Arts of Paradise | Paint by Number Kits

Art industry has seen a lot of growth and upward boom in the recent times. More and more people are expressing interest in Modern Art, and are willing to spend handsomely on it. India, being a traditional and cultural country, has lot of traditional art work to boast off. Many tourists from other countries visit the country in order to take some of such artifacts to their native places.

Art supplies contribute a lot to the Indian economy. The country makes a lot of revenue from Art Supplies and exports. Indian art supplies are in major demand worldwide. Each art work produced in India shows off its unique design and creativity.

Apart from Art, Indian architecture also has a lot to boast off. The ancient as well as the modern Architecture is among the best in the world.

Indian architects, House designers are recognized all over the world for their works, and are in much demand. Famous Indian artists like M.F. Hussein and other sell like hotcakes in the international market and their paintings frequently fetch more than one crore per painting.

Architecture, if looked upon in general, is a rapidly growing field which offers a lot of fame and money. But like an ancient saying “Even a pro needs his tools”, an architect, no matter how good, is useless without his kit. He needs the right kind of art supplies kike pastels, oils, colors, brushes, frames etc.

An architect’s kit comprises simple tools from drawing pencil, drawing board or architect board, drafting table, to complex machines like architectural drafting machine, rubber chair feet, and Light drawing machine.

All these tools are as important as the skill itself. A portable drafting table or a light drafting table is the one which can be carried by the architect to the work site. Hence it is also important if one needs to draft rough sketch or to convert a superb design in the memory to a sketch.

Drafting tables, since being expensive, can be bought second hand. Those who are students in the architecture field should preferably buy used drafting tables.

Manish Chunawala

http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/information-about-art-supplies-items-707514.html

Technorati Tags: art supply items, artists brushes, easel

We turn to our hobbies to relax and to escape life’s many stresses. Thus, it’s ironic to learn that our source of comfort can also be a source of danger. Like many activities that are relaxing and therapeutic on the surface, arts and crafts carry their own dangers.

Too often, toxic materials are included in Art Supplies. For instance, a Canadian art student fell down a stairway after he accidentally inhaled vapors from a freshly opened bottle of turpentine.

Before You Start

* Read the label. Be sure it states conformity to ASTM D-4236, the labeling standard of ASTM International.

* If the label does not satisfy you, or if you intend to use a product in ways other than normal uses, contact the manufacturer for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

* For information on specific products, contact Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety (ACTS) at (212) 777-0062, or their website.

* Do not use products past their expiration date.

* Use all protective equipment specified on the label. Use a mask or gloves that are impermeable to whatever product you are using. Protect cuts or open wounds from exposure.

* Install a ventilation system that removes old air and brings in new air. To test, blow soap bubbles. If they fall to the ground, the system isn’t working.

* Be sure you have good lighting and comfortable seating. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

The Creative Process

* Do not eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics in your work area.

* Take breaks and stretches often.

* Never use products for skin painting or food preparation unless they are labeled for that use.

* Do not transfer art materials to other containers. You will lose valuable safety information listed on the product package.

* Wear a face mask and goggles when spraying paint or fixative. Do the spraying outdoors.

* When possible, use water based paints and inks, and products that don’t create dust or mist.

* Hobbyists with allergies or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before engaging in projects.

* Do not keep art materials on your skin, even nontoxic materials.

* Toxic solvents such as turpentine and paint thinner should never be used to cleanse the skin. Use baby oil (mineral oil) followed by soap and water.

* When you clean, use a wet mop or sponge rather than a duster. Dusts can damage lungs.

* Find substitute art materials for those which might be hazardous. For example, water-based adhesives can be used instead of flammable rubber cement.

* Take extreme care when using materials not sold as art materials since they may not have been reviewed for safety. Get MSDSs.

* When they are not in use, keep all materials covered, stored in a safe place, and out of reach of children. Use unbreakable containers.

* Carefully follow suggested disposal methods.

* Do not store a flammable product near heat, sparks or flame. Also, do not heat above the temperature specified on the label.

* After finishing the project, wash yourself and the work surface, and clean your supplies. Leave your work clothes in the work area.

Junior Picassos

Kids love the arts, too. Unfortunately, that fun can be dampened if they come in contact with materials that are toxic and dangerous. (And don’t be reluctant to ask the teacher if she is aware of these concerns.)

* Make certain the product is clearly marked for children.

* Use products that have no hazard statements and no precautionary statements for children grade six and under. The word “nontoxic” should be on the label, but follow the same hygiene practices you would if the product were toxic.

* Older children must be supervised when using products labeled with warnings.

* Get MSDSs if you intend to use a product in creative ways, e.g., melting crayons.

* Young children should use only water-based marking pens, not permanent markers.

* No product containing lead should be used by children.

* Teach children to use cutting tools safely, and to not place anything in their mouths.

John Myre

http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/how-to-enjoy-arts-and-crafts-hobbies-safely-93706.html

Technorati Tags: Arts Supplies, craft supplies

It’s true that not all art is expensive—you can find lovely handmade things for very cheap, for less than $100. It’s also true that some art is exorbitantly priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars and up—I am not referring to the Picassos that sell at auction. For now I’m just talking about contemporary art, like mine, that is priced in a reasonable midrange—a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Suppose you see one of my paintings for sale for $1890, and you think to yourself, “Good grief, that’s a lot of money. Why on earth does it cost so much?”

Well, you’ve got to think of it in terms of what goes into producing such a thing.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of that $1890:

* Materials: canvas, primer, paint, frame supplies, and hardware (people often don’t realize how expensive Art Supplies are!):

$200

* Overhead: this unwieldy category includes the cost of tools, easel, computer, sketchbooks, camera, brushes, desk, chair, office supplies, file cabinets, shelving, rent or mortgage for studio space, phone, Internet, and utilities for studio, work truck for transporting art and materials, car insurance, gas, business licenses, taxes, etc., ad infinitum:

$250

(Note: I calculate my overhead per painting by dividing the total costs for the year by the number of paintings I made that year. I am actually keeping my overhead extremely low by basing my studio out of my home, driving an old beater of a work truck, etc.)

* Gallery commission: 40%-50%. Many people are shocked to learn that when an artist sells something in a gallery, the gallery takes up to a 50% cut of the sale, or more in some cases. This is an industry standard. It may sound unfair, but if a gallery is able to bring the artwork directly to buyers, in the end it is worth it because the artwork is actually being sold. My time is better spent in the studio making artwork than trying to attract potential buyers. Galleries have storefront property to maintain and plenty of their own overhead. Just like any other retail store, they mark up their products so that they can pay their expenses and make some profit. So the gallery’s commission is about equal to the artist’s bottom line for a given piece of work:

$940

* The artist’s time—After I subtract the cost of materials and overhead from my cut of the sale ($940), this is what is left as payment for my time:

$500

Of course the time spent on a work of art varies greatly from artist to artist, and from piece to piece. The thing that most people don’t realize is how much time must be spent on things outside of the studio. This includes time spent planning, sketching, and brainstorming, researching, talking to clients, writing promotional materials, photographing and cataloging work, packaging and transporting work. Tack on the time it took to actually make the painting.

Assuming I am very efficient, (I am) with all of these things accounted for, a painting may take me a total of 20 hours of work. You are paying not only for my time, but also for my skilled labor—all the knowledge, experience, and intuition that is the culmination of years of study and work in my field.

For this painting, I end up getting about $25/hour. To put that in perspective, graphic designers charge $60-$75, a good attorney or therapist may charge more than $100.

You might think that if I’m selling a painting straight from my studio rather than in a gallery, the price would be much lower, right? Well, no. The price would be about the same. This is because I must keep my retail prices consistent to be fair to all the collectors of my work. You would not be happy if you bought a painting in a gallery and then realized someone else bought a comparable painting straight from the artist for half the cost!

So when somebody buys directly from me, I end up getting more of the money—and direct sales can be a godsend for an artist. This is where I get most of my actual profit from, which allows me to grow my business. I am so grateful for all the work I sell in galleries–it allows me to open up to new markets that would not be available to me otherwise. But if I relied on gallery sales alone, I would not be able to make ends meet.

When you understand just how much goes into a piece of artwork, and how small the actual profit is, you will understand it from the artist’s point of view. The price will sound very reasonable—you will realize that you are getting a steal. Think about these things next time you see a painting or a sculpture that seems to be very expensive at first glance.

People should pay for the nice things that they want—buying art is like any other purchase of something that you want. It’s exactly like treating yourself to a new flat screen TV or the latest gadget, a beautiful sofa, a sexy leather jacket or a vacation. You wouldn’t raise an eyebrow about an $1890 price tag on a large flat screen TV. But TVs come and go, while original artwork, if well-made, will last hundreds or maybe thousands of years. It can be something beautiful that gives you joy or comfort every day when you look at it, something that you can pass on to your children after you are gone. Art is timeless and unquestionably human—if you connect to a piece of art on a personal level, and you know it is something you want to live with every day, if you have the money, it is well worth paying for.

That said, you still may blanch at a large price tag and wonder to yourself, “Is this price negotiable?”

The answer is maybe. It never hurts to ask. If somebody is buying multiple paintings, I’ll often give a small “bulk discount.” If you’re buying 10 or more paintings to decorate your whole home, I may give you up to 20% off, free shipping, or an additional small painting for free. If you are a repeat collector, I know that you are the backbone of my livelihood, and I am very likely to give you exclusive deals to show my appreciation for your loyalty. I can’t speak for everyone, but I would bet most gallery owners and artists feel the same.

Many galleries and individual artists are also willing to work with a customer to create a payment plan that works for them. Most commonly, I break the final sum into monthly payments, for up to 6 months. This makes it possible for people to purchase my work even if they can’t pay all at once.

Cedar Lee
http://www.articlesbase.com/visual-art-articles/why-art-is-expensive-704229.html

Every established or aspiring artist is faced with one inevitable expense-the voluminous amounts of paper required to sketch an outline of their future creations. Some mistakes can be covered up or incorporated into the sketch while others ruin the entire sheet of paper that must then be crumpled up and thrown away or turned over for one more use. Not only is paper costly, it drains away resources in the forms of the trees, water and other materials required to make it.

Now NEATO, the innovators of CD/DVD labeling, has announced their newest contribution-the Dry Erase Easel Pad! Each pad comes with ten sheets of dry erase paper that is guaranteed erasable for life, quickly and cleanly getting rid of an errant mark, a blatant mistake or an entire sketch. These sheets are perforated and can be torn off easily, applied to an easel with repositionable adhesive and used again and again.

Amateur and professional artists aren’t the only ones can find this revolutionary new paper cost effective. Professional illustrators can significantly reduce their overhead costs and raise their profits, as can executive assistants who are responsible for presentations that must look professional. Art schools will be able to funnel needed funds to other supplies such as markers, oils, charcoals and other media rather than buying reams of tablets. Public schools will be able to offer more art classes with the savings they reap from the dry erasable easel pads.

Mothers and daycare workers, too, will delight in the convenient and portable erasable pads. And because the erasable pads don’t tear, artists and youngsters alike will be be able to take them places they wouldn’t even consider prior to this innovation.

The erasable pad isn’t the only revolutionary development in the art world, however. In 2007, Artist’s Advantage introduced the WINDMILL at the National Art Materials Trade Association trade show and won first place for Best New Product.

The WINDMILL, as its name implies, allows the artist to revolve a work a full 360 degrees for an entirely new perspective to their work and access to the entire canvas. The artist can have either complete exposure of the surface or exposure of edge to achieve “museum wrap” quality. Not only does the WINDMILL reduce fatigue suffered in long painting sessions, disabled artists find their work more accessible.

The stand along WINDMILL unit comes as a wood based studio easel that can attach easily to trees, posts, fences or other handy outdoor devices when painting outside. A stand-alone pivot assembly is another option.

For more information on easels, visit http://www.easeldisplay.com and http://www.easelset.com.

John Parks
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/dry-erase-easel-pad-686308.html

Do you remember those days as a kid pasting newspaper clippings onto paper and bundling dozens of papers together with some fancy ribbon or a string? Do you also remember all of your hard work falling apart two months later?

Now there’s a grown up way to save and preserve your treasures: Scrapbooking.

The concept behind scrapbooking hasn’t changed since grade school. You can still place photographs, newspaper clippings, poems, and tickets into your scrapbook to display and preserve your memories.

However, scrapbooking techniques and tools have matured substantially since you were a kid. Scrapbooking albums have replaced the messy bundles of paper. These albums are generally bound or placed in a three-ring binder. In this way, your hard work won’t fall apart. Furthermore, new specialized covers allow protection from the outside elements.

Paste is also a thing of the past. Specialized glue dots and two-sided tape makes mounting your treasures simple and mess free. Many of these products are so strong that you can now decorate your scrapbook pages with ribbons, feathers, flowers, or even metal charms.

Due to these new techniques and tools, the uses of scrapbooking have expanded drastically. Scrapbooking is still used to hold personal keepsakes and for gift giving.

However, now scrapbooking techniques can be used to make baby announcements, grandparent books, gift cards, artwork for kid’s rooms, recipe books, and even educational tools.

What Do I Need to Start Scrapbooking?

The best thing about scrapbooking is that although there are a plethora of scrapbooking supplies available on the market, you really don’t need a lot to make your very first scrapbook. Basically, all you need to scrapbook is an album, some glue, a pair of scissors, and some photographs or newspaper clippings. Any fabric, ribbon, or bits of leftovers from other projects can be used to embellish your scrapbook.

As you get more acquainted with scrapbooking, you will find products that save you time and frustration. Many of these products are well worth the extra cost. At the top of this list is an exacto knife. This strong and versatile blade allows you to cut almost anything into any shape. When the blade is dull, the end is simply broken off to reveal another sharp tip. Just be sure to place the object you plan to cut onto a mat or wad or newspaper before using the exacto knife. Otherwise, the knife will cut right through your picture and into your scrapbook page or dining room table.

The next best tool is a pair of tweezers. Trying to pick up and place small gluey pieces is a hassle. Tweezers, though not very high tech, allow you to move pieces without touching them.

Speaking of gluey pieces, various glues and affixing options are available. These quick and less messy options include glue dots, two-sided tape, Xyron, acid free photo tabs, and polypropylene corners.

To increase the preservation of your scrapbook and your treasures, look for albums with acid free, lignin free pages. Both acid and lignin accelerate photo fading and general deterioration. Lignin is a chemical found naturally in the cell walls of plants. If the lignin is not removed in the paper manufacturing process, the chemical will cause the paper product to gradually yellow and crumble. Lignin and acid free products come in virtually any color and texture.

—–

Lena Fields loves helping others to save special memories using the fun and exciting art of scrapbooking. For more scrapbooking resources, please visit Scrapbooking Success.

Lena Fields
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/easy-way-to-get-started-scrapbooking-4024.html

People who don’t paint or know little about art may not think much about canvas stretchers.  They are out of the way, for one, and may not seem to contribute much to the painting itself.  But for the artist, the use of canvas stretchers is just one of the most critical steps to producing a great work of art.  It’s part of the preparatory stage for every painting and as such, is essential to ensuring that a canvas is indeed ready for a stroke of creativity and genius.  If you’re buying your canvas stretchers readymade, here are tips on how to check for quality:

Go for the right thickness.
There are certain specifications you need to consider when buying readymade canvas stretchers.  Makers of these stretchers usually sell them at standard sizes, which should pretty much meet your needs.  Check the stretchers for sufficient thickness.  Smaller canvases work best with thinner stretchers while bigger ones will require thicker stretchers. 

Most readymade canvas stretchers you’ll find are off-the-shelf types.  If there is a specific size or shape you prefer, you might have to turn to custom-made stretchers.

Look for smooth edges.
Stretchers will be covered by the canvas itself, which means that the canvas follows the shape of the stretcher.  Make sure that edges are aligned and smoothed out, particularly those where the stretcher ends are joined together.  This is important, regardless of whether you’re buying rectangular canvas stretchers or round ones.  Any misalignments can create problems such as tears and unsightly angles in the canvas later.

Look for ‘lipped’ edges.
Ideally, the canvas should not touch the frame when it’s stretched over.  This assures you that the face of the painting will remain smooth over the years.  Although you could probably create the lips on your own, having canvas stretchers that already have these will save you a lot of work.

Buy only from a reputable store.
You’ll probably find shops specializing in school and office supplies that also sell canvas stretchers.  If you are familiar with stretchers, you could probably pick out quality readymade bars from these places – if you know what to look for. 

The only problem is that if you have questions regarding them, you might not find someone who can help you with the specifics.  If you want to talk to a knowledgeable retailer, it’s recommended that you buy from shops that specialize on Art Supplies.  Art supply stores have a reputation to keep and thus, try to uphold standards regarding their supplies.  If you want readymade canvas stretchers that are top quality, go to a reliable supplier.

Ilyn Quiambao
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/tips-on-how-to-check-quality-when-buying-readymade-canvas-stretchers-746676.html

Whether you’re an expert at quilting, or are just beginning, you will find you can advance your knowledge a great deal with the number of books on quilting that are available. There are several categories that quilting books fall into and a number of titles are available. The categories are historical, encyclopedias on how to pattern, art books and books on the joy of quilting.

The most popular are the how-to books and they are a must for beginners. They have a wide range- from books on the overall quilting craft to step-by-step instructions books. There are also books that take each aspect of quilting and methodically explain it. The instructional books first deal with basic aspects like selection of fabric and basic tools needed to get started and then they will proceed to give instructions regarding assembly of the quilt blocks and then the quilt. They also give detailed explanation about quilting through hand as well as machine. Every quilter must have atleast one book of this kind in her quilting library and then will proceed to collect a good many of these books. When in you’re on your quilting project, you will need to refer to these books many times.

Encyclopedia of patterns is another book that every quilter should have purchased in time. These books display a range of block patterns and also show the basic assembly. Because these books have to cover a wide range of topics, they will only briefly discuss all the aspects without going into too much detail. If its detail you want, you need to take a book that features instructions on specific patterns. With the number of quilting techniques and block patterns that exist today, you can imagine how extensive these books will be. For instance, books of this kind will dedicate an entire volume to go in to the details of a Log Cabin Pattern.

Because quilting can be dated way back in the American history, this craft and its nuances have been extensively studied and there are many a historical books available on it. It is truly inspiring to the modern quilter when she sees the great many designs that our ancestors did with the limited supplies available to them. There are also quilting books which deal with the pleasure one gets out of quilting, both from solitary pursuit and from the social form like quilting bees. There is also an entire segment dedicated to quilters who have revolutionized the art of quilting. These quilters often display their work in museums and galleries and also publish books that are not only on quilts but also the thought processes that went behind making them. Quilt collectors publish books too. They are just as inspiring as the historical books quilting.

Choose a time, when there is likely to be no interruption, to go through the range of quilting books that you want to make a part of your library. You can either go to a local bookstore; your library or you could even search online for the books you are looking for. Take out enough time to browse and get a feel of the number of titles available to you. Undoubtedly you will be tempted to buy more books than you initially planned but you can short list a few and save the rest for later.

One of the greatest joys of quilting is going through a book on this topic and luckily there are enough books and titles to select from.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/needlework-articles/reading-quilting-books-tips-to-get-you-started–739734.html

Many American children are starting back to school soon, and no matter how young or old they may be: There is always a long list of items that must be purchased in preparation. This list is an overview of the basic stuff most kids need – whether they’re starting kindergarten or college.

1. Backpacks and bags: Attending school usually involves keeping track of books, papers, pens and more. So carrying bags are a must. Younger children prefer backpacks, and many cute ones are available just about anywhere these days.

If your children are a bit older – particularly in junior high or high school – be sure to get rugged, durable backpacks that will last. These older kids carry very heavy loads sometimes, and it helps to spend a little extra money for backpacks right at the beginning of the year. I’ve found that hiking backpacks work best for high school students, because they have large carrying capacities and they’re quite strong and durable. Buying these types of backpacks will ensure they last through the entire school season, instead of having to be replaced halfway through the year.

College bound students might prefer laptop and gadget bags, sling bags, messenger or duffle bags instead.

2. Paper Supplies: This includes notebook paper, spiral notebooks, pocket folders and binders among other things. Most kids need all of these from the time they start first or second grade, though the needs get heavier as the children get older. Younger children might need art paper and older children might need graph paper, so the needs vary slightly but the basics tend to stay the same.

High School honor students and college bound students will also need special books, and these usually need to be purchased. Book covers are also useful for all grades.

3. Writing Tools: Pens and pencils are generally thought of automatically, but often there are other writing related materials that must be purchased for school as well. Younger children often need crayons and paint for instance, while older kids may need markers and colored pencils.

As children move into junior high, high school and college, they’ll require a larger variety of the basics too. Instead of just blue pens for instance, they often need blue, black and red. It’s good to know the teachers at this point by the way: Some do not allow gel pens to be used for instance, while others may forbid red pens or yellow markers.

4. Misc. Tools: These change from one grade to another, but generally additional tools of some kind are needed for just about any age range. Examples of school tools needed includes rulers, protractors, and calculators.

5. Clothing: This is usually a given, but a checklist always helps. Be sure to buy pants, shirts, socks, and underclothing. Don’t forget to get new shoes… some kids need more than one pair because specialized shoes are needed for gym or athletic programs. Also be sure to buy athletic or gym cloths if they’re required. These could include shorts, t-shirts, or sweat suits.

Sweaters and lightweight jackets are usually needed for the cool early mornings, and heavier coats will be needed within a few months of school starting.

Most schools have dress codes these days too, so it’s a good idea to get a copy of that for reference before you go clothes shopping. You wouldn’t want your daughter to have a whole new wardrobe of tank tops only to find out they’re not allowed to be worn at school for instance.

Kathy Burns-millyard
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/back-to-school-checklist-55668.html