Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Painting by kids

How boring is it to walk into a house which is decorated with the same boring sunset pictures and paintings? A fun way to redo one's house is by framing paintings that the kids make. While pastel painting and water painting are pretty conventional, a sort of abstract but beautiful paintings are marble paintings. A marble painting is done by filling a tub with water, pouring compatible colors of oil paint into it and then making the surface of the sheet of paper come into contact with the surface of the water. The impression made by the floating oil paint creates a beautiful juxtaposition of colors on the paper, which can later be framed and used at home.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Modern Life and Art

Art and painting have a vast overwhelming history all over the globe. Every country has its own culture of art and painting and has evolved over the years in different eras. Europe has been a witness to Baroque, Gothic, Romantic and other schools and era of art and painting. Modern art today is a reflection of our modern lives—abstract. Modern life suffers the pangs of existential living and a fragmented existence. This is manifested in modern art by modern artists and painters. There were several modern art movements that have made their presence felt and made sufficient mark on culture, like Cubism, Imagism and also, the recent art movement started by Andy Warhol that has created quite a stir in the perception of art and modern life itself.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

How free is abstract art these days?

Emotions have always been closely related to art. Just as we have abstract emotions which cannot be defined and are free of all conventions, abstract art also takes it stand. Abstract Art is an art not represented by an accurate form of an object. This representation can be different in many ways changing the shape and color. The artist either simplifies or exaggerates an object. Abstract art may be of different styles. However the main forms that stand out are Cubism, Neoclassicism, and Abstract Expressionism.

The question that mostly arises is how free can abstract art be? Abstract art was modernized due to the limits of cubism and other forms which currently do not have a fixed standard convention that is followed. Will this constant expansion evolve art or just create chaos?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Art, or art-deco?

The world of art and painting is a ridiculously expensive world to be living in. Paintings sell in the millions, and many people who are thus enabled, use it as a future investment. People are employed by such individuals to scour for new talent and invest in them, in hopes that they become famous in the future.

The art world is also increasing by leaps and bounds. Sculptures and figurines sell for ludicrous amounts, only to end up in a private collection which nobody else will ever see. Art is meant for the world to appreciate, and a private collection kind of spoils the point. Most such collectors have no appreciation for art, and use it simply as an investment.

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Early History of Abstract Art

Abstract art refers to the visual rendition of an artist’s thoughts or feelings that may not be easily comprehended by the viewer. In case of abstract painting, the object of the painter is portrayed through a style that may not relate to anything directly, but only be suggestive of it.
The earliest signs of abstract art were found in pottery, textiles, paintings on rocks, and inscriptions. They usually had a symbolic significance, and were said to originate in the Islamic culture wherein the direct depiction of the human form was, in a way, forbidden.
Some of the early art movements that had an influence on the origin of abstract art in the nineteenth century are Romanticism, Impressionism and Expressionism. During this period artists were recipients of private patronage. Emphasis on the visual sensation, rather than the object itself, was a characteristic of this form of art. Some of the artists aimed at making a logical construct of reality based on a view from a particular point.
In the later part of the nineteenth century, schools such as modernism and mysticism also had a strong influence on abstract art. This led to the popularization of geometric abstract styles in the twentieth century.

The Basics of Oil Painting

Painting with pigments that are bound with a medium of drying oil is known as oil painting. In Europe, where this form of painting grew popular in the early modern era, linseed oil is the popular variant used. Linseed was often boiled with pine resin or frankincence and turned into ‘varnish’. This substance was the reason behind the glossy feel that a painting attained.
An artist making an oil painting initiates the work by taking a canvas and sketching the theme or subject with a piece of charcoal. Some artists also use thinned paint for this purpose. Oil paints usually have a mixture of linseed oil, mineral spirits or other forms of spirit that helps in the creation of a thinner, faster or slower drying paint, as required.
A basic tenet of oil painting is that each layer of paint must contain more oil than the previous layer. This ensures proper drying, which would not be possible if the layer on top has less oil. On the contrary, the paint would begin to crack and peel.
The traditional method of making an oil painting comprises the use of a paint brush. However, variations include the use of palette knives or rags as well.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Things to note on Art & Painting

Things to note on Art & Painting Focus: Art is the use of skill and imagination (creativity) in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with third parties. Painting is a form of art that involves using ink and other tools to artistically produce an image in color of black and white. For you to have a good art, you must be creative. It requires your mental input into the creation of what is in your mind. Think about your likes and dislikes. Make an art about them. Prepare for your idea describe the power of imagination to an art and painting focus.