Friday, August 29, 2008

Artistic Painting

"Painting only can "describe" everything which can be seen and suggest every emotion which can be felt! Art reaches back into the babyhood of time, and is man's only lasting monument!" (William Hunt, Talks About Art)

Painting has existed as an artistic tradition for thousand of years. From the cave painting of Lascaux to the great, masterpieces of Da Vinci it has played a historical and aesthetic role in the different ages of existence. Schools of painting were developed as well as many various texts discussing the art form. Mural painting and fresco launched the theory painting into classical societies. Out of this came the development of several styles of painting. Historical, allegorical, religious, portraiture, landscape and still life are all different forms of painting that have developed over the years.

Although these are generally accepted themes for artistic painting the components that determine its value aesthetically ate varies. In different time periods the values of true art shift, even with its alterations, the general guideline still remains. It has been said that there is no one distinction that results in a successful painting.

In Painters and Personality, Lewisohn states "to a natural art lover such lack of unity on a painting creates a repulsion which warns him that he is not looking at a real achievement." Going back to Renaissance theory art is the true depiction of nature and its ultimate beauty. This ideal was established in many writings of the Renaissance and still holds true in some aspects of the various styles painting has evolved into.



Saturday, August 23, 2008

Indian art

The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies which place art production and patronage in social and cultural contexts.

Indian art can be classified into specific periods each reflecting particular religious, political and cultural developments.

* the ancient period (3500 BCE-present)
* Islamic ascendancy (712-1757 CE)
* The Colonial period (1757-1947)
* Independence and CARISSAISM the postcolonial period (Post-1947)
* Modernism
* Postmodernism

Each period is unique in its art, literature and architecture. Indian art is constantly challenged as it rises to the peak of achieving the ideals of one philosophy in a visual form, then begins anew for another. This challenge and revolution in thought ovides, Indian artists with reasons for innovation and creation, and the process of visualizing abstract ideas and the culture of the land.

Each religion and philosophical system provided its own nuances, vast metaphors and similes, rich associations, wild imaginations, humanization of gods and celestial beings, characterization of people, the single purpose and ideal of life to be interpreted in art.

The earliest Indian religion to inspire major artistic monuments was Buddhism. Though there may have been earlier structures in wood that have been transformed into stone structures, there are no physical evidences for these except textual references. Obscurity shrouds the period between the decline of the Harappans and the definite historic period starting with the Mauryas. Soon after the Buddhists initiated the rock-cut caves, Hindus and Jains started to imitate them at Badami, Aihole, Ellora, Salsette, Elephanta, Aurangabad and Indian rock art has continuously evolved, since the first rock cut caves, to suit different purposes, social and religious contexts, and regional differences.

The Chola fresco paintings were discovered in 1931 within the circumambulatory passage of the Brihadisvara Temple in India and are the first Chola specimens discovered.

Researchers have discovered the technique used in these frescos. A smooth batter of limestone mixture is applied over the stones, which took two to three days to set. Within that short span, such large paintings were painted with natural organic pigments.

During the Nayak period the chola paintings were painted over. The Chola frescos lying underneath have an ardent spirit of saivism is expressed in them. They probably synchronised with the completion of the temple by Rajaraja Cholan the Great.

Kerala has well preserved fresco or mural or wall painting in temple walls in Pundarikapuram, Ettumanoor, Aymanam and Trivandrum.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Tips For Cartoonist

All over the web there are many sites and programs that always guarantee that you can make money within the next 10 minutes as fast as ABC. I am sorry but almost without exception they do not work.

This is equally true when it comes to the world of cartooning. Most of these sites however, focus on drawing techniques, very few of them actually discuss what you can do and where you can start.

Nothing here will be new to you, but more as a reminder of what is possible. So here we go hope your ready.

1) Tell a great story. Actually this is not exclusive to cartooning and graphic work, but even in any business, story telling is a great aid to selling. People can relate to it and see the images in their heads. The story is actually more important that the art. Many cartoons have pretty average art, but have become world famous due to their stories.

2) Develop your own unique style.

No one wants to watch the same things over and over again. Again this is not exclusive to cartooning. If viewers can identify your art as soon as they look at it all the better and you will be known for that style. Be an expert in your style.

3) Develop your own characters. Your product will become more valuable if you have your own characters in the stories. This will also become very important in the future should your cartoons become famous and you venture into selling them to a studio.

4) Produce Your Own Art-Folio. If no one knows what you do how can they find you. Your folio and presentations should look excellent. They are your sales tools and will speak volumes for your talents before people even meet you.

5) Be seen on the internet. This is a worldwide sales bulletin for you. Free access worldwide 24 hours a day. This is a must and you can include so much more formats such as video and audio.

6) Niche marketing. One of my successes in life is that I chose to work in niche markets. It is easier to be number one if not the only one. Become an expert in your niche and you will gain almost instant respect.

7) Be a businessman. This is not a joke or a gimmick but a serious business. Don't loose the fun element but if you treat it as a sideline you will get sideline results.

8) Join professional web sites, forums and associations to promote your artworks and talents. Network whenever you can and hand out your business card everywhere. Put your art wherever you can.

9) Think long term. Your artwork may take a while before it becomes known. Never give up and draw at every occasion you can. Do work for free if you need, but do produce work and get it out.

10) Be honest and stay in integrity. Don't cheat, don't copy and only draw thing that are in alignment with your values.