Roosters are popular motifs and accessories in a number of different decorating styles. These brightly-colored birds can also form the basis for a decorative style that includes a lot of whimsical color and accent choices.
Style
Many decorative country styles, including French and Italian, make use of the rooster as a motif. Country styles tend to feature colors and accessories inspired by the environment surrounding them, including roosters.
Types
Many types of decorative rooster signs exist. In country styles, it's very common to see primitive pictures of roosters painted on wood. Other rooster-inspired decor includes ceramic rooster cookie jars, rooster clocks, rooster-shaped trivets and lazy Susans, and wallpaper featuring roosters. Additionally, while many people opt to place rooster deocrations in the kitchen, they make a cozy decorating theme in any room in the home.
Pulling It Together
To coordinate a rooster motif throughout your decor, use the colors of the rooster. For example, take colors commonly used in ceramic roosters, including red, black and yellow, and feature them in your wallpaper, furniture upholstery and decorative accessories.
Saturday Evening Post covers focused on family life.
Norman Rockwell became an American icon due to his long run as the cover artist for "The Saturday Evening Post." His paintings focused on everyday American family and cultural life, putting the traditional values of small town living on a pedestal. While people criticized the covers during his lifetime for being sentimental, his covers and additional Saturday Evening Post covers by other artists, such as John Philip Falter, have endured. Today, collectors can order original, framed "Saturday Evening Post" covers or reprints from the Norman Rockwell Museum and art print stores.
Instructions
1. Browse the available cover reprints and originals at the Norman Rockwell Museum website at www.normanrockwellvt.com. Click on the "Prints" drop down menu at the top of the page and choose the year range for your desired cover. You can also click on "New Prints" to see which covers or print styles were recently added to the site. For original covers, choose "SEP Covers."
2. Choose your print, then choose additional features such as matting or a frame. Unframed prints will be shipped in a tube. You can only purchase original covers pre-matted and framed.
3. Use the secure order form on the website or call the museum at 877-773-6095, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to order your print.
4. Search the selection of prints at www.art.com, the art reprint store "The Saturday Evening Post" shop uses for reprints. You can order art prints or giclee prints through art.com. More than 300 Norman Rockwell covers are available, but the store also carries "Saturday Evening Post" work by Eugene Iverd.
5. Select your print and add it to your cart. Choose a mat and frame, if desired, for your print, then follow the instructions for a secure check-out.
Getting published in newspapers is generally difficult. Publications already have a full-time staff who are assigned stories to cover, and editors usually have a lot of freelancers also interested in writing for the market. However, with the job cuts in the newsrooms across the country, editors may be more interested in freelancers than ever before because they are easier to pay than assigning a full-time reporter to cover the story, especially if its a travel piece. Find out ways to get published in newspapers by following these steps.
Instructions
1. Find local newspapers. You have a higher change of being published if you look into smaller, community-based newspapers, especially if your story has a local angle and would be something of interest to the readers in the community.
2. Get a job as a reporter. If you can't beat it, join it. Getting a full-time job as a reporter will allow you to get published over and over again. If you're in for the adventure and love seeing your name in print, talk to the section editor of a newspaper you want to write for about possible job openings. Look for their contact info on the newspaper's website.
3. Query. If a full-time reporting position is not for you, you can pitch ideas and articles to publish as a freelance writer. A query letter is a formal letter written to editors to sell a topic that you want to write about. Look for the contact info of the editor you want to write to on the newspaper's website.
4. Write for the Opinions page or letters to the editor. Opinion pages are usually more open to submissions from locals, since it's a forum to share perspectives on current topics.
Printers are a great addition to any business of home office. The problem though is most items printed are bland and unexciting. This is where "Print Artist" steps in. "Print Artist" helps liven up any document by incorporating clip art and other custom designs. It even creates CD and DVD labels, covering up the boring original white covering. Of course if that's just too over the top for you, just try the background watermarks. They add a touch of excitement without taking over the page.
Instructions
Installing the Program
1. Insert the Print Artist installation disk into the computer.
2. Click "Next" when the installation wizard loads.
3. Click "I agree" to the license agreement and click "Next." You will not be allowed to install Print Art without agreeing.
4. Select between a "Typical Installation" and a "Custom Installation." A typical installation includes all files associated with Print Artist as well as all available clip art, while custom lets you pick and choose whats installed. The Typical installation is recommended.
5. Click "Next" when shown the installation location. You can change this by clicking "Browse" and then type your desired destination, however the default setting is recommended.
6. Click "Next" again and then "Install." This installation will now begin. Click "Finish" when the installation has completed.
offer useful information from a business's perspective.
A press kit, often called a media kit, is a tool used by businesses and organizations to deliver information about their company to the media. It consists of various documents and files including press releases, photos, lists of frequently asked questions, published articles, promotional videos and statements from company representatives. Businesses of all sizes prepare press kits with information they would like the media to report. Companies are often eager to distribute press kits and strive to make them conveniently accessible.
Instructions
Go Online
1. The business's website is the place to start when looking for a press kit.
Find out whether the business you are researching has an official website. Look for a printed web address on brochures and business cards.
2. Review the website to see if there is a link specifically stating "media," "public relations," or "press kit." In some cases, you may need to click on a link which says "contact us" or "more information" to be directed to the press kit. If you can't find any helpful links, look for the business owner's email address or customer service contact information. Send an email introducing yourself and request a press kit.
3. Read all the information you are able to access online. Some companies may post entire press kits for you to download and print all at once. You can also sort through the kit and save the specific information you are looking for. Some companies only post select press releases or photos and provide a contact email address for additional information. Send an email to the appropriate contact person requesting press kit information that is not available online.
Request Via Phone
4. Business owners are generally happy to receive phone calls requesting press kits.
Call a business when you can not locate its website, or the website does not offer press kit materials or contact email addresses. Call during the most convenient hours for the business. For example, if you are calling a restaurant, avoid dinner time. When your call is answered, request to speak with either the business owner or the person in charge of public relations.
5. Introduce yourself and explain your need for a press kit. If the owner or representative says they don't have an official press kit, describe the specific information you need. They may have individual items such as press releases and photos that, when paired together, can serve as a press kit.
6. Arrange access to the press kit information. If you have to meet a deadline, request the kit be emailed or faxed. If the kit is too big, make arrangements to pick it up, or ask if it can be mailed.
Visit in Person
7. Visit the business you are researching if you can't get press releases through email, snail mail or fax. Introduce yourself and ask to speak with the owner or the head of the public relations department.
8. Describe the information you are looking for and list specific documents or items that will provide the required information. Explain how a press kit will help you incorporate their perspective into your story.
9. Requesting press kits in person can lead to interviews when necessary.
Skim the information offered in the press kit to be sure it meets your needs and answers your questions. Since you have the business owner or public relations representative there with you, you may request a quick interview if you have additional questions that are not addressed in the press kit.
Radiologic technology is an indispensable part of modern medicine. The field has come a long way from the discovery of X-rays, and now includes radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. Technicians have had to evolve along with the technology and need many skills that contribute to successful patient diagnosis and treatment.
X-Rays
X-rays were discovered on November 8, 1895, by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen.
First Technicians
Physicians discovered soon after the discovery of X-rays that developing them was time-consuming and began hiring X-ray technicians to develop the films and maintain X-ray equipment. The majority of these technicians were women.
Safety
Safety precautions to protect technicians from X-ray exposure were not developed until X-rays had been in use for 20 years.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Currently known as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the first professional society for radiology professionals was started in October of 1929 under the name American Association of Radiological Technicians. The society was formed to create standards in education for the radiology field (see Resources).
Shortage
Changing technology created a severe shortage of radiology technicians in the early 1970s.
Federal Standards
While states developed licensing criteria for radiologic technicians at various times, there was no federally mandated licensing standard until 1981.
The continent of Africa boasts one of the world's richest artistic and cultural legacies, stemming back several thousand years and continuing up to the present day. Despite the fact that it is often ignored by Western art historians, Africa continues to contribute to the evolution of art.
Identification
The term "African art" refers to art produced throughout history up to the present day in the countries of Africa, as well as artists around the world who have their roots in Africa, including a number of artists living and working in the United States.
Misconceptions
There is a tendency to think of all African art in terms of traditional forms, such as wooden masks, decorative clothing and statues. In reality, numerous African artistshave made a significant contribution to contemporary art.
Famous Ties
Famous living African artists include Marlene Dumas (South Africa), William Kentridge (South Africa), Kendell Geers (South Africa) and Henry Nkole Tayali (Zambia). In addition, numerous modern artists were influenced by traditional African art, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
History
The first African art works predate recorded history. One prominent example is the rock art to be found in Niger, which dates back over 6,000 years ago.
Geography
Mali, Guinea, Gabon, Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Tanzania and Mozambique and Egypt have all made significant contributions to African art history.
Though most athletes don't mind giving out autographs, some players refuse to.
If you're the fan of a certain sports team, chances are you have a favorite player on that team that you cheer on and admire. Just like with other celebrities, you may want to get the autograph of your favorite player.
Many athletes do take time out of their schedules to meet fans and autograph items fans bring with them at public appearances or after sporting events. While it may take some determination and persistence, there are several ways you can go about getting an autograph fromyour favorite player.
Instructions
1. Ask friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors and other acquaintances if they know anyone who works with your favorite sports team in any capacity. If you find someone who knows someone, ask if there is any way you could get an autograph from your favorite player. If the person agrees, give him a jersey or cap to get signed by the athlete. You can also ask if you could meet the player in person.
2. Attend an off-season team practice or pre-season game. Fewer fans attend these events and with less people you will have a better chance of meeting your favorite athlete face-to-face. Buy the closest seats to the players you can afford so you are nearby if any players decide to approach the stands. Bring the item you want the player to sign with you and politely ask the if he would be willing to give you his autograph. Have a permanent marker on you for the player to sign with if he doesn't have his own.
3. Attend a regular season game of your favorite sports team and arrive early. Enter the stadium or arena as early as possible. Nearly every sports team practices and warms up before each game and so you may have a better chance of getting an autograph from a player during their warm-up before more fans arrive. Alternatively, loiter in the stadium lobby or in the player parking lot after the game ends to catch your favorite athlete on his way out and ask him for his autograph then.
4. Visit the website of the sports team the athlete plays for and find out the official address of the team. Send the item you want autographed through the mail or another package courier with the player's name above the address line. Nearly every sports team in America accepts items to be autographed by its players. While there is no guarantee that you will receive the item back with an autograph -- or at all -- there is a chance the player will sign the item and return it to you.
5. Buy an item the player autographed from a sports memorabilia website or through an online auction website. Before your purchase the item, verify that the seller has proper certification and proof that the athlete really did autograph it.
Mold, sculpt and roll polymer clay into designs resembling ivory. Faux ivory is an animal-friendly way to enjoy the pale luster of ivory. After sculpting and baking, the finished pieces can be polished or painted with varnish to increase the sheen. Experiment with different colors of polymer to attain an antiquated look or choose white clay for a fresh, new look for your pieces.
Jewelry
All types of jewelry can be designed with clay and fashioned to resemble ivory. Create a faux ivory cameo, to be used for a pendant or a ring. Use a combination of household items and sculpting tools to design the cameo. Once finished, the cameo can be set in a frame for a pendant, or affixed to a ring. Other ideas include making beads, teeth, flowers and botanical shapes which can be attached to a chain or glued onto a pin for a brooch.
Sculpture
Sculpt with polymer clay to create original works of art resembling ivory. Whether you choose to sculpt animals, people, objects or abstract art, polymer clay is a medium you can maneuver to suit your individual style. Sculpt a faux ivory base for a lamp out of clay. Leave ample space for the inner workings of the lamp. Once finished assemble the lamp and add a lamp shade. Choose a shade in a solid color to avoid detracting attention from the sculpture.
Game Pieces
Design individual game pieces as a set from polymer clay. Chess sets, dominoes and other games can be created with faux ivory. For a gift, make each piece and pair it with a board and a box to store the pieces in. Whether you choose to design a modern chess set with simple lines and soft features or an intricate traditional set, polymer clay pieces will emulate their ivory counterparts. To cut down on the time involved in designing a whole set, purchase one color in glass or marble and design the rest with clay.
Accessories
Faux ivory can be used to embellish picture frames, mirrors, candle holders and other items you wish to jazz up. One idea is to design an ornate letter opener. Whether you choose to build the whole piece from clay or use a combination of materials, a letter opener is a craft you can make for yourself or for a gift, especially if paired with a decorative storage box. Or, create decorative floral patterns you can affix to a jewelry box.
Create a lightly textured wall with special paint.
A lightly textured wall creates a subtle and elegant touch to an interior room. Although creating texture with joint compound or similar materials is one option for texturing a wall, you can simplify the process if you use texture paint. You'll get light paint texture on the wall as you apply the product with the paint roller. Applying texture paint is as simple as applying standard paint to a wall.
Instructions
1. Apply painter's tape along the ceiling, baseboard and adjacent walls to prevent paint from spreading onto these surfaces. Apply painter's tape around window and doorway trim also, and mask anything else in the area that you don't want texture paint on.
2. Place the drop cloth over the floor below the wall.
3. Load the trim brush with latex primer and apply primer around the perimeter of the wall to "cut in" this area and along the edges of the tape you placed in Step 1. Cut in 2 to 4 inches deep with the primer.
4. Pour primer into the paint tray and load the paint roller. Apply primer to the wall in a thin coat to cover it completely. Allow the primer to dry for the time recommended on the product label.
5. Stir the texture paint well. (Be sure to stir it often while you apply it to distribute the texture particles evenly throughout the paint.) Load the trim brush with texture paint and cut in the perimeter of the wall in the same fashion that you cut in the primer.
6. Fit the looped roller cover onto the paint roller to apply the texture paint.
7. Pour texture paint into the paint tray. Load the paint roller with paint and apply it in the same fashion that you applied the primer. Allow the texture paint to dry for the time recommended on the product label.
8. Apply a second coat of texture paint after the first coat dries, using the same application technique. Allow the second coat to dry for at least 24 hours.
9. Load the trim brush with topcoat paint and cut in the perimeter of the wall using the same application technique as earlier.
10. Pour the topcoat into the paint tray and load the paint roller with the standard roller cover. Apply the topcoat paint over the wall in a thin and even layer using the same application technique as before. Allow the topcoat paint to dry for the time recommended on the product label.
For whatever the reason, getting into the newspaper doesn't have to be difficult. Almost anyone can get themselves or their business into the newspaper. Persistence is key when trying to get into the newspaper. Whether you want a story written or an ad for your company, you must go about it professionally. Chances are, in time you will be able to get into the newspaper.
Instructions
1. Decide what you want to be printed in the newspaper. Be direct and to the point with your entry. No one can tell you what you want. So make the decision on your own before contacting the newspaper. This will help both you and the newspaper.
2. Make a few phone calls. Find out what area of the newspaper you would like to be in. Chances are there is one local paper that you want to get into. So find their number in the phone book or on the Internet. Contact either the advertising department or the journalism department depending on what you are seeking.
3. Speak to the representative. Give them all of the information you have. Let them know what it is you are trying to do. More than likely the representative will be able to give you some advice.
4. Finalize your ideas with the representative. Be patient and persistent. Continue to contact the representative until you have reached your objective. Sometimes it takes time, but usually you can get into the newspaper within the month.
It is possible to mix two art media together within one composition. The term for this art method is known as "mixed media." Combining two or more art media can be used to create abstract art and is a modern technique. Collages and assemblages are examples of types of mixed media.
About Mixed Media
The process of combining one art medium with another offers an artist the freedom to be experimental in his approach to art. He is able to express an idea through color and a textural mix of materials, such as graphite, ink, paper, printed images or fabric, as well as any type of object. This results in a mixed media abstract work.
Techniques
One technique of working with mixed media is to layer and blend the different art mediums upon a canvas, paper or object to form a collage. An artist can start by drawing in graphite before she applies a paint-based medium in an expressive way to create the background for the mixed media composition. She then introduces other materials into the piece by pasting them in layers. Another technique is assemblage, which is a 3D form of collage. It consists of using found objects and other non-traditional art materials to create a three-dimensional work of art.
Considerations
Mixing art media is not appropriate for a realistic art work. Paintings rendered in a traditional art medium such as watercolor, acrylics or oil paint on canvas or paper are more suited to realistic subjects. Mixed media lends itself to more abstract themes. An artist also has to consider blend two or more art media together smoothly, so the transitions made from one medium to another flow smoothly and create a unified whole.
History
Mixed media was introduced into the art world around 1912 by Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque and other artists involved in the Cubist movement. This movement was concerned with changing society's perception of art and of how objects were depicted within a composition. Mixed media came into play during the Cubist movement's "Synthetic" phase, in which paint was used in conjunction with other materials, such as admission tickets, newspaper cuttings, paper and charcoal, within their paintings to form collages. Picasso and Marcel Duchamp also worked with found objects and, in the 1950s, the 3D form of collage became popular, referred to as "assemblage" art.
Baseball autographs are are a part of baseball tradition. They have also become a big time business, making it difficult to get autographs. Although difficult, there are steps take to get them
Instructions
1. Go to the ballpark. There are a couple of approaches to take when seeking an autograph. Sometimes players will sign items prior to the game, usually along the railing near their dugout. This is a hit-or-miss option as players have limited time and many autograph seekers to please.
2. Find out where players enter and leave the stadium. This really only pertains to the home team. Stand in front of the home team's entrance and ask for autographs as the players leave. Many are willing to sign after the game, especially if they win the game. One way to get their attention is to call out their names; players are people and they respond to being personally addressed.
3. If it's the visitors' autographs being sought, go to the hotel where they are staying. Be careful how and where you approach the player. If they appear busy or in a hurry, it might be best to move on. However, if they are just standing around chatting or perhaps lounging, approach them and ask if they would be willing to sign an item or two.
4. Contact the team and ask where an item could be sent to be autographed. Players sign a lot of items during spring training; items sent to a team's training facility has a good chance of being autographed. During the season, the odds are slim that the player will even get the item, so save the postage.
5. Go to spring training. There is no better place to get an autograph than spring training. The mood is light, players are not in the middle of a season's grind and they are very accessible. Players are also often out in the community.
6. Go to memorabilia shows. This is best to get autographs from former players, as many attend such shows. The one downfall is normally there is a cost. Many teams also have off-season fan gatherings were players attend and sign autographs.
While most of us appreciate art, few of us can afford originals. Fortunately, limited edition prints are a lower-cost alternative that still gives us the pleasure of the original. But the dizzying array of terminology that applies to this artwork can be confusing and lead to bad investments. Before buying a limited edition print, it's important to understand how it is defined.
Limted Edition
An edition, whether in artwork or books, is the amount that can be created from one plate. This amount will vary depending on the medium. Metal plates can be used for thousands of prints while wood blocks or other softer materials can't render as many prints. If it is a limited edition, the number is set before the printing and is usually hand numbered on the print. For example, "455/1000" means that it is the 455th print out of 1000.
Reproduction Prints
A print is considered an original, but a reproduction print is a copied piece. It might be photographed, photocopied or hand copied. These are usually not limited or numbered and are much less expensive. The quality is generally not as good as a print, and there is virtually no resale value.
Original Print
Original prints are most often created by the original artist by hand. The medium may be woodcut, stone or etched metal plate, and they are generally signed and numbered. Original prints are usually pricier than other forms of prints but hold their value well.
Other Markings
In addition to the limited edition's numbering, which is most often located in the bottom right-hand corner, there may be other markings there as well that indicate more information. A numbered print may also be marked as an artist's proof (created before the actual editions) signified by "P/A," or "H/C," which signifies that it was not originally for sale.
Value and Cost
Original art not only is the most expensive option but it holds its value well or increases in time. Depending on the artist, a limited edition print can be a value for the buyer, but usually the resale profit is unreliable. Prints with lower edition numbers may bring a better resale price, but much of this depends on the artist. Experts suggest that for the best value, have your print matted and framed by a professional and keep it clean and out of strong sunlight.
Acrylic paints are water-based, fast-drying materials that are easy to work with. They are suitable for painting on canvas, paper, wood, stone or plaster. Beginners and professional painters alike use these paints, which are an extremely versatile medium.
Abstract Painting
Abstract painting is an easy project for the beginner painter. You only need to obtain an interesting composition and match the colors to obtain an aesthetically pleasing effect. Make a sketch on a piece of paper and decide on construct your painting. Use elements such as dots, lines, spots or geometrical shapes. Use complementary colors such as red and green or select more subtle colors and use several shades of blue, adding a small spot of orange to balance the colors.
Still Life
Still life is suitable for painters with advanced skills and beginners alike. Gather a few items from your home such as ceramic pots, vases, cups, pieces of fruit or flowers and arrange these on a table. Choose objects of various heights so the composition of the painting is balanced. Divide the canvas in two areas, the table and the air, and color these. Trace your objects on the canvas and measure each item so that you maintain the proportions on your painting. Color each object in a solid color and then add details.
Landscape Painting
Take your canvas and easel with you on your next outing and enjoy painting in nature. Choose scenery to work after and photograph it in case you want to finish the piece at home. Work with a moisture retaining palette, which is a watercolor paper covered by wax paper that keeps your colors moist longer. Divide your canvas into two or several main areas (e.g., one part for the sky, one for the trees, another for the grass). Apply a thin layer of color for each of these main areas. Sketch the components of the landscape and start adding details to your painting.
Portrait or Human Figure
If you feel up to a challenge, try painting a portrait. Paint after a live model or a photograph. Observe the main shape of the face and trace it on your canvas. Measure the distance between the top of the head and the hairline, the hairline and the eyes, and between the other components of the portrait and sketch them on the canvas. Add more details to your painting in each area. Add some color in the background to finish your painting. Paint an entire human figure as your next project.
Pictures printed from your home computer can be used in mixed media paintings.
Mixed media paintings are a specialty within acrylic painting. To make mixed media art, you attach pictures, paper scraps, ribbons and other items onto your canvas for a three-dimensional feel. These items can be attached with heavy bodied acrylic paint, using gel mediums, or with glue, depending on the weight of the object. Because pictures are fairly lightweight, you can put them into your paintings using only heavy bodied acrylic paint. They can serve as the base of your painting or can be a final addition and serve as a focal point.
Instructions
1. Paint the background of your painting as usual with acrylic paint, and allow to dry. Complete the painting up to the point where the picture needs to be added.
2. Apply a thin layer of heavy bodied acrylic paint to the canvas with the painting knife. It does not matter what color is used because the picture is going to cover this area. If the background of the picture is light, it is a good idea to use a light color of paint because the paint will sometimes show through.
3. Allow the paint to dry for 2 to 5 minutes. Hold the picture flat and gently lay it onto the paint. Press it into the paint using a clean painting knife, a dry brush or your fingers.
4. Continue painting until the artwork is complete. Allow to dry to the touch before handling. It may take up to 6 hours for the paint under the picture to completely dry.
5. Spray the entire painting with clear coat varnish to seal. Allow to dry for 1 hour and apply two to three additional coats.
Studying Faulkner's writing techniques requires reading many of his works.
William Faulkner's writing techniques have inspired his inclusion into literature courses and classics anthologies. From his stream-of-conscious style in novels like "As I Lay Dying" and "The Sound and the Fury" to his masterful characterization and dialog, Faulkner's writing techniques serve as excellent pieces for would-be writers and literature enthusiasts to study.
Instructions
1. Read biographies of Faulkner to get a better idea of the author's background and writing style. William Faulkner's Southern heritage, failed attempt to become a war hero and personal life all played an important role in his literature. Thus, learn about Faulkner's personal life to better understand his writing techniques.Write lists of the authors' claims about Faulkner's writing as you peruse biographies. For instance, according to the American Society of Authors and Writers, Faulkner's novels "are grounded in a profound and compassionate humanism that celebrates the tragedy, energy, and humor of ordinary human life." Copy statements like these, as well as all notes of his writing techniques, into a notebook or word document for later study.
2. Read Faulkner's writing with the notebook you created in step one at your side. When you find a part of Faulkner's writing that embodies a technique or critic's claim about him, highlight it, and note in the margins which technique or critical comment from step one it exemplifies. Use a different color highlighter for each critic or stylistic technique. With another color highlighter, mark passages that exemplify other stylistic traits that the critics or biographies you read did not discuss. Add notes about the technique in the margin. When you are finished, you should have each Faulkner novel marked as a rainbow. The most predominate colors correspond to Faulkner's most often used writing techniques.
3. Study Faulkner's writing process using the biographies from step one. According to the American Society of Authors and Writers, Faulkner did not type any of his works and often had trouble with word choice. The society notes that he often asked other people to help him choose the right word for a segment. Faulkner also told the Paris Review that "The Sound and the Fury" began with a mental picture of the first scene, and that he wrote five different drafts of the book. Reread Faulkner's works with this writing process in mind. Theorize how this writing process helped or hindered him when writing his novels. Find signs in Faulkner's novels and short stories that show how his writing process impacted the final copy. Study multiple drafts of the same work, if available.
4. Compare and contrast Faulkner's works. According to Cliff's Notes, Faulkner tried to adjust his style to his subject, so his writing style between novels and short stories is very different. In your journal, create a table with three columns and rows for each Faulkner work you read. Label one column "subject matter," one "writing style" and one "reflection." For each work you read, enter a few words to summarize Faulkner's content and writing style in each column. After each entry, reflect on how each of Faulkner's works would have been different if he had chosen a writing style used in another of his pieces. Add the comments of your reflection to the third column of your chart.
A peaceful demonstration or assembly can be a productive way to express what we feel is wrong in our government. While such a protest is considered a part of our first amendment rights, most cities do require a permit in an effort to help avoid traffic and crowd problems. Use these steps to learn the basic procedures for getting a permit to protest in your city.
Instructions
1. Gather the appropriate information for getting the permit to protest. You will need an estimate of how many people are going to show up. You need to know the area you will be in or the route you are walking. You will need a time frame, though most jurisdictions have this already established.
2. Call your city offices with the details of your protest including the date and start time. You will have to fill out an application ahead of time and pay a fee.
3. Inform those involved in the protest of the city ordinances and laws surrounding a demonstration. Most cities do not allow you to block traffic, doorways and other areas that interrupt business or the general flow of the public moving around your city.
4. Carry a copy of your permit on you the day of the protest. Call the city the day before to ask about any last minute changes or requirements to make sure you are in full compliance.
Centered in Paris in the first two decades of the 1900s, Cubism was one of the most significant of the visual modern art movements in the early 20th century. Cubism is among the first examples of abstraction in Western painting and its influence extends throughout the 20th century and beyond.
Significance
Art Historian Sabine Rewald of The Metropolitan Museum of Art explains that "the Cubist painters rejected the inherited concept that art should copy nature, or that they should adopt the traditional techniques of perspective, modeling, and foreshortening." In rejecting the traditions of representational art, Cubists, instead, depicted objects and people as abstract, geometric forms. Objects in Cubist works are often broken apart, distorted and combined in seemingly random ways to emphasize the contrast between the two-dimensional space of the canvas and the three-dimensional perception of the viewer.
History
Cubism was developed by Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) and Georges Braque (French, 1882-1963) in Paris, France, between 1907 and 1914. According to Rewald, "the French art critic Louis Vauxcelles coined the term Cubism after seeing the landscapes Braque had painted in 1908" in the style of late impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, "Vauxcelles called the geometric forms in the highly abstracted works 'cubes.'"
Influences
Along with the painting of Cézanne, other important influences on Cubism include Primitivism and non-Western art. For example, Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," one of the seminal Cubist works, draws on the forms of African Art, which Picasso had viewed at an exhibit in Paris.
Developments
Early Cubism generally focused on specific objects that, while distorted, were clearly distinguishable. However, as Rewald points out, in the period of "Analytic" Cubism (1910-1912), "Picasso and Braque so abstracted their works that they were reduced to just a series of overlapping planes and facets mostly in near-monochromatic browns, grays, or blacks." In these "Analytic" works, the objects represented can no longer be determined.
Considerations
Many contemporaries of Picasso and Braque were highly influenced by their Cubist works and produced Cubist works of their own. Other notable painters who were associated with the movement include Fernand Léger, Juan Gris and Marcel Duchamp. The influence of Cubism even stretched outside of painting to affect sculpture and architecture, and Cubism also proved inspirational to later visual arts movements such as Dadaism and Surrealism.
Animals are fun to draw and a good starting point for artists because they aren't that difficult to do. Beagle puppies are particularly easy for beginning artists to create. Learn draw a beagle puppy that you'll be proud enough of to frame.
Instructions
1. Start with a light lead rough outline of your beagle. Draw the slight arch top of the head and the general shape of the ears; then sketch in the brow, the eyes and the snout.
2. Draw the nose and shade it in using light back-and-forth side strokes. Don't make it too dark. You just want to fill in the nose area. Erase a small portion at the tip, leaving pencil on the paper slightly lighter than the shading you've done on the nose. This gives the tip of the nose a wet effect.
3. Now define the body of your beagle puppy. Let's have him sitting. Start at the end of one ear and draw the a curved line, stopping where you will add one of this legs. Add the leg to the drawing. Don't be too concerned with detailing the shape of your puppy just yet. Add a little more of the body and the second leg, and once you have the complete outer shape of the beagle, erase sections that need to be refined and brought together.
4. Shade around the end of the snout and under the where the eyes will go. Once you have the eye setting done, draw the eyes and continue shading until you achieve the depth you want. Shade above the eyes to bring out the brow and around the eyes to increase depth. Give him "puppy dog" eyes. He's a beagle puppy and should be cute.
5. Use color pencils (unless you want a black-and-white sketch) to fill in the your beagle's coloring. The colors you'll need are brown and black. Use light, quick strokes to achieve the soft look, blending brown and black into overlapping lines rather than hard lines. This gives your beagle a more natural look. Now touch up your beagle, adding shadows to enhance his shape and erasing tiny portions of his pupils to give them a wet look. Add some downward lead pencil strokes to enhance the overall droopy look some beagles have that make them so adorable. When you're finished, frame your drawing and display it proudly.
Getting a local community paper route isn't just for the school boy on a bike. With rural and suburban areas, it is crucial that the paper carrier have a reliable vehicle. If you can get a local community paper route, it is an excellent way to earn some extra money as a side job.
Instructions
1. Check the schedule of the newspaper against your personal schedule. If you have to be at work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., then an afternoon paper route may not fit into your schedule, but a morning one might.
2. Look in the classified advertisements to see if any of the newspapers in your area are hiring route carriers. If you don't find any ads, choose the paper you want to carry and call the circulation department. Ask if there are any routes available or if you could apply to be on the waiting list.
3. Contact a current carrier and ask to be a substitute carrier. Most paper route carriers are contractors and not employees of the newspaper, and they are responsible for hiring and paying their substitutes.
4. Make sure your vehicle is reliable. You will have to run your routes even if there is inclement weather. If you have an early paper route, you will probably be running it before daylight.
Lithographs became popular at the beginning of the 19th century. A lithograph is created by drawing on a stone, which is then used to print an image. Lithographs were popular with artists because drawing an illustration on stone was much like drawing on paper. While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, the value of a lithograph depends on a number of factors. Finding the worth of your print is a matter of doing some of your own research and also consulting an expert.
Instructions
1. Consult auction results. Seeing past auction results for works by the same artist can give you an estimate of the value of your lithograph. This estimate will tell you if it is worthwhile spending the money to hire a professional to give a written assessment of the value of your piece. Internet resources such as AskART and Artprice.com provide up-to-date completed auction results. In order to access the final prices on pieces, you must pay a fee to become a member of these sites. A reference work such as "Davenport's Art Reference & Price Guide" is another good option to see prices realized at auction. Check your local library to see if it carries this title in its reference section.
2. Hire an expert. A professional appraiser can look at your lithograph and tell you what it is worth based on its artist, age and condition. One avenue for finding an art appraisal expert is to ask at your local museum for a recommendation. You can also find appraisers through the American Society of Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers.
3. Consider online appraisals. There are many online appraisal options available that will tell you how much your lithograph is worth on the open market or for insurance purposes. Art Services 2000 Ltd., a member of the International Society of Appraisers, will provide a free preliminary valuation and then charge a fee for a more extensive appraisal. WhatsItWorthToYou.com charges $9.95 for a fast online appraisal.
4. Go to an appraisal fair. Many art and antiques stores will hold appraisal fairs where they bring in an expert and charge a nominal fee for an on-the-spot appraisal. Consult local antiques store owners to see if this service is offered in your area. If you want to get an appraisal and possibly end up on television, find out from the PBS Web site where this year's "Antiques Roadshow" episodes are being taped and if you can get tickets when they pass through your area.
Have you ever wandered through the greeting card aisle at your local grocer and decided you could do a better job on your own? Or maybe you make your own birthday and holiday cards because you want the sentiment to be more personalized? If so, then greeting card writing may be the career for you.
Instructions
1. Go to a local store and study the greeting cards as if you are the one buying for a greeting card company. Note the style of writing associated with each brand. Check the back and find out who the publisher is. When you find a line that goes with your personal style, buy a few so you can use them as a template for creating your very first lines.
2. Think of an occasion and come up with several different greeting card verses for them. Save them in a file on your computer called "ideas" or "verses" and the name of the occasion. For example, your baby shower file could be called "baby shower verses."
3. Next, pull out the cards you bought as samples of what you like and compare them to what you have written. Does the style fit with the line? Is there a different company that might prefer your idea? These are the types of questions you will need to answer for every verse you come up with in order for it to sell.
4. Now grab a copy of your Writer's Market and turn to the Greeting Cards Section. First, look up the company for the cards you bought. Call them and ask them to verify the name of the person you need to send your ideas to and how they want them sent. Many editors prefer batches at a time.
5. Look for other companies that may be a good match for your style. While it will be tempting to only go for the higher paying markets, in the beginning you need to build up a body of work and worry about the pay. Once you have about 50 cards under your belt you can start being more choosy.
6. Prepare your package for your editor. Be sure to follow instructions exactly. Good ideas often get rejected because they were sent to the wrong person or the writer did not follow instructions.
While a college education is helpful in obtaining a job at a newspaper, experience is also seen as a plus.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that finding employment at a newspaper will grow more and more competitive, especially in larger markets or at metropolitan and national newspapers. With declining readership and strong competition from online media, many newspaper companies are cutting their workforce rather than adding to it. However, small publications and online newspapers and magazines continue to provide opportunities for those looking to break into the newspaper industry.
Instructions
1. Earn a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications or a related field such as English. Take writing and journalism classes at your local college or technical school. While a college degree isn't always necessary, it is very helpful in getting your foot in the door.
2. Study the AP Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law. Most newspaper applicants are tested during the interview process on the basics of AP style, a collection of guidelines on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage specific to newspapers. Test yourself on sections of the stylebook, such as the proper use of abbreviations in street names, dates and measurements. Write sample stories and edit them using the stylebook to help train yourself on proper usage.
3. Get experience. Volunteer or apply for a position at your student newspaper or any outlet that produces newsletters, magazines, yearbooks or other written publications. Observe the news-gathering process in those more experienced on the staff, and learn as much about the production process as possible.
4. Apply for an internship. The best way to get experience at a real newspaper is by completing an internship at one. Ask your professor or mentors for referrals to available internships, and apply for all that are accepting applications. Once accepted, learn as much as possible about the inner workings of a newsroom and request assignments to show a willingness to grow.
5. Learn diverse and versatile skills. Newspaper reporters today must also know do more than write. They also know upload content to websites, take photography and design pages. Call and ask the newspaper at which you'd like to apply what software programs it uses and take additional classes to learn them.
6. Apply for a non-reporting position. Respond to "help wanted" ads for any open position at a newspaper. This can also help you get your foot in the door and provide you the opportunity to make valuable contacts in your new co-workers.
The Internet makes it easy to find contact information for most people and businesses. However, finding email addresses is often more difficult than finding phone numbers or mailing addresses. Luckily, there are several websites and directories that make it fairly easy to find email addresses.
Instructions
1. Choose an email search engine. Popular ones include Yahoo!, Switchboard, Look4You and InfoSpace.
2. Type the name of the person whose email addresses you want to find. Try several variations, including initials, to get a variety of search results.
3. Identify the correct email address based on your knowledge of the person whose email address you want to find. For example, look at the domain name if you know the person's company or industry. Look at the main name if you know his interests and hobbies.
4. Try the built-in search tool for Microsoft Office XP. Just go to the “Start” menu. Then choose the “Search” function and “For People.” This will search your personal address book, plus several Internet search engines.
5. For international email addresses, try an international email directory. (See Resources for a link to a popular international email directory.)
So you want to score a date with Robert Pattinson. You loved him as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and fell head over heels for him as Edward Cullen in Twilight. He is quickly becoming one of the most famous stars today. Here are some tips to help you get a date with Robert Pattinson.
Instructions
1. Find some things in common. Robert was born on May 13th, 1986 in London, England and is said to be an excellent musician playing both the piano and the guitar. Now is the time to brush up on your music lessons!
2. Practice your dart and pool playing. Robert Pattinson has stated that those are some of his favorite games. If you're good at them too, you will have more activities to do that you both enjoy together.
3. If you enjoy theater and acting, maybe you should pursue it. Acting in major movies is now his lifestyle so if you wish to meet Robert Pattinson, try bettering your acting skills, get roles in local plays, take acting lessons, move your way up and you may just run into Robert Pattinson who may turn out to be your soul mate.
A signature says a lot about you as an individual, so it is worthwhile to spend time working on making one that makes a statement. According to Elaine Quigley, the Chair of the British Institute of Graphologists -- another word for handwriting experts -- a signature says more about an individual than she would ever suspect. Based on this information, developing a signature that is simple, legible, uses moderately large capitals and has a forward slant is a good choice. So before you become a rock star with fans asking for your autograph, work at developing a signature you can be proud of.
Instructions
1. Study the signatures of famous people. Go online and type in "signatures of famous people." Look for resemblances between their personality and their signatures. Anna Koren, an expert in graphology, reports that Walt Disney, for example, had a signature that displayed lightness, movement and humor.
2. Get a handwriting expert to assess your signature. If you don't know a handwriting expert, go online and type in "handwriting personality analysis" and check the sites that come up with programs that analyze your handwriting for you. Write your signature using the mouse and see what the analysis says.
3. Use moderately large capitals, make it legible and slant it slightly to the right. Use the basics to create a good impression and then put your own twist on the signature so that it becomes your personal statement.
4. Make your signature fluid and free flowing. A signature that breaks up looks stilted and contrived. Practice until the signature comes naturally and flows off the tip of the pen.
5. Avoid embellishing your signature. Having a line or two under the signature is like jumping up and down and saying "look at me."
6. Go for different. Rather than writing your name using the English alphabet, change it to Arabic script or Chinese characters. That is bound to get attention.
7. Use a seal for a signature. Go to the closest Chinatown and find a seal -- or even better, get someone to carve your name -- to use for your signature. Buy a small ink pad and you have a "stamp" for your name. Use the seal as a stand-alone or in conjunction with your signature.
The constant change in temperature causes cracks to form in aluminum heads. Cracking causes the head to lose pressure, resulting in lost power for your vehicle. When performing your own check for cracks, you need a method of testing that does not use expensive equipment and works with a non-magnetic metal. Performing a dye penetration test makes the smallest cracks easily visible without the need for expensive equipment or a special testing facility.
Instructions
1. Clean the aluminum head. Wipe the aluminum head with a clean rag to remove large dirt and accumulated oil. Spray cleaner-remover from a three-part dye penetrant test kit onto a clean rag. Wipe all surfaces of the head with the dampened rag.
2. Shake a can of penetrating dye for 30 seconds. Spray the penetrating dye on all surfaces of the aluminum head. Allow the dye to sit on the head for five minutes.
3. Wipe the dye from the aluminum head with a clean rag. Spray the cleaner-remover directly onto the aluminum head and immediately wipe the head with a clean rag to remove all traces of penetrating dye.
4. Shake a can of developer for 30 seconds. Hold the tip of the spray can 6 inches from the aluminum head. Move the spray can as you spray the developer onto the head. Allow the developer to sit for 30 seconds to one minute.
5. Inspect the head for cracks and pits. Look at each part of the head for lines or spots that match the dye color. A line designates a crack, and a spot designates a pit or other small imperfection on the aluminum head. No lines or spots designate an aluminum head free of defects.
6. Remove the developer from the aluminum head with a clean rag and the cleaner-remover supplied with the three-part dye penetrant test kit.
Released in March 2009 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and later in September for the PC, Resident Evil 5 continues Capcom's successful video game franchise. Players begin the game able to choose Chris or Sheva both in B.S.A.A. outfits, though Sheva is controlled by the computer if playing in solo mode. Completing the game unlocks mercenaries mode where an additional eight characters can be unlocked through achievements in the game. The eight additional characters actually consist of the original characters plus two additional characters in various outfits. These characters are Chris in safari and S.T.A.R.S. outfits, Sheva in clubin and tribal outfits, Jill in B.S.A.A. and a battle suit outfits, and Wesker in S.T.A.R.S. and Midnight outfits.
Instructions
1. Unlock Jill in B.S.A.A. outfit by earning an A or higher rank in Public Assembly.
2. Unlock Wesker in midnight outfit by earning an A or higher rank in the Mines.
3. Unlock Chris in safari outfit by earning an A or higher rank in the Village.
4. Unlock Sheva in clubin outfit by earning an A or higher rank in Ancient Ruins.
5. Unlock Chris in S.T.A.R.S. outfit by earning an A or higher rank in Experimental Facility.
6. Unlock Sheva in tribal outfit by earning an A or higher rank in Missile Area.
7. Unlock Jill in battle suit outfit by earning an A or higher rank in Ship Deck.
8. Unlock Wesker in S.T.A.R.S. outfit by earning an A or higher rank in the Prison.
If you've begun a love of art and drawing chances are you have been storing up drawing after drawing and you just aren't sure where to put them. If you have a desire to become organized or you just want to make sureyour drawings are kept safe, this article is for you. There are several ways you can keep your drawings nice and tidy and safe from ruin. Here they are:
Instructions
1. Convert and old cereal box in to a file folder. You can fit several drawings into it and you can even group them in like categories. One cereal box could contain all your drawings of nature while another one could contain your drawings of cartoon characters. Just make sure you use the big cereal boxes as the little ones probably won't work that well.
2. Make or buy a portfolio folder. This type of folder can neatly hold your drawings together and even display them quick and easy. If you want to make one at home you can do it out of two pieces of cardboard, a strip of construction paper, glue, and a string. Glue the two cardboard pieces to the strip to make the folder and then punch and hole in the top middle pieces. Place your drawings inside and close up with the string by pulling it through the holes and tying them together.
3. Use a scrapbook to keep your drawing safe. Scrapbooks have plastic covers for each page. This will protect your drawings from any spills or fingerprints when people are looking through them. The only downside to this method is if your drawings are bigger than the scrapbook because you don't want to fold your drawings. It is perfect for medium and small size drawings, however.
4. Buy and accordion folder from an office supply store. They are very cheap and they can hold many drawings. The drawings stay nice since you can slide a different drawing in to each slot. Then the drawings are cramped together and they don't get wrinkled.
Credit restoration can be an extended process that requires regular attention and disciplined behavior. Many individuals choose to work to repair their credit themselves while others enlist credit restoration services, debt consolidators, credit counselors, life coaches and therapists to assist them in their efforts to restore reestablish their credit. The core principles for restoring good credit are living within your means and paying off or settling existing debts as quickly as possible.
Instructions
1. Attempt to avoid bankruptcy by any means necessary. Bankruptcy remains on your credit report for ten years. You are required by law to report your bankruptcy whenever asked on documents like loan and job applications. All liquid assets are also seized and redistributed after a successful personal bankruptcy filing. The bankruptcy can be denied, wasting effort and legal fees.
2. Contact any creditors directly with which you have late or delinquent accounts. If you have a late account, ask them to remove the late payment entry from your credit report in return for a payment. If the account is delinquent, try to settle the debt. Begin negotiating at 10 percent of the total debt amount, but expect to pay 25 percent or more of the debt. Get any agreement to settle debts in writing from the creditor.
3. Make all debt payments on time after clearing up any delinquent or defaulted accounts. The majority of your credit score is made up of making payments when requested. Keep credit card balances as low as possible to maintain good credit. It may take years, but your credit will be reestablished if you demonstrate a sustained pattern of meeting your contractual obligations.
4. Pay all bills on time. Delinquent bills will not necessarily appear on your credit report, but if they go to collection, it will manifest and damage your score. Set up automated bill payment plans to ensure that you don't make mistakes when paying your bills.
5. Check your credit report regularly for errors. Common mistakes include confusing the credit entries of family members with similar names and mistaken dates. Dispute erroneous entries on your credit report with relevant credit bureaus and include copies of any documentation you may have supporting your claim.
Acrylic painters usually mix colors on a palette when they apply over painting.
Most acrylic artists paint on canvas, although some use wood or paper as their preferred foundation. According to the website for the Smithsonian Institute, acrylic paints, usually water-soluble, dry in about 30 minutes. This quick drying time offers the advantage of working quickly on a project. Once the surface dries, you can damage it by chipping it or applying solvent to the paint. You can also fix an acrylic painting that has been over painted.
Instructions
1. Paint the entire bottom layer, also called the under painting, with the paintbrush. The under painting sets a basic feel with color for the whole painting. It guides you as you fill in the rest of the painting.
2. Mix the desired medium -- a wash, glaze or scumble -- to paint over the under painting. Apply as desired. Blend the wash by smoothing the edges into the existing painting with a clean, dampened paintbrush.
3. Fix and cover especially damaged areas by using impasto. Impasto acts as a thickening so that you can build up thicker layers of paint or even sculpt and add texture and dimension. Due to its heavy weight, Impasto effectively corrects over paintings
4. Use a palette knife, paint comb or hand sculpting to build up additional layers of paint and add depth if you like.
Polishing aluminum heads can be a challenging task. You do not want to use a harsh abrasive or you can end up ruining the heads. All you need are the right products and you can polish aluminum heads at home. Use the following steps as a guide.
Instructions
1. Clean the aluminum heads of all dust and dirt using a solution of 1/2 cup TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) to one gallon of warm water. Use a wet rag to apply the solution.
2. Rinse the aluminum heads in warm water until the water runs clear.
3. Dry with a towel.
4. Place a Mothers PowerBall Drill Mounted Polisher on your hand-held drill and drizzle the PowerBall with your Mothers PowerMetal Aluminum.
5. Turn on the drill and work the Mothers PowerMetal Aluminum over the surface of the aluminum heads. Make sure the heads are covered and allow the cleaner to sit on the surface of the aluminum heads for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Buff the head with a cotton cloth to remove the Mothers PowerMetal Aluminum.
Finding your artistic style is a long journey beginning with an interest in art.
The style of an artist is a living concept continuously adapting to external and internal stimuli. As such, it is not "finding" an artistic style so much as "birthing" an artistic style. One artist in particular, Consuelo Okdie, believes style comes from within. "[Style] comes from your soul, " Okdie said. "The same way you have to just keep on working to learn techniques and improve on what you already know, you need to keep on working at being able to hear this muse."
Instructions
1. Study the work of different artists, authors, filmmakers, musicians and craftsmen in regards to your specific artistic outlet. "Your identity lies in the amalgam of the work of your favorites," according to Dr. Marlene Caroselli, author of Jesus, Jonas and Janus: The Leadership Triumvirate.
2. Line up (if you can) and examine your last seven pieces of work. Identify consistencies in form, technique, color, material, perspective and content.
3. Show your work to three individuals involved in the same art form. Ideally, one will be an artist, the second a critic and the third a gallery owner or collector. Acknowledge their feedback on your work in relation to the first step.
4. Determine your work's relationship to other artists in your field. How is your work similar? Don't be discouraged if your work is close to another artist you admire, as imitation is the first form of establishing style and technique. Identify the differences and individuality setting your work apart from others. Ask yourself what elements capture your individuality.
5. Consider your artistic message, if any. Find an artistic element to symbolize your message within your future works.
6. Notice changes in your excitement level as you work. "This is going to be your core creative zone," according to Arianne Goodwin, founder of the smARTist Telesummit. If you notice an element in your core creative zone exhibited in your other works, use it to your advantage to create what Arianne calls "your artistic fingerprint."
7. Change your work or work habits dramatically if it continues to resemble other works from different artists. "If you work big, go small," Goodwin said. "If you work indoors, go outdoors."
8. Dive into your subconscious to unlock your individual style. Take a small notebook with you wherever you go and record everything that may have an impact on your art, such as sights, sounds and other sensations.
9. Pick a date once a week to go on a solo expedition to explore something of interest to you. The interest does not have to be in your specific field of art. This is called "the artist date" and is essentially a day for you to get to know your inner artist.
10. Be honest. "Be yourself and follow your passions," Karen O'Lone-Hahn said. "Nobody likes a phony, and your most unique expression of creativity is uniquely you."
Dress up a scary costume with a necklace made of skull beads.
Whether your Halloween costume needs some embellishing or you just want to add a darker touch to your everyday attire, making skull beads from polymer clay is both reasonably easy and a lot of fun. The level of detail you include is entirely up to you. With a little attention to detail, you can get very impressive -- and creepy -- results.
Instructions
1. Blend the clay. For a more realistic, bone-like result, use two parts translucent to one part white or ivory. If you'd like a cartoonish skull bead, use more white than translucent. Blend the clay by rolling the two colors between your hands, flattening it, folding it in half, and rolling it again. Continue until you have one ball of thoroughly blended clay.
2. Determine what size you'd like your bead to be and separate the appropriate amount of clay. Shape the bead by rolling it into an egg shape. Make it as smooth as possible, but don't worry if it's slightly uneven.
3. Decide if you would like the bead to be strung horizontally or vertically. Slowly pierce the clay ball with the floral wire, turning it slightly as you go to avoid smashing the bead. Leave the bead threaded over the wire. To keep the hole's shape, you will sculpt and bake with the wire in place.
4. Use the needle to designate where the eye sockets and nostrils will be by marking a small hole for each. The eyes should be a little less than halfway (starting from the top) down the front of the oval and evenly spaced. Below the nostrils, draw a straight line for the teeth.
5. Pinch the bottom of the bead gently to shape the jawline. Use the ball of your thumb to push in the eye socket and turn your finger to smooth out the line. Repeat on the other side, making sure that the hollow will be deep enough for the socket to stand out. Use the edge of the needle to mark the cheekbones by pushing it into the clay. Then use your thumb to press under that line and make a hollow. Repeat on the other side.
6. Mark the teeth, evenly spaced along the straight line, using the flat-edged tool. For added detail, you can trace along the outside edges of the teeth with the needle. Above the teeth, push the needle into the designated nostril holes and widen each one by moving the point in a fan motion.
7. Bake the bead at the recommended temperature for the brand of polymer clay you are using (between 230 and 275 F), for the recommended length of time -- usually about fifteen minutes per quarter inch thickness.
8. Remove the piece from the oven after it has thoroughly baked and let it cool completely. Mix a small amount of the acrylic paint with water and brush it over the surface of the bead as a wash. Buff the bead with the paper towel to remove paint from the surface of the skull, being careful not to wipe the paint completely away from the eye sockets, nostrils or between the teeth.
9. Paint a thin layer of glaze over the bead. Once it has completely dried, slip the bead from the wire and use it as desired.
Spotify is an online music streaming service that allows you to search and listen to a wide variety of music. The service has different levels of accounts ranging from free to a paid-for premium account. Registering for a free Spotify account is very simple, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes in a matter of minutes.
Instructions
1. Open your web browser and enter the Spotify web address, www.spotify.com, into the address bar. Press "Enter." Click the tab labelled "Get Spotify."
2. Click on the option labelled "Open Account." Then enter a user name and password that you will use to log into your account. Click the button labelled "Go to the Next Step."
3. Enter your email address, country, zip code, gender and date of birth into the relevant boxes. Make sure you read the terms and conditions and tick the box to confirm you agree to them. Click "Go to the Next Step." Click "Continue."
4. Click the button labelled "Download" and your account will then be verified and the Spotify software will download onto your computer.
5. Start searching for your favorite music once the software has finished downloading.
Every year hundreds of people approach galleries and museums with what they think is the next undiscovered masterpiece. Whether your painting is a never-before-seen Michelangelo or the work of a slightly lesser known artist, it is important to know the value of an artwork. You may want someday to sell your painting or donate it to a museum, or even keep it as an investment that will thrive later in your life or those of your children. In any of these scenarios, determining an accurate value for your painting is crucial. The appraisal of a painting may seem daunting, but with the help of some unbiased experts, all you need to do is pay attention. Read on to learn find the value of a painting.
Instructions
1. Determine provenance. "Provenance" is an art historical term that essentially means the painting's financial history: who has bought it over the years, who sold it, where has it been displayed or exhibited. Any of this information can help an expert trace the painting back to its original artist and location. If you have any records or documents proving the identity of the artist or any previous owners, your hunt for an accurate value will become significantly easier. Even if these provenance proving documents are elusive, do not despair. Stylistic elements like brushwork and even pigment type can help a skilled art historian or connoisseur determine the artist and time period of a painting.
2. Create images. Although the first people you may contact regarding your painting will be in your own area, the experts to which you may be directed will most likely be located in a variety of locations across the country, or even the world. Take good, well-lighted digital photos of your painting that can be sent via email. Many assessors will insist you ship the actual paintings to their offices, but this process can be very expensive. Eventually, you will have to ship the painting to the assessors at the auction house or gallery where you wish the painting to be sold, but this should not be necessary for an initial assessment. Also, it is possible to find assessors in your area if necessary.
3. Be cautious. If there is even a slight chance your painting may be of value, take good care of it. Even if you think it's your grandmother's rendering of a shrub, be wary. If it gets scratched and turns out to be a Georgia O' Keefe, the value of the painting will have dropped significantly. When damage does occur, there are excellent restorers all over the world as well, who can help to repair the painting.
4. Take it to the experts. Beware of initially taking a painting to a gallery for assessment. Because galleries exist to make a profit, it is in their best interest to suggest a low value and then offer to buy it. The gallery can then turn around and sell the painting for much more. If you go to a local museum or, even better, the director of a university art collection, not only will they have no financial interest in your painting, but they are often restricted by law from assessing paintings outside their own collection. They can, however, direct you to some of the best experts and assessors of art in the world, and if you are very polite, they may even drop some hints as to their own opinion of the work.
5. Check and double-check. Do not settle for the first opinion you receive. Be sure to get several assessments, even though you will probably have to spend some money, in order to confirm the reports you are receiving. It's a bad sign if one expert attributes your painting to Monet and another to Matisse. The more identical the opinions you are receiving, the more likely they are accurate. Multiple matching assessments will also bolster your credibility if you hope to one day sell this work. Also, always go with the majority. If three experts insist on Landseer, and one on Lee, go with the opinion offered by the largest number of appraisers. Without any confirming documentation, there is no guarantee that any assessment is completely accurate, but for financial purposes, it is close enough.
Good artists are aware of proportions and shadows.
The term "figure" can refer to just about anything: a ball, a building or a flower. Painting one that looks real has been the challenge of artists for centuries. A complex figure, such as a human face is an object of fascination. The features themselves are "figures". As with any figure painted realistically, the trick is in the shapes, the sizes, the colors and the shadows. The features must be in correct proportion to the head and properly placed on the face. The shadows of the skin must show the depth, dimension and expression.
Instructions
Draw the Face
1. Shape the face by sketching a vertical oval. Sketch the two eyes as horizontal ovals at the center of the large oval, at its widest point. Leave a space between the eyes that is nearly as large as an eye. Draw a horizontal line that dissects the eye ovals to indicate the top lid.
2. Section the lower half of the oval in thirds, both horizontally and vertically. The vertical lines reach the pupils of the eyes. Sketch the nose. The tip of the nose should come to the lower part of the upper section, and the nostrils should go just below that line. Sketch the lips. They should meet at the upper line of the lowest section and should extend to the vertical lines of the center third section.
3. Sketch the eyebrows and then the ears. The highest part of the ears should go as high as the top of the eyes on the side of the oval, and the lowest align with the line that the tip of the nose is on.
4. Sketch the neck beginning just below the ears, and extending down past the oval and then sketch the hairline.
5. Erase any dark lines.
Paint the Face
6. Mix a flesh-tone paint color. Paint a wash of color over the face with your flat paintbrush, leaving the eyes and mouth blank. It's all right if the color is not consistent. Blend a slightly darker shade and then paint that on the neck.
7. Study shadows to use as feature contour guidelines either in a mirror or on a picture of where light and dark hit a face. Mix a darker flesh color. Define the shadows on your painting by using your small paintbrush to place them. The darkest ones will be in the crease at the top of the eye sockets, the upper eye lid at the lash line, at the sides of the nose, the nostrils and the two lines that drop from the nose to the top of the upper lip.
8. Use your larger round brush to paint larger shadows below the cheekbones, lower lip and chin. The lightest areas of the face will be at the eyebrows, the tip of the nose and the cheekbones.
Finish the Painting
9. Dab your small brush in a color to paint the cornea of the eye. Keep a dot of space left uncolored for the twinkle in the eye.
10. Paint the lips. Paint where they meet at the lip line with a shade darker.
11. Paint the hair by painting an overall color but leaving areas of light in between brush strokes or groups of strokes.
It's easy to find out how much a painting is worth.
You may have an artist's painting in your home and wish to have it appraised, or you might be thinking of purchasing a painting from an artist you admire. Either way, finding out the cost of your painting is an important step in either your purchase or appraisal, especially if you are or wish to be an art collector. There are several ways to determine the cost of a painting, all of which depend on whether or not you already own the painting.
Instructions
Purchasing Art
1. Search on-line for the name of the artist from whom you wish to purchase a painting. Many artists have their own websites that list asking prices for their paintings.
2. If the paintings are not listed for sale directly on the artist's website, contact the legal department of the company that represents the artist and handles sales of his work. You should be able to find the name and address of this company on the website.
3. Alternatively, search the website of an art gallery for the painting you want to buy. If you cannot find the painting on any art gallery website, then get an appraisal to determine the definite cost.
Appraising Art
4. Contact an art gallery near you and ask for a list of the local appraisers they use.
5. Contact an appraiser who specializes in the artist or style of painting that you want to value. You are more likely to find appraisers who specialize if you live in or are close to a large city.
6. Search on-line for the painting in question along with the key word "appraisal." You might find, especially for popular artists, information on how much the painting sold for last and what it might be selling for currently.
7. Contact an auction house that specializes in art or fine goods. For a fee, some auction houses will appraise your art whether it is for auction or not.
Sometimes when you want to find an old family member or friend, you don't have all the information you need. People get married and change their names and move around and change their phone numbers, so the person you knew before may not be the person you look up in the White Pages. Email addresses are a great way to find people if you don't have phone numbers or mailing addresses to help guide you. This article will show you look people up through their email addresses.
Instructions
Finding Somebody through their -mail Address
1. Select an email address directory. It's best to choose one that boasts a large database, because your chances of finding who you're looking for are much higher. Pipl.com is one of the most extensive directories because it searches deeper than the others. Intelius traffics in public information and supplies content to Yahoo! People Search, among other large directories.. Also, if the directory wants money for the search (which is most likely), choose one with a guarantee, so that if your search turns out to be a mistaken identity, you can get your money back.
2. Once you've found a directory, either enter the first and last name of the person or do a reverse search and enter the email address of the person. Entering the name should turn up the email address and other information about the person, like a telephone number and mailing address. Entering the email address provides the name and most of the same information.
3. If you are prompted to buy the service, look for a money-back guarantee before making the purchase.
4. Once you're satisfied with what you're paying for, enter your credit card information or PayPal account information.
5. Save the information on the person in an accessible place on your computer (you may even want to print it). Contact the person to ensure you're not mistaken.