Are you perplexed about a gift for your friend’s birthday, who is a pet lover? Don’t you think pet portrait is the best gift for your friend? Yes, it is. If you know that your friend is very fond of pets, then definitely you are thinking in the right direction by presenting him/her with the portrait gift. Many people are having very affectionate attitude towards their pets and they take care of them as their own children. Pets give an unconditional love and affection throughout the life. So, gifting any pet portrait to your friend is surely going to be a rocking and unique idea.

Although, you can purchase or order various pet portraits but cat, dog and horse portraits are the most common and popular choices among the masses. Idea of these portraits are slowly and steadily gaining popularity these days because of the following two main reasons-

•    Firstly, handmade portraits are those memories which a person can hold and cherish for lifetime. Moreover, they are much lively than usual photographs.

•    Secondly, it is a fact that after a few years’ pets will eventually leave you. So, having their portrait in the house is like showing your love, concern and appreciation towards them and paying the tribute to them in the most elegant manner.

However, a professional artist can only give natural and true feelings to all your imaginations by painting the satisfactory and finest quality of portraits. These professional artists are specialized in painting beautiful portraits by using either pastel or oil paints because pastel and oil paints are considered as the best paints for portraits. The only effort required from your side is to give the photo of your beloved pet to them and rest leave everything on their natural talent. These professionals are experts in delivering breathtaking portraits within the time span of 3-4 weeks at the most competitive prices.

Through the internet you can easily find out various websites that can provide you with this valuable service. You just have to send the photo online by disclosing all the necessary details such as size of your pet portrait, the style you want, and many more. And thus, get your desired imagination turn into reality at the pocket-friendly prices.

 

During the terrible destruction of hurricane Katrina and other storms over the past year, thousands of animals were separated from their families during evacuation efforts. This was either because evacuations are set up primarily to save the lives of humans, not their pets. Secondly, even if families evacuated on their own and could have brought their pets, many might not have been able to find them during the chaos of natural disasters.

In response to this important need to reunite families with their pets, Petfinder.com and the Maddie Fund formed the Animal Emergency Response Network (AERN). According to the AERN website, 3,200 animals caught in the destruction of hurricanes Katrina and Rita were united with their families, or were relocated to new homes, thanks to the AERN database.

What is Petfinder.com?

Any organization that would do such wonderful work to save animals across the country deserves recognition. So what is Petfinder.com? Petfinder is a wonderful service that provides an online database of animals across the North American continent which need a home. It includes, and is supported by, over 10,000 animal shelters and adoptive organizations. Petfinder essentially serves as a central database for the country’s lonely and homeless pets, and a wonderful method for families who have loving homes for such pets to easily find a perfect pet that would fit into the family.

Surprisingly (because the website is so professionally done, and the operation is so well managed), Petfinder is a non-profit organization that consists of professionals and members of the public who volunteer their time to update and maintain this database. This is proof that there are some very good people out there.

How Does the Petfinder Database Work?

The Petfinder database provides searches through thousands of pet listings using various criteria including:



Animal

Breed

Age

Size

Gender

Location



And an advanced search section provides searches based on:



Animal type and breed

Age

Pets with a certain name

Only particular pets such as special needs, declawed, or only those recommended for children.



The results will return the name (if appropriate), the breed, gender, and even a photo. Clicking on the link will take you to the shelter or rescue organization which listed it.

A Pet Portrait Featuring Your Pet’s Name

If you are an organization considering listing a pet, one very unique way to provide an image of the pet that will really get noticed is to have a portrait done of the pet’s photo. Not only would this attract a great deal of attention, but you could also offer the portrait as a bonus to the lucky family who takes this animal back to a loving home. Pet portraits are sweeping the country as a very popular form of recognizing how pets mean to families.

The best pet portraits in the country are created by artist Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. She will accept photos through the mail of pets, and then create stunning portraits from those pictures. Pet portraits are ideal because they can be done from a photo (as apposed to getting the pet to “pose” at a studio.)

Other Options at Petfinder

Petfinder provides other great services at their website, including a monthly newsletter that you can receive monthly. Just click the “Sigh up today!” button on the lower left part of the web page. There is also a search box to find Animal Welfare groups in your local area. There is an online library where you can learn more about the various breeds, a section where you can learn how you can personally volunteer locally to help pets, a training section with dog and cat training videos, lost and found pet classifieds, a blog and forum community, a shop where you can find animal-oriented gear, and even a “fun” section for kids where there are free Ecards and some fun games.

Petfinder isn’t only a website where you can go to find a pet, it’s a place that does a great service for communities across the continent, and it’s also a website you can go just to spend some time and take part in activities that are available for animal lovers from around the world.

Beware…here are 10 common mistakes I have seen new artists make over and over again.

THE TEN MOST COMMON MISTAKES A NEW ARTIST MAKES

1) THEY DON’T KNOW WHO THEY ARE AND WHO THE AUDIENCE IS THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO REACH.Can you identify your target market? Do you know their age group? Are they primarily male or female? What artists do they listen to and support? What image should you project to reach this audience?

2) THEY MISS THEIR “ONLY” CHANCE TO MAKE A GREAT “FIRST IMPRESSION”. You only get one chance to make a first impression so the one you do make has got it make it count! Don’t be impulsive of releasing you’re recording, sending it in for evaluation or posting it on the social sites before it is ready.

3) THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO “PULL IT OFF” LIVE. You need to play out live as much as possible – but only when you are truly ready to do so. Nothing will hurt you more than to create excitement in your recordings and then fall on your face in front of expectant fans live.

4) THEY RELY TO HEAVILY ON THE OPINIONS THOSE AROUND THEM. I can’t tell you the number of times I have been in preproduction with a band or artist who was trying to make a case for a song to be included on a CD because their aunt, uncle or next door neighbor thought it was a hit. Be especially careful not to make critical decisions based only on comments from adoring friends and family. Undoubtedly they are biased and will have a vested stake in your success.

5) THEY TRY TO LAUNCH WITH TO MANY SONGS. Even thought it’s tempting, never give away all of your material at one time. You will be doing extremely well if you perfect three or four songs first. Always lead with your best material but make sure that your direction is cohesive.

6) THEY TRY TO BE COOL AND WRITE OBSCURE LYRICS OR WANDER TO FAR AWAY FROM ACCEPTED SONG STRUCTURE. It used to be very hip to write lyrics that people had to try and figure out by debating them amongst each other but unless you are a “druggie” band or writer re-incarnated from the 70’s, it is much better to write you songs in the first person and try as much as possible to pack them with emotion and experiences others have felt and can relate to as well. Also, don’t think it’s cool to wait forever to get to the chorus or try a one-minute intro or guitar solo. Study pop structure and learn it. You can learn more about this issue at www.musicproshollywood.com.musicproshollywood.com

7) THEY JUMP IN TO SELF-RECORDING THEIR MUSIC WITHOUT ANY RECORDING EXPERIENCE. Obviously, the best option if you can afford it is to use an experienced recording engineer to record and mix your music. This may not be possible and today it is so tempting to make tracks on computers and bang them into a sequencer or hard drive system, put on a vocal, do a quick mix and call it a master. In order for your recordings to be competitive against the big artists that do have the great sounding tracks.

THEY RELEASE VIDEOS OF THEMSELVES BEFORE THEY ARE READY. Again, because the net offers such quick access to social sites, you may be tempted to start posting videos of rehearsals and performances before they are ready to be seen. You must make certain that what you are putting up is doing you justice. Remember, every time you post something or send it to someone you are inviting yourself to be judged.

9) THEY ARE TO ANXIOUS TO SIGN “ANY” CONTRACT. If you sign an agreement too early with a local manager, agent or your bass player’s father, you will pay dearly for it later when you need to get out of it in order to sign with real professionals who have the experience, contacts and leverage to make it happen for you. This is not to say that someone with little experience cannot work hard and get you to the top, but to make it as a world-class artist, it will happen faster with a professional team behind you.

10) THEY ARE IN A HURRY TO SIGN WITH A MAJOR. The decision to submit your material to a major is a tempting one and the tendency of many artists is to care more about chasing and getting the “deal” than the financial ramifications of what the deal means in the future after they’ve signed it. Most artists don’t realize the facts until too late,Be smart and polish your “diamond” first, it might be priceless!

For some pets, a good photograph representing their best qualities comes naturally, while for others it can be frustratingly elusive. Many people choose to have professional photos taken, and although this can lead to a wonderful portrait, with a little preparation and plenty of patience you may be able to achieve similar results yourself. After all…your four-legged companion is a member of your family, and who else knows their unique traits and idiosyncrasies better?

Here are a few simple yet effective suggestions which I’ve found can offer good results…

The most important factor in pet photography is lighting. Often the best possible light is achieved outside in natural daylight, so try experimenting with this even if your pet is an indoor only pet. Remember to avoid direct sunlight, as this can alter natural colouring – a bright but overcast day is perfect. Don’t use a flash, as this can cause red-eye and distort true colouring & shading. An exception to the above, however, is if your pet has a black coat, in which case a flash or strong sunlight can actually bring out shading and texture which may be lost in photos taken under other lighting conditions.

Next to consider is pose and positioning. Keep in mind it is most effective to take the photos on their level, rather than having your pet looking up at you which can distort natural form. Don’t make them come to you. Instead, go to where they are most comfortable. Sit on the grass, lie on the floor, whatever it takes. Capture their most characteristic expression & pose. If they are generally happy, try to catch them doing their version of a smile.

Understandably, many pets have no patience for ‘photo shoots’ and find it hard to sit still. If your pet is having trouble focusing, a good idea is to have favourite treats or toys at the ready. Hold them up near the camera to catch – and hopefully hold – interest in the right direction. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be silly. Try making funny and unusual noises or movements to get their attention. Cameras can be distracting for some animals, so if you cannot get your pet to behave normally, try having someone else present to divert their attention.

Above all else, remember to have fun and don’t be in a rush. Patience is most definitely a virtue when it comes to taking a spectacular pet photograph. Good luck!

There are many things in life which directly strikes to our minds .why it happens? There are many reasons for this. The important thing is that why mind takes inspiration from its surroundings in life. Simply, the answer is that, man’s nature is made up of love, hatred and all kinds of emotions.

When God created man he used all kinds of clay like stones, mud and sand so man’s nature is full of all emotions and his mind works according to surroundings which alerts his sensation.

Like wise when we take a look at our surroundings, our minds become gets alert at once and starts thinking quickly about the sight, but some people have God gifted quality of converting their imagination on the canvas. It’s an artist who can observe the things in his surroundings with naked eye and has the quality to convert it on canvas in the form of painting. That is not just a painting but a collection of one’s minds inspiration, sensation, emotions, eye view, and imagination.

HASSAN SHAH NAWAZ  ZAIDI

There are many talented and magnificent artists in Pakistan. Shahnawaz Zaidi is one of them.

Shah Nawaz zaidi born in 21 may, 1948.He has eleven siblings. His child hood spends in small city of Pakistan Mandibhawaldin. In his times he used to study at home and after fifth standard he joined corporation school. In his child hood he used to sketch on his note books and often punished by his teachers.

 In his college life He was fond of reading literary books and than shared with others. Music was his first passion but due to some family restrictions he did not take some special training for it. He used to inspire from drawings of his elder sister Arjumend shaheen and photography of his father. He did his MFA in graphic design in visual communication 1968 from university of the Punjab Lahore. He joined Punjab University as a teacher in 1984. He did not attend any painting and sculpture class but he loves to do painting. His teacher Anna Molka suggested him to do Mfa in designing because of the bad economical condition of painters that time. He never planned his life and enjoyed all the fields of arts. He is a designer, poet, painter, actor, compare, singer, music composer, administraror and director. He also wrote the plays and directed it and also performed in it.

Hassan Shah Nawaz Zaidi has a very sensitive out look so it is at the highest point where he stands to depict his observation which he derives through imaginations with his naked eye he observes things in his surroundings and converts it on his canvas to form a painting. We arrive at the conclusion that opinion is of the world presented to the senses, where as knowledge is of a super sensible eternal world, so opinion is concerned with beautiful things but knowledge is concerned with beauty in it.

·        Hassan Shah Nawaz Zaidi reaches to the knowledge of beauty through the sensitivity of perception, and to the vision of truth any one who has done any kind of creative work has experienced, in a greater or less degree, the state of mind in which, after a long labor, truth as beauty appears, it may be only about a small matter, or it may be about the universe. The experience is at a moment, very convincing. Most of the best work in art and in literature has been the result of such a moment. To the modern concept empirical knowledge is dependent upon or derived from perception.

No doubt artist views reality through imagination. He is not supposed to record moments or expressions as they are accorded, he depicts how he feels them.

  Shah Nawaz Zaidi thoughts move around the beauty of society and nature. A common person wants to see beautiful objects and an artist searches beauty in an object with in itself. So that the former has an opinion about beauty and the later has the knowledge of beauty.

We arrive at the conclusion that opinion is of the world presented to the senses, where as knowledge is of a super sensible eternal world so opinion is concerned with beautiful things and knowledge is concerned with beauty in an object.

 He reaches to the knowledge of beauty through the sensitivity of perception and the vision of truth. Any one who has done any kind of creative work has experienced, in a greater or less degree, the state of mind in which, after a long labor, truth of beauty appears.

POET

 Shah nawaz Zaidi’s priorities reflect the tradition of Sufism. He translated the poems of Tigor, which was rewarded with Nobel Prize. He translated the poems in the verses, not prose. It is simply tribute to a great poet and seems like how Mian Muhammad Bukhsh admired Hashim sttatt in his great Legend of Saif ul malook.

·        Hashim shah de hashmast barket gashroch na awy

Dar yateen jawahar laryan zahir kad layaway.

The main points can be many which made Shah Nawaz Zaidi in “Geetan jalie” but one thing is quite common between both. Tigor and Shah Nawaz Zaidi that is sympathy for society and nature.

One will find it when one will study his “Aiana Dar”. This collection of poetry is entirely based on social aspects.

 

PORTRAITS Portrait can be considered as his favorite subject in painting. He painted many portraits of historical personalities, such as

·        Umar khayam

·        Abu baker zakriya al Razi

·        Wali uddin bin khaldum

·        Professor Rynold A. Nicholson

·        Quaid e azam

These portraits are displayed permanently in the lobby of Awan-e-iqbal complex. These portraits have been executed in rich Flemish style. Various influences of styles and techniques are the main character of his painting career.

  Chiaroscuro effect is delicately depicted like Rubens. Background is dark but not smooth, illusionary with colors and dramatic light. Life size figures have been painted and placed little off centered unlike gothic traditions.

    All the portraits emphasize on the characters and make one’s eye travel to the blink of light in the eyes of person. The parts of paintings which are away from the face painted with less detail as much away they are from the focal point as less detail is depicted. The technique of painting is applied with free and curved brush strokes. Thick over thin paint is applied with bold and confined brush strokes. Texture of the skin and drapery is controlled with same manner, effect and impact is entirely different.

   The quality of strokes, colors and soft outline of the form are the subjected characters of these portraits. In every portrait figure has been painted along with hands to create movement and builds strong pyramid composition.

The mood is highly concerned in these portraits, quick and frequent strokes are applied and repeated strokes have been avoided- like the others works sir Zaidi played harmony and repetition of color with signature. It reflects his individuality in art.

MODERN TECHNONOGY

He has deep analyses about social behavior. Most of the time people give priority to sciences instead of art. To him art and science walk together to modernize a society. Science makes us to signify mass and art builds wisdom. So a productive personality can be produced by art itself.

 In his one of his poems he mention, the squares of matrix womp censor an image on TV, to criticize usage of modern technology.

 

 

 

PAINTING

There is very certain influence of the beginning of ancient contribution in knowledge over his entire work. The usage of geometrical shapes in his paintings and poetry refers us to the historical achievements of ancient civilization. Greeks appears clearly in mathematics which they learned by the Babylonians. What they did in art, literature and philosophy was good but what they did in geometry is out of question. They derived some thing from Egypt and less from Babylonian.

·        The art of mathematical demonstration was almost Greek in origin.

 

When he uses any geometrical shape in his painting it simply gives us a hint of his awareness about the beginning of philosophy. Many of the abstract expressionists used such a shapes in their works. Because they were educated in philosophy and they used these geometrical shapes in their paintings.

·        He pointed the importance of symbolic elements in painting even the simple words can be used by artist in paintings for the addition of concept. So it is quite clear that concept in an art work is most necessary substance. Even an art critic must has to find that what is depicted in the painting by artist, if there is some misunderstanding about the subject of the art work then it must be acquired by artist to make it more certain to signify his imaginations. 

·        It leads us to the point that simply recording a moment or nature is the basic academic practice while the art education makes artist to speak through the elements of art.

·        In a conceptual art, artist has to express him self through art and art should be explained by the artist. The conceptual art is very much important to be produced. Only the modern western styles are not enough to present concept even a thought can be painted through traditional ways. It is not required in which style concept is painted but how it is depicted, whether modern or traditional way. Because of modern symbolic painting styles, it is thought that the concept can only be painted correctly. But according to Hassan shah nawaz zaidi it is not convincing notion. He gives freedom to artist to paint a theme in any style, modern or traditional.

 

The true element of the material world, timaeus says are not earth, air, fire and water but two sorts of right angled triangles, the one which is half a square and the one which is half an equilateral triangle. “The various elements had different places before they were arranged so as to form the universe. But than God fashioned them by form and number and made them as far as possible fairest and best out of things which were not fair and good.”

It leads us to the point that simply recording nature or view is the basic practice while the art education makes artist to speak through colors.

Artist has to express him self through art and art should be explained by the artist.

The importance of conceptual art is very much needed to be produce. Only the modern western styles are not enough to present a concept, even a thought can be painted through traditional ways. It is not required in which way a concept is painted but how it is depicted; it does not mean the technique. Because of modern symbolic painting styles, it is thought that the concept can only be painted through it; Hassan Shah Nawaz Zaidi is not convinced by such a nation. He gives freedom to artist to paint a theme in any style whether it is modern or traditional.

Like the artist of the Italian Renaissance Shah Nawaz Zaidi worked with talent in all the four field of art of beauty. So it is the solid evidence praise beauty, and tenderness. His different works show different influences and mood.

In the historical portraits Flemish style has great influence over his work. When he paints female figure and portraits, he seems to be inspired by the French impressionist. His illustrations have mood like American illustrations. His bold expression has the quality like New York school.

Some time he paints like Durmier Curved, moving long strokes and complex and dramatic composition. His painting with pastels signifies oriental interest.

 

 

PAINTING OF WOMEN

  A female seated figure is painted, with a book. A geometrical symbol is added in this painting. By this we can say that the painter wants to emphasize on women’s interest in knowledge in his painting. To analyze this painting we must reveal the objective and subjective values to reach a certain conclusion.

 

 

PSYCHOLOGICAL INFLUENCE

·        Magic is the image is so strong that it catches the viewer’s attention and makes him to think about the fascinating female figure and complicated subject of knowledge.

·        Rule of iconography has been broken, by placing the figure little away from the centre and cutting the feet deliberately from the frame.

·        A philosophical symbol is used in the painting that is an angle of 90% is used as a seat for the model’

This 90% angel was discovered by the Babylonians. It is the first geometrical shape done by man and considered to be the beginning of knowledge. So it is historically linked with philosophy adding appears, it may be only about a small matter or it may be about the universe. The experience is at a moment very convincing. Most of the best work in art and in literature as been the result of search a moment. To the modern concept empirical knowledge depends upon or derived from perception.

 

 

Sculpture

       His concept about the difference between an idol and sculpture is very inspiring. The rule is very simple like Marques Aquintes said that only simplicity gives us passage to conclusion, idols are to be worshiped and sculpture is not to be. Any three dimensional shape is called a sculpture, a chair, a table even a building can be considered as a sculpture. He verifies many ways of idol worshiping, some people worship their desires, some worship power and capital and some worship icons.

 So these kinds of misleading ways of worshiping must be detained for a better society. Only the blame for a sculpture is not suitable for moral ethics and it is a narrow and negative criticism on art.

 

For the enthusiastic landscape gardener there are lots of plants and accessories which can be used. These many different items that you select will all contribute towards the final look of your garden. Now while it is entirely possible to use decorative and flowering plants in your garden, landscaping trees add an entirely new dimension.

The different varieties of landscaping trees that you can use in your garden will provide you with an endless amount of artistic looks with which you can set your garden up to. As each person has different preferences about the gardening it is always best if you choose your landscaping trees to tie in to this ability and desire.

You will discover that you can buy evergreen trees and shrubs, deciduous trees, flowering trees and many other varieties. Before you go out and buy any of these trees you might want to think about the amount of space you should allocate for the healthy growth of the tree.

Since landscaping trees can be placed in ways that will provide an attractive look to your garden you should think about the types of plants which can stay in the shade of the trees and ones which will thrive in the sun. By seeing to all of these different aspects of your garden’s total look you can ensure that you are choosing the right landscaping trees. You will also need to have tools to keep the trees that you have chosen at a height that does not interfere with an electrical wiring.

For those of you who happen to have a small sized garden you have a choice of landscaping trees which are more on the ornamental side. These trees will look fantastic when they have been placed in large sized tub pots. The size of the pot itself will inhibit the full growth potential of the trees that you have bought. This makes these such trees ideal for gardens that are severely limited in space.

These potted trees are also fantastic landscaping trees for larger gardens as well. With trees such as this you can see about planting other flowering plants at the base of the tree. This way you will have a small mini sized garden that you can move wherever it is best for the plants.

It is a known fact that when people are landscaping their gardens the various trees in the garden are seldom considered as being necessary to the look of the garden. For the more knowledgeable gardener trees play just as an important role as that of flowering plants and shrubs. For this reason the amount of landscaping trees that you can find will help with making your garden the beautiful oasis where you can relax at the end of the day.

The artist’s inspiration has been the object of wonder and misconception ever since early Man created the first painted images on the walls of his caves thousands of years ago. In truth, there is nothing mystical about creative thought; the average person uses it in his daily life to solve everyday problems, just as the engineer, scientist and architect employ it in their professions. And to expand the mind’s ability to conjure new ideas can be accomplished by simply learning to break free of restrictive ways of thinking, and by exposure to new and stimulating experiences.

Everyone falls into a mental rut sometimes, where habit takes over. But habit is the enemy of creative thinking! You have to open your mind to new ways of experiencing and perceiving in order to gain fresh ideas. There are many established ways to improve your ability to think creativity. To begin with, you should always strive to avoid time-worn cliches; for the visual artist, this could mean taking a common subject, such as a still-life, and injecting some new element into it that normally wouldn’t be associated with that subject. Consider my painting “Voodoo”, found on my website. Instead of the usual flowers and vase, I have used an African ceremonial mask and a human skull, adding a darker twist to the traditional still-life genre.

Many innovative ideas originate in the subconscious mind. Therefore dreams have often been the source of new ideas for the artist, and for Surrealists such as Salvador Dali they were usually the main source of inspiration. Sometimes the mind can be stimulated simply by drawing or painting in a different location than usual. I often find walking or pacing helps me to think and sort out any confusion in my mind. Trying your hand at other fields of artistic expression, such as writing or music, can give you new perspectives. Literature and film can also be rich sources of ideas. I found that studying poetry helped me to draw more upon the subconscious, and to gain a greater appreciation of the principles that are common to all art forms.

One of the greatest obstacles to creativity is conformity. Don’t allow yourself to be restricted by what is socially or culturally acceptable; society encourages uniformity of thought and attitude–this is the death of creative thought! Follow your own instincts, believe in your own view and perceptions; don’t be afraid to be provocative if that is what your concept demands. Look at my works “The Lady Of Ill Repute” and “The Years”–certainly not everyone’s idea of beauty. But beauty can be found in the truth expressed in these women’s faces and in their lives, like the beauty found in the ruins of a forgotten temple. In these women one sees the scars of past experience and the price that time exacts from the human soul. In short, they tell a good story, something art should always strive to do.

It is a great mistake to think that every idea that you arrive at should be a good one. The creative process is by nature somewhat chaotic–this naturally means that some of your ideas, perhaps most of them, are simply bad. This is fine! Even a bad idea can be of value, as it may lead you to make an unconscious connection that eventually matures into something useful. In fact, sometimes deliberately coming up with a bad concept can open the mind to something better. It’s all a matter of making unconscious associations.

I have come to believe that there is no truly original idea. Everyone builds upon the work of others. Consider Van Gogh’s style: his use of color comes from the Impressionists; the hard outlines and flat forms from Japanese woodcuts; his everyday subject matter from earlier artists like Millet. Perhaps his fluid brushwork is his only personal contribution to his distinctive style. But by blending these different elements he came up with something totally unique and personal. This is an example of combining influences. And there are other approaches, such as modifying, maximizing, minimizing, substituting, rearranging, reversing, exaggerating and separating.

Inspiration is always an uncertain commodity; some people will always have the advantage over the rest of us when it comes to innovative thinking. But everyone can expand their capacity for creative thought by ridding themselves of old ways of thinking, and by exposure to new experiences. However, it isn’t always necessary to be clever; the most important consideration for the artist is to have something to say, and to say it well. I hope that the methods discussed here will help you to do just that.

There are many gems in Britain that are not on the standard tourist route. If you have been on vacation to Britain before or fancy something a little different then try visiting one of the destinations below.

 

200 Years of Charles Darwin

It was at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote ‘On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection’ – the book which both scandalised and revolutionised the Victorian world.  Today the house remains much as it was when Darwin lived here. 

On the 13 February 2009 Down House will reopen after a few months conservation work with a new exhibition celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin and the 150th anniversary of ‘On the Origin of Species’.  During a visit you will enter the study where ‘On the Origins of Species’ was written, get a glimpse of family life in the ground floor rooms, audio tour narrated by Sir David Attenborough and relax with a cup of tea or coffee in the cosy tearoom. 

English Heritage has also restored the gardens to their appearance in Darwin’s time, where you’ll see honeybees working in the fascinating observatory beehive just as Darwin did almost 150 years ago.  You will also follow in Darwin’s footsteps on his famous path ‘The Sandwalk’ and marvel at the carnivorous plants in Darwin’s garden “laboratory” and unusual varieties of vegetables growing in the vegetable garden.

Kennet’s 5000 year treasure hunt

As you may not know where this area lies, find Bath on your map and then go east to Chippenham, Devizes and Marlborough. It is a place where you can delve deeply into past centuries, visit ceremonial landscapes and hills that are steeped in mystery myth and legend. Here you will find the World Heritage Site of Avebury which was built in around 3000 BC. Unlike Stonehenge, you can touch and feel the stones that surround this Neolithic spot. If you allow enough time, you can also take instruction in the ancient art of dowsing. Proof that mankind has always had an urge to leave an impression can be seen in the White Horses which have been cut out of the chalk on the Wiltshire Downs. The story behind each one is fascinating. Another site of mystery and legend is the West Kennet Longbarrow, which is one of the largest Neolithic burial tombs in Britain and the nearby Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes houses the world renowned Bronze Age collection from the barrows surrounding Stonehenge and Avebury. The Black Swan in the Market Place in Devizes goes back to the 16th century and has an interesting past and was featured on Living TV’s “Most Haunted”. With prior notice you can roam the cellars and search the blackness for orbs, detect energy and electro-magnetic fields.  If you are seeking thrills of a different kind there is plenty of paranormal activity in the area. After a visit to the Back Swan, take a Ghost Walk around the town. This is NOT for the faint hearted and you will need that drink at the end of the evening…

 

Hastings Old Town

Just round the corner from the caves and shore lies Hastings Old Town, home to many famous smuggling gangs including Ruxley’s Crew and the Hastings Outlaws. They were a violent bunch and in 1768, 13 of Ruxley’s gang were hanged for their part in the gruesome murder of the master of a Dutch ship, off Beachy Head, near Eastbourne.

 

The Old Town is packed full of narrow streets, unusual shops and buildings. Its smuggling legacy remains with the annual bonfire celebrations during Hastings Week, where bonfire society members don the outfits of either smugglers or the revenue officers tasked to catch them.

 

Explore the Gardens of England’s England

Whether you are a keen gardener looking for inspiration or simply appreciate the beauty of English gardens, make sure you take time to explore the gardens of Shakespeare Country.   

 

From early spring to late autumn, discover a profusion of scents, colour and creation as the gardens of Shakespeare Country flourish with trees, shrubs and flowers.  Even the winter months are exciting and you’ll often come across gardeners working hard to prepare their gardens for the following seasons.   

Shakespeare Country and the neighbouring Cotswolds are home to some of England’s most enchanting gardens from almost every period of English garden history. From landscaped to cottage, exotic to herbal, the gardens are a delight to explore as they grow and change over the seasons and years.

 

Explore the gardens of England’s England, enjoy the colour and the quiet, and remember where they are as you will almost certainly want to return.

 

On the Wales England border

One lesser known area of England is the county of Herefordshire, where England meets Wales. It has been back drop for several well known films including Shadowlands with Anthony Hopkins, which was filmed in the Wye Valley – visitors can follow the Shadowlands Trail. More recently filming has taken place in the Black and White Villages of North Herefordshire for a new film “Unconditional Love” starring Julie Andrews, Cathy Bates and Rupert Everett.  The film was launched in the fall of 2000. Literature has always been key to the county, Elizabeth Berrett Browning grew up in Ledbury and John Masefield was also born in this pretty market town.  Poetry fans may like to visit Ledbury in July for the annual poetry festival.

 

Hatfield House – where Elizabethan history began

Henry VIII sent his children to live and be educated at Hatfield when Elizabeth was just three months old.  Elizabeth spent most of her childhood at Hatfield, and it’s said that she heard the news that she was to become Queen while sitting under an oak tree in the Park. Elizabeth:  the Golden Age starring Kate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Clive Owen was filmed at Hatfield House.  Mary, Queen of Scots’ house Chartley Hall was recreated in the Armoury and other state rooms were used for Sir Francis Walsingham’s home.  As Geoffrey Rush Commented: “The first day of filming, for me, was the death scene and we’d recreated Walsingham’s bedroom in Hatfield House and we knew that she had walked there some 450 years earlier.  It just ups your game because you play into it with a greater sense of relish.”  Visitors can see the Banqueting Hall of the Old Palace of Hatfield where in November 1558, Elizabeth held her first Council of State and also see the site of the famous oak tree. 2008 marks the 450th anniversary of Elizabeth’s accession to the throne and as part of the celebrations there will be exciting new events for all the family to enjoy. Experts on the period will be talking about life in the Elizabethan times in a new series of lectures.  Documents from the Collection will be on Display, together with the famous portraits of Elizabeth. For younger visitors, there is a chance to try on period armour and learn about life as a fighting knight. On Friday evenings, Banquets are held in the Old Palace.  A sumptuous four course dinner and excellent entertainment set within wonderful surroundings.  During the evening, the Players will entertain with period music, song and theatre from King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I and their Courtiers followed by dancing. 

Snuff Bottles – A Rare Art From China

 

Chinese art has had a long history, splendid tradition, distinct characteristics and unique style. It came up to its highest artistic standards through the Ming and into the later part of the Qing dynasty.

 



Examples of Inside Painted Snuff Bottles

 

Since the latter part of the nineteenth century Chinese inside painted snuff bottles have been regarded by emperors and collectors as the art by “Ghost’s axe God’s work” which means superlative craftsmanship.

 



Examples of Inside Painted Snuff Bottles

 

A snuff bottle is a small container with tiny mouth and flat belly so that it is easy for people to carry and use. This miniature handicraft was a microcosm of the painting and carrying techniques, which prevailed in the Qing dynasty. However, painting inside snuff bottle is different than glass painting. When painting a snuff bottle, a painter usually uses an angled bamboo pen with color, inserts it into the small opening in the neck of the bottle and painting in the narrow space inside of it. Therefore, it is more difficult to paint inside a bottle than a piece of glass which needs a special skill and not every painter can be competent at such a tremendous work.

 

This picture shows how the artists paint a portrait inside a narrow space of a snuff bottle.

 



 

Of all the snuff bottles in the late Qing dynasty, the most important achievement was the development of inside painted snuff bottles, especially the portrait snuff bottle. Emperors, nobles and persons with prestigious social status desired to have their own portraits made to order. Presently, some fine ones resided in the Beijing Palace Museum.

 

There are only about 100 out of a billion artists who can presently do the truly fine masterpieces of inside painting.

 

Inside painted snuff bottles are truly miniature masterpieces which attract artists and collectors all over the world. They are the real unique treasures in the world of art.

 

A Thrilling Product Tour to the world of Inside Painted Snuff Bottles

 

Learning photography is a two part process. You have to understand the mechanical skills relating to the camera, but you also need to master some artistic techniques as well. The artistic side is where you can set your photos apart from the crowd.

The difficulty is, while technical photography can be taught using concrete rules and numbers, composition is a little more ‘artsy.’ A lucky few are born with a natural sense of visual style and balance. For the rest of us, it takes plenty of time and experience to develop a talent for composition.

Luckily there are a few tips and guidelines that can make the whole thing easier. One of these, the Rule Of Thirds, I have already mentioned in a couple of previous articles. There is another principle of good composition that can add real impact to your photos; it just doesn’t have a name.

Today I want to write about using straight lines in a composition to lead the eye of the viewer. This is a simple technique that helps to control the way the viewer sees your photo. You can use lines to lead the eye of the viewer within your composition, and even add impact to a particular part of your photo.

Imagine a photo with a panoramic landscape. You could think like a tourist and just snap the landscape with no thought for creative composition. But as a creative photographer, you have a better idea. You find an outlook that offers the same scene, but with a fence in the foreground.

For your first shot, you photograph the fence running horizontally across the foreground. In this situation, the fence is like a barrier between the viewer and the subject. It does not help the composition; in fact it is probably an annoying distraction. People are likely to think “Nice photo – it’s a pity the fence got in the way.”

Next, imagine the same scene shot from a slightly different angle. Now the fence runs diagonally away from the camera towards the landscape in the distance. This alternate view (if done well) will create a completely different impact. The eye will be caught by the prominent subject in the foreground (the fence), and it will follow the line of the fenceposts into the picture.

In this way the two elements of your composition work together to make a stronger picture. The fence is no longer a distraction; in fact, it adds emphasis to the background subject by leading the viewer in that direction.

There are many situations that can use this simple technique. A bridge, a jetty, a line of telephone wires, even railway tracks…there are all kinds of opportunities to use the lines of everyday objects to enhance a composition.

There are three things to look for when using straight-line objects. The lines should be long (a line of two fenceposts won’t do much for your photo; twenty fenceposts will). They should be receding diagonally away from the camera (remember our example). And it helps if there is a repeated pattern in the lines which diminishes as the object recedes away from the camera. In our example, the fenceposts will appear to get smaller as they progress into the distance. This will create a sense of perspective that makes your two-dimensional photo seem quite three-dimensional.

Whenever I teach a photography class, there is a simple rule that I try to get across: “Anything that doesn’t make your composition better, makes it worse.”

A photographer in our hypothetical scenario should be applauded for choosing to use the fence to add interest to the landscape. Never forget that any good landscape subject has been photographed many times before; the real trick is to find an angle that makes your photo unique. But having decided to use it, it is essential that the fence works with the rest of the composition. Otherwise, your picture may be better off without it.

As a creative photographer, always remember that nothing should appear in your photo by accident. All the elements of your photo should not only add interest, but also work cohesively to add impact to the entire composition.