About Realistic Painting

¹ A photograph is an easy way to remember something. Another way to remember something is by painting a picture of it. Long ago, before cameras, that is what artists did. Painting realistically is not that easy. So keep your camera handy just in case!

² Artists have painted realistically for centuries. Many of the best realistic artists lived during the Renaissance. Their paintings were elegant and beautiful. People who study art called this kind of painting Ideal Realism. That was just a fancy way to say that these artists knew how to paint very well. Some of their paintings looked almost like photographs. Renaissance artists had a lot of skill.

³ The word "renaissance" is French. It means "rebirth." The Renaissance covers the time from the early 14th century to the late 16th century. Many scientists and artists studied Greece and Rome. They liked classical things from ancient times. They also liked to discover how things worked. Some artists even dissected bodies to learn about anatomy.

⁴ These artists thought the human body was the "noblest living form." One artist named Leonardo da Vinci drew a picture that showed this idea. He thought that the proportions of the human body were a good way to measure everything. He thought that the circle and the square were the basis for many things in science and in nature. So he drew a man who fit exactly inside a circle if his arms and legs were spread out. The man fit exactly inside a square when his feet were together and his arms were straight out from his sides.

⁵ Leonardo loved art and science. He liked to paint. He liked to invent, too. He even tried to invent flying machines. Leonardo's ideas filled many notebooks. He also painted amazingly realistic art. He liked to draw plants. He did sketches of muscles and bones. He drew raging storms. And he also painted the mysterious Mona Lisa. This famous portrait shows a lady with an odd smile. It is now in the Louvre in Paris.

World of Generic Art

Most women will need up spending quite a bit of time looking for good tattoos for girls. The truth is that many of them won't find what they are after and will instead "settle" on something they don't even 100% like. It's a shame that this happens, because no sane person should end up settling on a tattoo. Here is why that happens, as well as how to avoid it. I will also share a great way to find tons of good tattoos for girls.
Let's start with the number one reason most women will run into a huge sea of generic artwork. The reason is because 95% of people (men and women included) rely solely on search engines. This is the only way most people know how to look for tattoo artwork, so it's not wonder so many individuals are having problems. Search engines usually pull up a big, random list of low end galleries and they all tend to have the same generic artwork as the next place on the list and barely any truly good tattoos for girls.
This is fine is you prefer generic, cookie cutter designs, but that's not what most women are truly after. The fact is that even though most of you will start out searching for good tattoos for girls, many of you will end up with a tattoo that you don't fully like. That brings me back to the first crucial point, which his that no sane person should "settle" on a tattoo.
You are the only person that can ultimately choose the tattoo you will ink on your skin, but there is a fantastic way to locate tons of the quality artwork you've been missing out on. The way to do this is by utilizing the great knowledge that internet forums contain when looking for good tattoos for girls. The big forums of the web are the best way to find out where people across the globe are locating some of the best artwork the net has to offer.

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.

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.

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.

Culture of Orissa

Culture of Orissa - The sacred environs of Lord Jagannath temple, the eroticism of Konark's Sun temple, the wondrous caves of Jainism, the mystical monasteries of Buddhism, the paintings of folklore and the weaver's magic; all stand as meek evidences of an eloquent past and continuing golden present of Orissa.

Expressions of the soul find way in the form of indigenous theatres namely 'Prahalad-Nataka' or the 'Dhanuyatra' here. Dance and music form an inseparable part of the rich culture of the state. The exotic classical dance of the region evolved from the cult of the 'devadasis' or female temple dancers. Folk dances like 'Chhow' and 'Sambalpuri' along with tribal dances like 'Ghumura' & 'Paraja' leave every spirit truly elated. Then there are fairs like 'Bali Jatra' that come as a reminder of an ancient maritime links with Bali. And to crown it all is the universally-acclaimed 'Rathyatra' of Lord Jagannath which has become an absolute synonym to Orissan culture.

Hindu Culture

The Meaning of Culture

Each of the religions of the world has its own culture, with many customs, traditions and refined qualities. The Hindu culture is a culture of love, respect, honoring others and humbling one's own ego so that the inner nature, which is naturally pure and modest, will shine forth. Here we have described some of the important faith and behaviors of Hindu community.

RESPECT AND REVERENCE

1. RESPECT FOR ELDERS: Respect for elders is a keystone of Hindu culture. This genuine acknowledgment of seniority is demonstrated through endearing customs, such as sitting to the left of elders, bringing gifts on special occasions, not sitting while they are standing, not speaking excessively, not yawning or stretching, not putting one's opinions forward strongly, not contradicting or arguing, seeking their advice and blessings, giving them first choice in all matters, even serving their food first.

2. NAME PROTOCOL: Younger never uses the proper name of their elders. In the Tamil tradition, a younger brother, for example, refers to his brother as annan, or periannan (older brother), not by name. The elder, however, may use the name of the younger. Children are trained to refer to all adults as auntie or uncle. Only people of the same age will address each other by first name. A Hindu wife never speaks the name of her husband. When referring to him she uses terms such as "my husband," "him" or, for example, "Athan, Mama, etc.,".

3. TOUCHING FEET IN RESPECT: One touches the feet of holy men and women in recognition of their great humility and inner attainment. A dancer or a musician touches the feet of his or her teacher before and after each lesson. Children prostrate and touch the feet of their mother and father at festivals and at special times, such as birthdays and before departing on a journey.

4. Darshan (darshana): "Vision, sight." Seeing the Divine. Beholding, with inner or outer vision, a temple image, Deity, holy person or place, with the desire to inwardly contact and receive the grace and blessings of the venerated being or beings.

5. DAKSHINA: It is tradition to provide dakshina, a monetary fee or gift to a priest given at the completion of any rite. Dakshina is also given to gurus as a token of respect for their spiritual blessings.

Purity

Purity and its opposite, pollution, are vitally important in Hindu culture. Purity is of three forms -- purity in mind, speech and body, or thought, word and deed. Purity is the pristine and natural state of the soul. Impurity, or pollution, is the obscuring of this state by adulterating experience and beclouding conceptions.

In daily life, the Hindu strives to protect this innate purity by wise living, following the codes of dharma. This includes harnessing the sexual energies, associating with other virtuous Hindu devotees, never using harsh, angered or indecent language, and keeping a clean and healthy physical body. Here are several ways purity is preserved in Hindu culture.

1.PURITY AND FOOD: Purity is central to food and nutrition, as the nature of one's nourishment deeply affects the entire physical, mental and emotional nature. One cooking food for others would never taste of the dish from a spoon and then put the spoon back in the pot. If food is to be tasted while cooking, a small portion is placed in the right hand. Similarly, one would not touch the lips to a water vessel that is also used by others. Nor would one offer something to another from which one has taken a bite or a sip.

2. FLOWER OFFERINGS: One does not sniff flowers picked for offering to the Deities; even the smell is for the Gods, not for us. Flowers that fall to the ground should not be offered.

3. OFFERINGS: Offerings, such as an archana basket, flowers or garlands, are carried with both hands on the right side of the body, so as to not be breathed on. All items are washed in preparation and, if carried more than a short distance, wrapped or covered.

4. THE LEFT HAND: In Hindu culture the left hand is considered impure because it is used (with water) in the place of toilet paper for personal hygiene after answering the call of nature. Handing another person anything with the left hand may be considered a subtle insult.

5. SHOES: Shoes are considered impure. The cultured Hindu never wears shoes or sandals inside a temple or shrine, nor in his home or the homes of other Hindus. Carrying shoes in the hands from one part of the premises to another is also avoided. An ultimate insult is to be struck with a shoe.

6. CAUTION WITH FOOTWEAR: It is very important to apologize immediately if one touches someone with his or her shoe or sandal. This is done by touching the right hand to where the foot touched the other person and then touching one's right hand lightly to his own left eye and then the right. This same remedy applies to inadvertently hitting someone with the hand or foot or bumping into him or her.

EXCHANGE OF PRANA

1. GIVING AND RECEIVING WITH BOTH HANDS: Giving and accepting things from one to another, presenting offerings to the Deity, etc., is most properly done with both hands. The reason for this is that with the gift, prana is also given through both hands, thus endowing more energy to the object. The recipient of the gift receives it with both hands along with the prana from the gracious giver. It is known that this exchange of energies is vital for friendship, harmony and the total release of the gift to the recipient. Hindus never accept gifts from strangers or unknown persons.

2. Hugging and Embracing: Hugging and embracing is found in Hindu culture; but it is restricted to close relatives, Guru/disciples and associates that too in a private place. In Mahabharatha and Ramayana we find this very often. Hugging and Embracing improves pranic energy and this practice is not allowed with strangers.

3. NOT POINTING THE FINGER: Pointing with the forefinger of the right hand or shaking the forefinger in emphasis while talking is never done. This is because the right hand possesses a powerful, aggressive pranic force, and an energy that moves the forces of the world. Pointing the index finger channels that force into a single stream. The harshness of this energy would be severely felt in the nerve system of the recipient. More properly, rather than pointing or shaking the index finger to give direction or emphasize a verbal statement, the entire hand is used as a pointer, with the palm up and the thumb held alongside the forefinger.