both forms of art paintings are commonly used for furnishing purposes. FabuArt is a great place to buy quality canvas paintings as well as metal wall artworks for amazing prices. Visit FabuArt's metal and canvas art painting collections here.

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Learn More About Pop Art Paintings

When you think of pop art paintings and prints, you should picture bright colors, famous characters from pop culture and entertainment, and mixed materials. This discipline is basically the antithesis of the fine arts and is a response to the seriousness with which fine art regards itself. It really took off in the 1950s and started out of North America and the United Kingdom.

Artists like Andy Warhol are famous for their works like his take on the Campbell's soup can. Using advertisements and logos is typical of this style and modern art and they are designed to make a statement and have a strong attitude towards the subject matter. Celebrities are also a staple of this style's subjects and they are generally painted in just a few bold colors.

It really makes an excellent decorative statement for any room and you can really make some bold choices with colors and imagery. Choose something that speaks to you or choose a painting of a celebrity that you really like such as Marilyn Monroe, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and more. It's a fun piece that is sure to start conversations among friends and family.

These pictures also make great items for cafes, restaurants, offices, and homes so if you have a coffee shop this would make the perfect addition. You can really add some spice and personality to any wall with a great painting and fun colors so they may be ideal for a retail store. These types of images have been popular for years, so they have a familiar look to people while still being original.

Sometimes people will choose to have a painting done of themselves in the popular style. This is reminiscent of the famous works by Andy Warhol that feature the same image in four quadrants with varying bold and bright colors. This is definitely an iconic piece and one to keep for many years.
If you work in interior design then you know how important it is to bring out the homeowner's personality while still giving them something that they can live with every day. Selecting paintings is personal and people have to love what they hang up on their walls. They are likely going to keep it around for a long time and admire it daily once they get it hung up on the wall.

Investing in great art pieces and specifically this kinds of works is certainly a wise choice for anyone who likes to collect paintings. If you are drawn to bright pops of color then you will love that whole look. It was quite popular in Great Britain and some of the classic examples of pop art from decades ago are now on display in art museums and galleries.

Shop from a huge variety of pop art paintings and other stunning pieces right from the web. You can make a purchase of a painting and then have it delivered directly to your office or home. Pop art remains a much loved and sought after style of art even today.

Samui Art Gallery, an exceptional oil painting gallery offering gorgeous canvas wall art, pop art paintings, oil painting reproductions for sale. Visit http://www.samui-art-gallery.com to see all available paintings and pick the one you love for your home today.

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Original Art Paintings for Modern Consumers

When you want to display your personal sense of style one way is with the clothes that you choose to wear. Another way that you can make a real style statement is with original art paintings that are displayed in your home or office.

You may prefer edgy modern art to more classical paintings. Perhaps you like the hues and shades of a picture that has been created using watercolors. Maybe your taste runs toward the boldness of color that is so often present in many fine, original oil paintings. No matter what type of art you prefer you are sure to have a wonderful time because there are always new and exciting creations to discover.

If you are just beginning to explore the world of art you may want to familiarize yourself with some of the basics. You can visit art galleries and museums and see a variety of original oil paintings. Some of these will be treasured pieces that have been painted by world famous artists and others will be those original art paintings that have been produced by artists who are just beginning to make a name for themselves.

The purchase of a piece of original art gives you the opportunity to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Even more importantly you can now create a compelling collection that can be a good investment while functioning as decorative pieces in your home.

When people want to incorporate their personality into their surroundings original art paintings are a sure way to accomplish this goal. You can always select a limited edition print, lithographs or other duplicates of famous art works but why would you want to have a copy when you can purchase a one of a kind original work of art?

A lot of people have been told that original art paintings are far too expensive for the average consumer to buy. This is not true. Although you can certainly shell out millions for a painting by Rembrandt, Picasso or Monet there are many pieces of original art that you can buy for very little money.

You can search for paintings that are being done by new artists. Usually these will have very affordable prices and you will also have fun as you try to determine which paintings best suit your taste. This is a time when you can learn more about the art world and compare the techniques and final results of various painters.

The one thing to remember about original art paintings is that the picture should be something that appeals to you on a very personal level. It does not matter if you do not understand the artist's inspiration as long as you really like the finished piece of art.

Nicole Roberts
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How to Create Modern Art Paintings - Tips and Ideas for Art Painting

If you think you have the talent and enthusiasm to become a pro artist, you should go ahead with it. However, do remember that talent alone won't take you anywhere unless you can imbibe discipline into your routine and pledge to improvise over your flaws. Modern decorative art painting is more about observation and diligence than anything else. However, some educational or technical qualification also helps.

Though you can sign up for some course if you wish, the best form of learning is self-education. Research as much as possible, observe the paintings of artists from all eras and try to experiment with different styles. When you are working on modern wall art paintings, you will produce bad work more often than good work. It is the part and parcel of an artist's life. Don't let your failings curb your enthusiasm; keep on improvising and producing work until you come with perfect art.
Warming up is also essential. Your first few strokes of brush may not produce good results. Allow yourself some time to get into stride and after an hour or so you will feel confident as you slip into the right mood. Contemporary canvas art work also requires a professional to be discreet with his materials.

Since you are aiming to become a professional artist (and not just an amateurish one), you must not work with shoddy materials! Even if you have to invest some extra bucks, make sure that your painting brush, canvas and colors are of professional quality.

Out of the 10 paintings you produce, 7 or 8 (or even 9) may be mediocre stuff. Do not throw them away. Stack them for future reference, but do not market them or show them to a potential employer. Quality should be given precedence over quantity. Display only those works which are your best.
Your hand-painted art paintings will require you to choose from a gamut of media and painting styles. As for painting, you can choose to paint in oil or in acrylics or you may use watercolor. Watercolor is the cheapest but is preferable mostly for landscapes or seascapes. For portraits and decorative art paintings, you better settle for oil painting or acrylic painting.

You must also learn about computer imaging. The modern artworks take assistance from computer tools and software especially for illustration. You can help yourself grow and get better in art by teaching novices or young learners. Also, try to improve your power of discernment, develop your power of judgment, learn to take negative comments in your stride and try to tell a story using your art.

If you want to buy some quality, hand-painted modern art paintings, it is better for you to purchase some items from FabuArt. It is a leading gallery of decorative art paintings, modern wall artworks, abstract art paintings and more.

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Learning to Make Canvas Art Paintings

Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in art paintings. This trend has acquired lots of acceptance in the last couple of years. Numerous individuals are actually exhibiting an interest in canvas art paintings. These paintings are, today, looked at as important parts of modern interior designs. This is why many people are buying these paintings. They enhance the appeal of the room. This is a wonderful idea. However, have you thought about creating your own canvas art paintings? There is an artist inside each one of us. Thus, why don't you bring him or her out? Painting is not intended for just the skilled professionals. It is like dancing; an art form that anyone can do.

With the aid of a canvas, you can make your paintings truly professional and appealing. Mount your painting on a frame to ensure that the entire world can witness it. Canvas art paintings will heighten the appeal of your home or office area. Numerous people already do this with the assistance of pictures and prints. You can do the same with paintings. Paintings are a good picture of creativity and culture. You will be putting your money in the right place by investing in canvas art paintings. There are many profits which really can be gained like a more beautiful atmosphere and pleasantries from the guests. There can be no limit to your creativity. The same holds true for the number of paintings that you can create. Make certain that the painting you make captures the mood or the surroundings.
There are three products that you require when you decide to pick up the brush to paint. These items are:

• Oil or acrylic paint
• Canvas
• Easel or a stretcher which is optional

You can purchase these products at any arts and crafts shop or retail outlet. Canvas can be of cotton, linen or any other synthetic fiber. They are also available in a great deal of colors. Other materials that you will need are a cloth, brushes and water. You are now ready to start. You need to, first, realize the borders. They will define the space on the canvas which will take your painting. You can choose to either stand or sit while you are painting.

Next, you settle down on your theme or the matter that you would prefer to paint about. Your theme could be set on any object like a sunset or a crowded market. There are numerous topics like floral art, abstract art, landscapes, religious art and many more. Look inside yourself as well as all around you. You can be surprised at what can revolutionize you. Once the theme is determined, get rolling by coating the canvas with white paint. Let the paint dry off before you get rolling working your magic.

Let the world know what is in your psyche by re-creating your fantasies and dreams on canvas. Make paintings that can catch the mood. Your canvas art paintings will get the guests babbling and they are going to be an integral and significant component to your interior design.

Michael Marchetta is an internet marketing strategist with over 10 years experience. Don't shy away from an enjoyable experience because of the cost of art supplies. It is true, most art supplies can be pretty pricey. Do your own research and follow expert guidance. This is a good idea to do when you are looking for artist easels, canvas, and other items online.

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Modern Canvas Art Painting for Decorative Purpose: Five Tips to Buy Art Paintings

Canvas art painting can lift the beauty of your living space and also give you a reason to smile every time you walk past it. The paintings which we have today are available in such a huge variety that a man of any mean or taste can find something to satisfy himself.
However, buying high-quality paintings require some knowledge and if you are a layman or are making your first such purchase, then the following five tips will be in your help for getting that perfect modern canvas art painting from artists:

Ensure it Matches with Walls
The most important point to keep in mind is the wall painting done in your house. A canvas painting needs to be hung on the wall and its beauty shall naturally get affected by the background color. It is advisable that you select a painting which presents some contrast to the colors of your wall. So, a personal examination of your room's design and theme will help you buy an appropriate painting.

Go for Suitable Theme
Decorative art paintings are not limited by a genre or theme or design. Today's artists are highly creative and they wield their brush to conjure diverse forms of nature, life and moods. One vital tip before you set out to buy a painting is to narrow down your choices inside your mind as to what kind of painting you are looking for. If you feel at home with nature, then you can select nature paintings. They will bring a soothing serenity to your space.

Find Proper Sizes
Never make a hasty purchase just because you got totally mesmerized by a particular piece of art. No matter how great or how hypnotizing the painting may be, you will have to ensure that it will be in congruity with the available space that you have at your room. A large canvas may be unfit for your small rooms while a small painting may not seem perfect for your spacious walls.

Purchase Matching Frames for Artworks
Paintings may or may not come with a frame. You may need to choose a separate frame which will again come in different styles and costs. This is another area which will require your attention. The general tip will be to opt for a frame which is in sync with the painting and with your wall. But if your budget is low, then you can also skip buying the frame altogether.

Find Paintings from Amateur Artists
Quality painting does not necessarily refer to an artwork by a famed artist. The young and lesser known artists today have plenty of talent and creativity within them. One of the best tips to buy artworks for prudent purchasers is to look among the works of amateur painters. The paintings by less famous artists can be unique in quality and still available at low prices.

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Pop Art Paintings - Art Pulled From Popular Culture

The visual art movement known as Pop Art began in Britain during the middle of the 1950s. It later moved into the United States culture by the end of this same decade. Pop Art paintings are usually of characters that are popular in advertising, comic books, and anyone else who plays a large part in mass culture. Irony tends to be used extensively in Pop Art design. Even the most mundane objects can be painted or drawn in such a way that they are truly a work of art.

Sometimes the most intriguing paintings are of images that are common in everyday advertising. A prime example of this would be the painting of cans of soup that Andy Warhol made. Each of the 32 cans in the painting depicted the type of soup offered by a certain company at the time the painting was created. Andy Warhol played a large part in boosting the movement. His painting titled Eight Elvises, which is also considered Pop Art, brought 100 million dollars.

Paintings done in the Pop style varied between Britain and the United States, even though this movement was referred to as the Pop Art movement in both locations. In Britain, the paintings reflected what was popular in America and also added onto some aspects seen in Abstract Expressionism.

In America, paintings included irony, parody, and mundane reality. Pablo Picasso was considered a partial founder in the Cubist movement, but is also thought to have partially paved the way for future Pop Artists.

The Independent Group in London consisted of many young sculptors, writes, painters, critics, and architects. These individuals approached culture with the idea that it should be challenged. Discussions revolved around popular culture and often gave rise to various works of art that also focused on popular culture. It is this group that inspired paintings in the Pop style.
Paintings during the movement weren't always created from paint on canvas. There were other visual arts that came to be as well. Paint applied to paper or material backgrounds, faces painted onto furniture or on many other objects were also considered Pop Art. These works of art took an ordinary object and forced the viewer of the painting to take this simple item into consideration. An example would be the flag painting made by Jasper Johns.

The American flag was made from a combination of oil paints and collage pieces, and then these were placed on canvas. This painting is of what looks to be a plain American flag, but it is actually a collage of materials that are red, white, or blue. These pieces of material gave depth and texture to the painting, causing it to be more than just a flag painting.

Many museums have a section of Pop Art paintings that includes something that is very well known to the public. Most people can identify what is being displayed in the painting, due to the image being pulled from popular culture. Depending on the age of the painting, it may focus more on what was popular during the decade that it was created. Nonetheless, these works of art are extremely fascinating for all to experience at least once in a lifetime.

Al Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from abstract art paintings [http://www.modernartpaintings.org/abstract-art-paintings/] to American football. Thanks for reading!

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Abstract Art Paintings - Style Without Definite Lines

When it comes to a visual display of color, line, form, and overall composition, Abstract Art has a language all its own. The imagery included in Abstract Art paintings are often far fetched versions of reality. Sometimes they are paintings of things that only the artist is able to interpret. There are artists who are able to get their point across to the public, by painting in such a way that is appealing to just about anyone who views their work.

Various versions of abstract are included in the collection of paintings that fall under the title of Abstract Art. Partial abstraction is present in realistic art. These types of paintings are able to be understood by most people. There are shapes and designs that are recognizable to the general public. As for total abstraction, most of these paintings include images that don't bear a resemblance to anything anyone has ever come across before.

Historically, there were three art movements that actually contributed to the coming about of abstract paintings; Romanticism, Impressionism, and Expressionism. Each of these took place in the nineteenth century. However, Cubism and Fauvism paved the way for abstract paintings to become more popular with the public.

Painting Abstract Art doesn't have a lot to do with imagination or finesse with a paint brush. Just about anything can be applied to a canvas and called Abstract Art.

There are many artists that make a living from creations that are made highly attractive to the public by their distinct color combinations and shapes included in the painting. Abstract Art doesn't have to make sense; it just has to appeal to the viewer in some way. While the overall design can attract many onlookers, some people find that the painting evokes certain feelings within the person viewing the work of art.

Creating a painting in the style of Abstract Art is best done on canvas and with acrylic paint. The acrylic paint is thicker and won't run into other colors when added to the canvas. There is also the ability to create 3D effects with acrylic paint, due to its high viscosity level. Another convenient trait of acrylic paint is that it can be applied with a brush, spatula, and many other types of tools. The thickness is also what allows this layering effect to be possible.

It's best to simply start painting and see what becomes of it. Many times the best works of art come from not trying too hard. People often struggle to form the perfect masterpiece and end up getting frustrated. This frustration actually works against the artist. If painting a personal piece isn't intriguing, there's always the option of purchasing abstract art.

Abstract art paintings are found for a wide range of prices and in an endless number of styles. These can compliment any home decor. There are some artists that people find fascinating enough to only collect paintings by these particular artists. Other individuals find that painting Abstract Art is their calling and become sought after artists all on their own.

Al Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from art history paintings [http://www.modernartpaintings.org/art-history-paintings/] to American football. Thanks for reading!

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Appreciating Abstract Art Paintings

I am not an artist, art history major, nor was I raised around art and been an art buff all my life. But, I have been learning a lot more about art lately, and my ability to appreciate abstract art paintings has increased over the past few months. As many lay people who do not know much about art, I would look at a Jackson Pollock piece and say, "my kid could paint that!". But in my heart I knew that was not true, and silently I liked and admired his work.

Representational paintings are much easier for the every day person to understand. You look at the painting, you see what it is, and the form acts as a beginning to understand and interpret the piece. But, with abstract art paintings, there is no recognizable form to influence your conscious opinion. Abstract art works at a deeper level, with the intention to evoke unconscious feelings and emotions. As the observer, your purpose should be to open yourself up and allow the painting to evoke these feelings and emotions.

This is not the easiest thing to do. But when you first look at abstract art paintings, you feel something. Once you allow yourself to get past the "I can do that" reaction, you will discover that your first real emotion evolves around whether you like or dislike the piece. To the newbie art observer, the next inclination may be to move on, but don't! Abstract art paintings are not the type of thing that you look at for a few seconds, and then move onto the next, you have to be willing to invest two things to gain a greater appreciation of abstract art: time and yourself. You must take time to really look at the painting, and you must open up, clear your mind, and allow the painting to evoke an emotion.

When you first see the painting, it is most likely from a distance. Don't go any closer! Stop there and take a moment to look a the painting, how does it make you feel? If you cannot put this into words, that is o.k. After a few minutes, move a little closer. Take time to view the painting from different distances and angles. It is not unusual to have different impressions and feelings from an abstract painting when you view it from various perspectives.

One thing that really helped me to have a greater appreciation of abstract art paintings was meeting the Abstract Expressionist artist, Lea Kelley, at the Fairhaven Originals Gallery, and discussing some of her art. When I had viewed them alone the day before, they did not have much meaning to me, but when I met with Lea, I was able to view them with a keener eye and greater understanding. One thing that truly makes abstract art great, and more than something your child slaps down, is the emotional commitment an artist invests in each piece. Pieces of Lea's work that I didn't particularly care for on my own, I had great admiration for, and quite liked, after we looked at them together.

You may think, of course it is easier to like and understand an abstract painting if you can talk to the artist! But not many people have that opportunity. This is true. But even learning a little bit about an artist can give you a greater appreciation for their art. And in many ways, discussing a particular piece of art with the artist removes the purpose of the painting because it allows for you to form preconceived notions, instead of allowing the painting to work on your subconscious level purely uninformed. But after discussing two of her pieces, I could move on alone, and form my own opinions of other works by opening myself up so that they painting could work its magic at a subconscious level.

So the next time you have an opportunity to view some abstract art paintings, take your time, look at the pieces from different angles, and allow the piece to evoke your unconscious feelings. Try this a few times, and hopefully you too will learn to have a greater appreciation for this modern form of art.

To see some great examples of abstract art paintings, visit Fairhaven Originals Gallery (FOG) online.

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Fine Art Paintings

However, today fine-arts additional forms include, film, photography, contemporary-art, and print-making. In certain institutes-of-learning however, the term fine-arts is associated-exclusively with visual-art forms.

Fine Art Paintings
The composition of a fine art painting is what catches the viewer's eye and defines the artwork.The word "fine" doesn't so much denote-the-quality of the art-work in-question, but the purity-of-the-discipline.The definition-tends to exclude-all other visual-art-forms that can or could be said to be or considered to be craft-work or applied-art like textiles.

The visual-arts has-been termed as a more-inclusive and descriptive-phrase for current-art-practice.he common instruments used in Fine art paintings and drawings include graphite-pencils, ink, pens, inked brushes, wax color-pencils, crayons, chalk, charcoals, pastels, stylus, and markers. There are various sub categories of paintings and drawing,they including cartooning, Some painting and drawing methods and approaches like, doodling.

Contemporary Art
Contemporary-art is an art where the concept/concepts or idea/ideas which are involved in the art-work take the precedence over traditional-aesthetic and material-concerns. The inception-of-the-term "contemporary art" in the 1960's referred to a very strict and well focused-practice of idea based-art that often defied the traditional visual-criteria which is associated with the visual-arts in its presentation-as-text.Contemporary art can be said to be art that has been produced at the present-period in time.

Fine Art Paintings Ideas
When painting, selecting the focus for your painting can sometimes be your biggest challenge. Before starting your painting, having a workable-idea is essential and it will help you in your creative-endeavor. Whether you are working with oils, acrylic, tempera or watercolor paints, the following ideas can be the start of a fine art painting.

Balanced-Abstract
You can create an abstract fine art painting allowing freedom of-expression and composition. You can incorporate geometric-shapes, bright-colors and defined-lines in your art, these are all considered to be the characteristics of an abstract-art. You can decide to make your painting either some what representational or entirely free-form, based only on the color, light or even movement.
You can choose to use geometric or organic-shapes.Remember to maintain a feeling of balance in your painting. If the painting somehow feels or seems unbalanced, you can bring it together-more by using repeated-colors, shapes or lines.

Landscape and the Rule-of-Thirds
A landscape is an easy-subject because it'll not move or change greatly.A landscape is a time tested-subject for a painting. You can sit outside on your-porch and sketch the landscape around you before you begin painting. Once satisfied with the landscape, you can then begin by sketching it onto your paper or canvas.

Always consider the composition and the rule of 3rds when creating your painting. The rule of 3rds suggests that dividing your composition into a grid of 9 equal-rectangles and placing the major-elements of your landscape, like the trees, mountain tops and buildings, at points where the grid-intersects.

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Art Paintings - 6 Tips to Painting Abstract Art Paintings

The beauty of abstract art is that it remains free within its genre. I believe there is no right or wrong way to make an abstract art painting. The values of form, line, contrast, colour, position and tone are fundamental. However it is vital that the artist feels free to experiment and explore with paint. If you approach this style of painting with the following tips, you are on your way to producing an abstract art painting which you will enjoy making as much as you enjoy its value.
As a contemporary artist, I choose to make my art with complete freedom and I can share this with you. My work is encouraged to emerge and unfold, rather than being part of a preconceived notion. I adhere to the principles of form, line, contrast, colour, position and tone. However, often the best of my work is discovered through exploration and by accident or chance. I need to be open to all possibilities and prepared to experiment in order to create successful abstract art paintings. To me, this is the secret of painting abstract art and I explain this in the following 6 tips.
 
6 Tips to Painting Abstract Art Paintings
 
Art Paintings Tip #1
Be free.
Set aside all daily duties and routine actions and thoughts. The dishes can be done later and in fact much faster once you have expressed yourself - you will be surprised. Make sure there are plenty of drop cloths on the floor in order to create as freely as possible. It is vital to have complete freedom to express yourself without being limited by making a mess. Wear some old clothes and remember what it felt like as a child to have fun making abstract art paintings at kindergarten.
 
Art Paintings Tip #2
Centre yourself.
Free yourself from thoughts of bills, household chores, work and family responsibilities. There is plenty of time to worry about these things later. Sit for several minutes and contemplate what gives you joy, pains you at the moment, or the uppermost feeling in your self. Get ready to express this. Choose some music which lifts your spirit and supports you painting an abstract painting with wild abandon.
 
Art Paintings Tip #3
Do not expect anything from the art.
Let go of all expectations. This is the hardest of all. All our lives we want to paint a good apple or draw a perfect orange. Forget it and forget that grade 5 teacher that told you- you couldn't draw. Just enjoy the moment and see what comes. Don't be concerned by the pristine white canvas. If you feel the need to cover that white as fast as possible, in order to get that fear out of the way, then go for it. You could start your abstract art painting by applying any single colour to the canvas to cover it completely. Then start choosing colours just for fun or go with your gut feeling.
 
Art Paintings Tip #4
Put more paint on your brush or use your hands!
Don't worry about making a mess getting paint on your face, on the floor, or on clothes. Don't worry about making a mistake, I believe there are no mistakes in art, only discoveries and challenges to be solved. You do not have to let the first layer of paint dry before you apply more. Wet on wet is a great way to make a fabulous abstract art painting. Use whatever tools are available to make your marks, maybe there is an old toothbrush lying around the house, try it out. Try wiping back into the freshly applied paint. Don't be scared of the medium. Let go and enjoy. Paint with wild abandon and see what happens. Do not hold back.
 
Art Paintings Tip #5
Stop! and stand right back.
What do you see? Look beyond the marks and the things you are not happy with. Really look at it, for quite a while. Walk away, have a cup of tea and come back later and look at it. What do you suddenly see? For this is what abstract art painting is all about.
 
Art Paintings Tip #6
Recognize what you have painted.
Take the time to recognize what you have painted. Do you see shapes that could be drawn out more? Do you see colours and marks that work really well against one another? Ask your friends and family which parts of your abstract art painting they like. Take your time to see what you have painted, it becomes clearer over time.
Congratulations! You have just started an abstract art painting. You may well have completed one. This is the next secret... It takes time to know the difference.
 
There are many issues which make an abstract art paintings really work. They include balance in the artwork, or lack thereof, the tone, placement, composition, use of materials and use of colour. The more you abandon yourself to the process the more it will inform you. Good luck and have fun!

http://www.catharticgallery.com

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About the Artist: Cathy Condon is an Australian artist based in the UK and Europe who works primarily in an abstract style. Her blog, http://www.catharticgallery.com chronicles her life as a traveling and working artist in the world and her day-to-day influences and impressions.

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The Gallery London Watercolor Art Set Paintbrushes, Palette and Papers

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