Decorating Your Home With Decorative Paint Effects - Marbling Faux Finish

Introduction

Marbling effect is a faux finish decorative paint effect applied with oil based paint and glaze. It has been used throughout history to give an illusion of marbled stone. Use of this painting technique was (and is) driven by cost and practicality: Marbled stone is expensive and also heavy & difficult to transport. In many cases it is more practical to create an illusion of marbled stone than to use the stone itself. Marbling technique also became popular with builders and architects who used it as a substitute for real marble when load bearing walls and beams were required; had these been made from marble stone they would have had inadequate load bearing characteristics.

In nature, marble is formed by heat and pressure being applied to limestone. which causes crystallisation into many colours. Minerals and impurities running through the molten rock create the vein like structures that give marble its beauty. As a result of the formation process marble has a cloud like translucent appearance, which plays many tricks with light.

There are many examples of use of marbling technique throughout history; it was used by the Egyptians, and there are thought to be even older examples of use of the technique during the Mycenaean period.

Marbling became very popular in Europe during renaissance times. Real stone was readily available but fashion, cost and practicality dictated the use of the marbled faux finish. It was during this period that variations in marbling technique appeared; French craftsmen adhered to the process of reproducing natural stone, but in Italy artisans began to produce marbled effects which were not true to nature but more highly decorative. This finish, the so called fantasy marble, was taken up in other countries, notably Scandinavia, and still continues today.

Today, marbling paint effects are still very popular, and decorative artists much in demand. Although creation of faux finish marble effect requires skill, it is possible for those interested in this beautiful effect to create it themselves, given time and patience.

Creating a marbling effect in your home.

The first thing to consider is where to apply the marble finish. Marble finishes look good in places where natural stone would be normally used: columns, pillars & fireplaces. Historically marble paint effects have also been used in panels on walls and as a border to murals, pictures & mirrors. It is also possible to marble plaster ornaments and panels on doors.

Marbling entire walls in a home setting can be overwhelming, unless the space is very large. Attempts at use of marbling effect applied to blend objects such as heating radiators into the background usually fail. The marbling effect should be used sparingly and with taste to reap the full effect of this beautiful faux finish in your home.

Marbling effect is a faux finish applied with oil based paint and glaze. Here's a marbling technique for white Carrara marble. Its best to practice on a small board first, before tackling the surface you wish to marble.

What you will need

White oil based paint for base coat

Oil based scumble glaze

2" paintbrush for base coat

Softening brush

Fine artists paintbrushes in various sizes for painting veins.

Artists oil colours (black, paynes grey, yellow ochre, white )

White spirit

Mutton cloth

Oil based clear varnish

Surface preparation

Surfaces must be made as smooth as possible to mimic the polished natural stone. Surfaces must be dry.

Base coats

Apply a white base coat (do it twice if necessary) and allow to dry.

Mixing glazes and paints

For this finish three paint & glaze mixes will be required. One for the broken colour area, and two for painting marble veins. Two mixes are required for veining to allow veins of different colours to be painted.

1) Mix a small quantity of oil based glaze with 50% white artists oil paint.

2) Mix a small quantity of black & paynes grey artists colours 50-50 and add a small amount of glaze.

3) Mix a small quantity of yellow ochre, paynes grey & white spirit in equal quantities. This mix should be very thin.

Application

Its best to have a picture of a marbled surface to hand to copy for your first attempts.

The first step is to simulate the translucent shading found in white marble.

Wipe glaze mix 1 onto base coat with mutton cloth. Cover the entire area.

Apply paint mix 2 on top of glaze mix 1 using crumpled paper or a rag in the areas you wish to apply the marble shading. Soften (i.e. blend together) these areas using the softening brush to blend into glaze mix 1. The blending should be done with care not to leave any hard edges.

The next step is to add the veining.

Paint in the veins using a fine artists brush, joining up the broken colour areas using paint mix 2, applying broken lines which are very thin. Soften with dry brush. Copy an existing sample of marble to get your veining ideas.

Using glaze mix 3 paint in veins onto the background blending into the area of broken colour. Soften with a dry brush.

Allow to dry

Protective coats

When the marbling effect is completely dry, varnish with an oil based varnish, use several coats. This process will give the natural sheen found in real marble.

I hope you have found this short introduction to marbling effect useful & informative. For those interested in learning more about this beautiful finish I teach one day marbling courses in central London in the UK.

Joanne Poulton is a professional specialist decorator who also teaches marbling courses and paint effects courses in London, UK.

Large Abstract Art - Home Decorating Tips

Interior space without any artwork always seems to be lacking that finishing touch. A simple way to add this personal touch to your living space in a more striking and creative way is to add large abstract art paintings. Many can be purchased affordably online these days and a deep gallery canvas painting or print does not require expensive framing. Specifically decorating with this type of art extends the possibility of adding color, space, and emotion to new heights, and in a modern and contemporary fashion that you will love.

Emotion
As you might know abstract art is the result of imagination, energy, and creative expression. If you resonate with this type of art you will be happy to know there are so many fun possibilities you can have hanging it. Obviously you will want to buy art that you love because you will be looking at it for a long time. You will want to first pay attention to how the art speaks to you, how it makes you feel. These feelings could be that of relaxation, excitement, playfulness, strength, hope, etc. The emotional impact of abstract art is important because such feelings will actually carry over and bring that energy into your space, changing the ambiance in the room.

Color
When you hang a large painting and there is an abundance of one color in the painting, there will be a big change in the room that can go so far as to affect mood. The color blue can be calming, red can channel passion, and brown can help you feel comfortable and grounded. There is much more information on the psychology of color that you might want to consider. You will want to make sure the colors coordinate with your walls and furniture. It also helps to have a splash of color in the room that is the exact same color in the painting. Some rooms that are muted and grey completely change with a flash of color on the walls. And furnishings that are devoid of character somehow seem comfortable when a warm painting is hung near. It helps to know your complimentary colors. These are the colors opposite on the color wheel such as blue and orange, red and green, and yellow and purple. They are striking together, but you have to be careful because they can reverberate too much on the eye.

Space
Finding the proper space to hang your art is simply a matter of following your instincts and finding a balance. Larger rooms usually need a larger painting just as smaller rooms need a smaller one. A big empty wall that seems to be crying for attention with nothing to show for it probably needs something to fill the void. The orientation of the art should coordinate with the orientation of the space. Generally wide horizontal artwork looks great above a wide bed, dining room table, or couch in a room with average ceiling height. And sometimes you can actually stretch the appearance of a small wall by hanging a wide panoramic painting. Tall vertical art is perfect for that strange corner or a boring and tall wall space.

Before you purchase your paintings, think about who are you buying from and where your money is going. You have the opportunity of helping an artist every time you buy art. Giclée canvas prints can look amazing and retain a higher value than paper prints, just make sure you buy a high quality print on 100% acid-free cotton canvas. Cheaper prints will not only look cheap, but they will warp and fade with time. Because of the internet you can almost always contact an artist directly and ask him or her about the artwork before you buy it. Have fun with buying art and changing your living space, and when in doubt take a look the magazines.

Jaison Cianelli is an artist and owner of Abstract Artist Gallery. You can visit Abstract Art On Canvas to purchase his large abstract art paintings created with the intent to change your living environment and positively impact the senses.

Mural Painting - Three Ways Make Money Painting Murals

Mural painting is something that has been used throughout the ages by professionals and amateurs alike to publicly display their individual attitudes, a current theme or outlook on life. It is a colorful way to both express ourselves and the times we live in.

It seems that most mural artwork these days is more like abstract art and colorful cartoon-like styles. A good example is The Beatles "Yellow Submarine" style of artwork. This simplicity in design makes mural painting reachable for any artist who loves to paint.

Murals do not have to be real life types of scenes that only the most advanced artist can create. They can be vibrant, exciting works of color, attitude and style.

They can be murals for kids rooms. They can be artwork for public places like libraries and artwork that is suitable for teens or adults to have on their walls.

Anyone that can map out a wall so that his or her work will have proper form and be in the right proportion can do some nice mural work. Mapping out a large area using grid lines is half the battle. The other half is choosing good colors and design. And also using the right paint medium and then taking the time to do neat quality work.

Below are 3 popular types of murals that you can make money painting...

Murals on Stretched Canvas Frames - I like the idea of canvas frames because you can do all your work in your shop and then bring it to the customer when it is finished. You can even have one piece of art or theme carried out on three large canvas frames.

I have seen some nice abstract artwork done this way. The colors are bright and exciting and will look great in a nice home that has contemporary colors throughout the house. You could sell your work online or in consignment shops.

Wall Murals - this type of mural is usually more advanced when done in a nice home. Painters that do this type of work are generally more of an advanced artist than someone who could do an outside wall mural. That is just my opinion only because I think of exterior wall murals as something more along the lines of sign painting or the artwork done around construction sites in a downtown setting.

But I do know that there is some pretty cool and advanced stuff painted on the sides of buildings. To make money you could find jobs through interior decorators and through word-of-mouth.

Ceiling Murals - like wall murals, ceiling murals are usually the more intricate and advanced types of artwork. One type of ceiling painting that is popular although very few ever master it to its full potential is "star mural painting". This is done using special formulated paints that glow in the dark. The paints usually glow all night long.

Professionally done star murals can mesmerize anyone whether they are art lovers, stargazers or just looking for something to jazz up their bedroom or game room ceiling. This type of art is not just for kids. After all, most kids would be happy with just plain old stick-on stars on their bedroom ceiling.

This type of art, if done by a professional muralist can even have astronomers in awe. Fortunately though, anyone can do an accurate star mural if you they have a few simple tools and know a few tricks of the trade.

You could find work through showing people sample posters. If you are already in peoples homes doing service work you could leave a poster with them with your name and phone number on it.

Lee Cusano has owned his own painting business since 1991. Since 2004 he has helped others to start their own business and make good money doing it right from the start with his several painting manuals. Please visit http://www.betterpaintingtips.com/muralpainting.html for some free valuable painting tips and mural painting ideas.

Types Of Wall Art For Bathroom Decoration

Bathroom is a very important room in every home. It is unthinkable to have a home without a bathroom. This is because of the fact that we make use of the bathroom on a daily basis. Nowadays, bathroom is no longer seen as place where you bath quickly and come out. Many people do take some moment of relaxation in their bathroom while they are showering.

This is why bathrooms are highly decorated nowadays. Besides, a well decorated bathroom can increase your confidence and respect among your visitor.

There is nobody who does not appreciate a well decorated bathroom. Today bathrooms are decorated with different types of wall art such as European tapestries, metal art and glass arts works and others. The following are the type of wall arts decoration that can be seen in modern bathrooms.

Frames of Canvas Painting and Prints

Frames of canvas painting and prints are the commonest means of decorating wall today. Many families are using frames art works to decorate the walls of their homes. This practice has been given a new dimension today. Frame art works can be used for bathroom decoration. The advantages of using this type of art work for bathroom wall decoration is that it is flexible. You can remove it and replace it at will.

Bathroom Wallpaper

These come in different designs and styles. There are wallpapers specially designed for bathroom to give special art impression. If you are the type that appreciates historic scenery, you will get bathroom wallpaper designed to present historic scenery to you.

The advantages of decorating your bathroom with this type of wall art is that bathroom wallpapers can resist water. They do not easily damage. Given the above, wallpaper can help also to protect your bathroom from damp and fungi attack. It also gives it a fabulous look.

Glass and Metal Bathroom Wall Art Decoration

Decorating your bathroom wall with metal and glass art works is the best way to bring out the beauty of your bathroom. These types of arts works are normally expensive. But they give fantastic look to your bathroom. Their durability is also appreciable.

Wall Lettering for Bathroom Wall Decoration

This is a type of wall art where some memorable and wise sayings are artistically written on the wall of bathrooms. Most children and teenagers always admire this type of bathroom wall decoration especially when inscription is in line with their ideas.

Wall Painting

This is another type of art that you can use to beautify your bathroom. It is the best option for people who may not have enough money for more expensive type of bathroom wall decoration like metal and glass arts for bathroom wall decoration European tapestries. The advantage of wall painting is that you can decide on how you want the wall painting to be. If you want the painting to cover the entire wall, it is choice to make.

A wall art on your bathroom will make your bathroom command respect among your visitors and it will also make to be a place to long for. Find out more as you visit http://www.saveontapestries.com

Canvas Wall Art Decor Tips - 4 Creative Ways To Hang Paintings

Hanging canvas wall art does not have to be confined to hammering a nail into the wall, installing a wire hanging kit behind a canvas and propping up the painting onto the nail on your wall. There are creative ways to hang artwork aside from this standard method. Hanging paintings in unusual ways can add interest to your room's visual appeal.

The method of hanging your canvas can also make it the focal point of your room or wall. You can hang your art creatively but be sure not to add things that could take away the attention from the artwork itself. Sometimes your hanging method becomes part of the artwork itself. Here are 4 creative ways to hang your paintings:

1. Frame - You can make a painting look more formal with a frame. Frames can be expensive if you have them customized to your artwork. A cheaper way to frame your painting is by getting ready-made frames at home decor outlets or art stores. You can also look for old frames from thrift shops and yard sales, and refurbish them with new varnish or paint. Check out pretty metallic gold spray paints at hardware stores. Take measurement your canvas wall art before hunting for frames.

2. Ribbon - You can use pretty ribbons to hang your canvas on the wall. Instead of wiring the painting from behind, you can attach 2 pieces of ribbons to the top left and right sides of the canvas and tie it into a ribbon with some space between the knotted ribbon and the canvas. The ribbon will be visible above the canvas and used to hang the artwork to the nail on the wall. Get pretty ribbons but avoid too many patterns and printed designs on the ribbon to make the focus remain on the artwork.

3. Grouping - You can group several small pieces of paintings to make up the artwork on your wall or hallway. This is ideal if you have a lot of space to cover but only have small paintings or picture frames. It also makes an interesting wall art that house guests can view one by one. Group together photos or paintings with similar subjects.

4. Hang in rows - You can hang a series of paintings on one side of a wall like in a long office corridor, staircase, or hallway in your home. You can also do this in your living room or dining room. A good way to do this is by getting canvas art sets in 3 to 5 pieces of canvas that go together and make up one painting. These canvas art sets can have several pieces of canvas in the same size or in different sizes to make them an offset canvas.

Canvas wall art are supposed to complement the surroundings and existing home design. Consider your color theme, furniture style and your personal tastes in artwork. Take measurements of your wall to make sure you do not buy canvas art sets that are too large or wide. Match frame and ribbon colors to your room's color theme but do not get them in the same color as your wall to create contrast.

Find a wide collection of canvas wall art [http://www.everythingwallart.com/default.asp] at EverythingWallArt.com and discoverer countless choices of paintings [http://www.everythingwallart.com/category-s/35.htm], in different styles.

Interior Painting: How To Perfect This Art

One of the best ways to give your home that well-overdue makeover is with a lick of fresh paint. Interior painting is simple to do when you know how to go about it. If you follow these handy tips, you will know exactly how to do interior painting just like the professionals.

The great news is that you do not need to employ the professionals to come in and paint your home. You can easily learn how to do interior painting yourself. Here is what you need to do in order to avoid the patches of uneven paint on your walls:

• Prep the wall beforehand: Before you can begin painting your walls, you need to make sure that they are smooth and that they do not have any existing substances on them, such as wallpaper. This may mean that you need to sand down the walls and fill in any existing holes and cracks.


• Prime your walls: Before painting the wall the final colour that you want it to be, make sure that you prime it. Primer will create a layer on your wall that will make it as smooth as possible. This will stop the final layer of paint from blistering or bubbling. Some professional painters will even use the final colour to tint the primer slightly. This will help to give you a more vibrant colour once you have finished the paint job.


• Protect your flooring and border: Before you start painting, you need to make sure that you move out all of the furniture and cover the floor with a protective fabric. This can either be plastic or canvas. You will also need to place masking tape around the borders and electrical sockets so that they do not get accidentally splattered with paint.


• Invest in proper equipment: When painting your walls, you need to make sure that you have the correct equipment. This will include paint brushes, paint trays and paint rollers. Depending on the height of the wall that you are painting, you may need to invest in an extension pole. This can be added to your paint rollers so that you can reach all areas.


• Dress appropriately: When painting, you want to make sure that your clothes are properly protected. Make sure to wear old clothes that you do not mind getting covered in paint. No matter how careful you are, you are going to end up with paint on at least one part of your clothing.


• Pack up properly: Once you have finished painting for the day, remember to seal all of the paint tins properly. If you forget this all-important step, the paint might dry out. You will also need to clean all of the equipment that you used in order to ensure that it remains in tip top condition.

Painting your own walls can be a fun experience that can involve the whole family. It is also a far more cost effective way of approaching a home make over.

Before starting your DIY project, you need to make sure that you have access to the best materials. Here at Wondercoat, we can provide you with paint that will protect your walls from damp, whilst making your home make over a reality. To find out more information about what we can do for you, call us on 011 793 1114 or visit our website: http://www.w-coat.co.za

Canvas Oil Paintings - How to Store Them Properly

After you spend your hard earned money on the most beautiful oil painting you have ever seen, it is important to know how to store it properly until you are ready to display it for all to see. Once you are finished reading this, it may seem like there many steps to storing canvas oil paintings. However, your investment will last for many years so that your great-grandchildren will be able to enjoy the beautiful piece of art. So, keep reading and make sure you know how to properly care for and store your breath taking artwork.

First off, you will need to make sure that you have frame to store your canvas in, even if you are not planning on displaying it in the frame. If it is of size where it can be cost effectively framed, you should do so. This is so your painting is not resting on the floor and the edges will not bend and the paint will not chip. Next, it is important to buy some padding for your canvas. The best kind to buy is called polystyrene. It is kind of like the plastic form of foam. It helps canvas oil paintings from getting scratches and also prohibits dust from settling on the painting.

It is important that canvas oil paintings are stored in areas that dry, dark and cool. Also, in a place that does not have any little (or big) insects running around. The insects can not only eat away at the canvas and frames, but also their droppings have acid in them and will destroy the paint. Normally, an area that has a consistent level of humidity and does not quickly fluctuate between hot and cold is best. Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to spray the area around your canvas with an insecticide. This can ruin your investment forever.

Finally, keep your canvases standing vertical making sure that there is nothing around or behind them that could put dents into the painting. Canvas oil paintings are amazing additions to a home and for the best storage of your painting, hang it on the wall. It was created to be seen and enjoyed by all. Be sure you place it in an area that is not in direct sunlight so that it will not fade. Keeping it cool and dry will allow your painting to last for many years.

For more home decorating ideas, visit our website for canvas oil paintings at www.wallartforless.com.

Adding Wall Art To Your Room Decor Using Traceable Wall Murals

Wall murals can add an artistic element to a plain or boring wall. You can cover all or just a portion of the wall. You can paint a mural on any wall of your home from a child's room to a family room. Although there are those cookie cutter designs people are using, like commercial decals, stick ups, stencils, etc, painting your own mural design is an enriching process and enjoyable as a family project for all of your wall art. You trace the design onto the wall with the new traceable wall mural patterns and once satisfied, paint it in for a one-of-a-kind custom hand painted look. This really gets my creativity going!

I love the concept of adding a wall mural, but if you are hesitant to commit to a large scale wall mural, a smaller wall mural that will enhance the wall but not cover it completely. A full size wall mural definitely takes center stage as the focal point, but to make a smaller mural more impressive, you can add accent designs around the main character or design.You have the flexibility to choose from all kinds of designs, styles as well as themes.

You can add more than one mural in the same room which adds to your creativity and makes your room more appealing. It's exciting to see such designs adding glamour and fun to your home's wall decor. You and your kids will be so thrilled to have a new theme added to their walls, or yours, at the fraction of the costs of those popular commercial decals everyone is using! Why not do something different than everyone else and go for the look of having hired a professional muralist.

For the do-it-yourself touch, girls wall murals, can be applied to bare or painted walls - perfect for the little princess that wants to create her own customized designs.Wall murals can enhance your room decor if you have boys, from infants to teenagers, they would usually opt for a sports mural depicting their favorite sport, or go for a rock and roll theme, depicting guitars or a rock band or their favorite singer. Or maybe opt for something with sparkles, there are boys who love sparkles too you know, how exciting! Whether it be boys or girls, or yourself, there is always something that can be chosen that will ignite their passion and get them excited!

If you want to try your hand at creating your own beautiful wall art, this is the place to go to, the new way, not the commercial way with imports, but something made right here in the USA! Go to [http://www.wishuponamural.com] and see for yourself how nice it will be to transform your room decor.

Multiple Canvas Painting Ideas

To be a good artist or a painter, talent is not enough, you can't paint brilliant and unique artwork just with talent, and you can copy but not create without an idea, without imagination or inspiration. Canvas paintings are one of the most popular types of art with so many different unique styles of art making, just as multiple canvas paintings are.

Have you ever wondered why some of the most valuable arts are paintings on canvas?

It's because durability of the image, quality and beauty of human hand painted lines and shapes all over different types of canvas. Modern artists today are still experimenting with multiple canvas painting ideas, and they always experience something new and innovating with every new image they make. They use different techniques, schemes, drawings, colors, and they are always bringing some new, different and interesting pieces to see light of the art world. It's a mistake not to have idea, when you have it the only thing remains is the way you will use it.

Even if you are not an artist (painter) you can still get your fantastic ideas on canvas.

Our artists will be glad to draw you, paint you, everything you imagine, whether it is some abstract-undefined third dimension, or a simple horse, everything is up to you.

Will you tell us a story through painting or will you just make a portrait of your own, that's up to you to choose, the artist is there to make your ideas come true. You are the creator of your own faith, and in this case, your own multiple canvas painting. Lose your imagination and the products of it will find its space on your canvas.

There's not just one way to go with. You can always follow conventions but again you're the one who can create some too. You can set your own trends and let others follow them. The deal then is to come with something that is creative and innovative.

One more way of making beautiful multiple canvas art is taking the designs from photos taken by a camera. Sometimes just a photographic image is not enough to satisfy your needs for decoration. Sometimes you need a real piece of art painted on canvas. You can paint it, you can print it on canvas, you can do variety of stuff and still it would be a perfect image to put in your living room, bedroom or even a winter garden, why not. There is variety of different canvas types, stripe canvas, water resistant canvas, waxed canvas, and every one of them gives a painting different style and beauty. Whatever your choice is, we can make it happen.

Veronika loves writing in general about all sorts of things but is currently occupied with putting a lot of her photos to canvas and because of it is making a lot of articles on that topic. If you wish to get your photos put to canvas I would suggest visiting this website:

Photo to Oil Painting [http://www.photostocanvas.com/].

Canvas Art Sets - 5 Benefits Of A 3 Piece Canvas

Canvas art sets are more interesting to look at than regular single canvas paintings. If you have canvas sets hanging in your living room, your guests will definitely have positive comments about them. People see traditional single canvas paintings all the time, a 3 piece canvas will definitely catch attention.

I can think of at least five benefits of having a 3 piece canvas art set hanging on your wall:

1. Three piece canvas art sets tell a story. The painting flows through from one canvas piece to another. It holds attention and makes the viewer try to figure out the story, piece by piece. It makes a more interesting artwork and decor accent than any single canvas painting.

2. You can cover more wall space with a 3 piece canvas. You can hang them next to each other or separately with an inch or two apart. It can be spread out to cover a wider space. Depending on the design, you can hang it horizontally or vertically. If you need to decorate a wide wall, this would be a better option than buying 3 different paintings that may not even look nice next to each other.

3. Canvas art sets make cool gifts. Sure anyone can get a panting for a friend but rarely will one get a 3 piece wall art as a gift for someone. At least, your friend will be a bit more surprised receiving a 3 piece canvas instead of the usual single painting. You can get canvas art sets from 2 to 6 or 9 pieces.

4. Multiple piece paintings are cheaper to ship than one huge painting that is 6 to 7 feet long. Imagine the freight charges for a single painting that large. Canvas art sets are made of several canvas pieces which can be packed in smaller boxes. Some couriers charge shipment based on the amount of space a package occupies.

5. A 3 piece canvas will be easier to hang than one large painting. You won't have to struggle with one large painting that you can't carry yourself. A 3 piece canvas divides the weight into 3, making it easier to hang on your wall. Even the size is manageable.

If you will get canvas art sets, remember that they can be hung separately with some space between canvas pieces. Consider that when taking measurements and buying multiple-piece canvas sets. Another thing to consider is the color of the wall art. Match the canvas with the color theme of your room. If your home is decorated in a modern way, get abstracts or contemporary pieces. If your tastes are a bit more conventional, you can still find canvas art pieces with a traditional picture.

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Canvas Wall Art Tips To Consider Before You Buy A Painting

Knowing how to buy canvas wall art will make your room look better and add value to your artwork. Paintings add a personal touch to a room because it reflects your taste. You don't just decorate with art, you also show a part of your character.

Each person has different personalities, hence will have various tastes in decor and paintings. When choosing artwork, the first thing you have to consider is your personal taste before you think of how much it will cost or how it will look on your wall. It is important that you buy artwork that you will enjoy looking at for a long time.

Of course expensive classic paintings created by masters are beautiful, but they are not for everyone. Today's modern lifestyle has created a new niche in the art market. Contemporary paintings are now in demand more than ever because they complement today's modern homes.

When choosing artwork is also important to consider your furniture style and color theme. Although you may love a particular painting but if the colors won't match with your room's color theme it won't look as great ones it is hung on your wall. Your other option is to repaint your room and change the colors of your furnishing.

Another thing to consider when buying canvas wall art is how it reflects your lifestyle or business. If you are en equestrian or live in a ranch, it is only logical to decorate your home with paintings that depict horses. If you own a wine bar or a fine dining restaurant, a picture of a vineyard or wine canvas would be suitable to decorate your business.

If you love to cook at home, paintings that depict food, fruits, herbs or a dining scene or cafe would be ideal for your dining room or kitchen. For a child's bedroom, abstracts in their favorite color would be safe bets. You can also hang a painting of your child's favorite animal in his or her bedroom.

Present your artwork properly to make it into the room's focal point by framing it in an attractive frame, by hanging it in a spot where it can't be missed, or by toning down on other decor pieces in the room. If you have a large room use large canvas pieces. Hanging one tiny painting on a large wall will just get it ignored. You can also group several small paintings to make up a large centerpiece on your wall.

Find a wide collection of canvas wall art [http://www.everythingwallart.com/default.asp] at EverythingWallArt.com and discoverer countless choices of wall art [http://www.everythingwallart.com/product-p/c1401.htm], in different painting styles.

Art of Painting Interior Walls

Painting the interior of your house can be an overwhelming experience. But if it you are a novice and willing to learn, then it is advisable to run through a few tips on choosing the colour shades, faux pas painting, panel painting techniques and decorative art.

Compared to the other décor invested, painting is the cheapest and allows more modification. The furniture and artefacts have longer life, but painting allows you to incorporate more decorations in alluring designs. It is prudent to finish all the interior designing work done, choose the upholstery, allocate and label the rooms, design and install bath fittings, tiles work and then go on an elaborate search to choose the right colour for the walls of your home.

The range in white and off white colours is amazing. To accentuate or simplify the interior it is natural that most paints end up in whites. For a change, choose pale colours like peach, matte yellow or grey hinted blue. Going for a contrast colour on the window wall is another latest idea which is the ideal way to break the monotony. Blend it with a matching curtain and contrasting curtain holders to enhance the appeal.

The palette of colours is an unending list. The samples have fancy names but please carry samples of fabrics of your sofa cover, curtains, rugs and carpets. Children's room can have thematic representations of cartoon characters or a fairy tale depiction. Disney land characters, like Minnie and Mickey are common. Whimsical walls with the depiction of Alice in Wonderland or creating a water effect on the wall like the story of the Mermaid are decorative ideas. Involve a Doll house representing such characters. Bed covers offer a range in children's specials.

Learn the art of painting well. Mix the solution correctly. Get to know the different shades and the trick lies in invention. Start with a steady hand and confident brush strokes. Patience is the key and learn to soften the colour. For practice sessions, try painting the out house. Summer schools offer unique painting tutorials and literature on learning to paint is based on self study.

Grandeur effect is created by illusion painting, gold leaf painting and vinyl finishes. The techniques in faux pas painting relate to stamping, sponging, finishing, cloud patterns, water effects, striped painting, crackle and aging designs and colour washing to list a few. Combination of classic art and modern impressions allows fusion in painting.

Study rooms require serious tones and the living room needs to create a welcoming look. Bathroom interior walls need to be bright and unique. Choose autumn red and flaming oranges and a huge candle collection to set up with contrasting bath towel arrangements. There are special instructions for painting kitchen cabinets and panels.

There are various kinds of wall painting techniques [http://www.wallpaintingtechniques.net] that can be used for painting interior walls. If you are fond of painting, you can add this activity in your list of careers [http://www.listofcareers.org] It is also considered to be a part of the team building activities [http://www.teambuildingactivities.net]

5 Easy Face Painting Patterns and Design Ideas

When it comes to finding the most fun and easy face painting patterns and design ideas, your choices are as wide as the sky. Whether it is for a kids party or for an adult Halloween costume party, wearing a fun creative face paint design is a guaranteed way to spice it up.

You may not be the biggest face paint artist, so it is helpful to choose an easy design that a beginner can do too. So where can you find such an idea? Here are 7 top face painting ideas you can choose from...

1. Paint a Clown

What's so great about a clown? Simple. It's easy, and everyone can do it. You simply need some happy bright colors, like red and yellow. And soon you are on your way to drawing a cute funny clown on your kids or friend's face.

2. Puppy Face Design

Some of us may own a pet dog, and some may not. But one thing we all agree in common, is that puppies are adorable. So it is a safe and easy choice for a kids party face painting.

3. Halloween Painting Patterns

Now here comes that special time of the year where kids and adults love to dress up in creative, weird, or even scary costumes to have some fun. Painting your face will be the ultimate idea to spice up the costume party.

You can choose among the most popular theme ideas - like pirates, pumpkins, monsters, skull, and more. Or you can come up with your own unique creative idea that no one else is doing at the party - let's say an alien or a zombie princess.

4. Butterfly Painting

This is one of the cutest designs - especially for little girls. For adults and teenagers, it can also be a sexy and beautiful design that makes their eyes stand out. You can choose blue or pink for the butterfly. Or if you like to get creative, you can turn it into rainbow colors.

5. Face Pattern Masks

So what if you're not the artist type at all? What if you want to find an easier way to have a lovely face design but not draw it yourself? Luckily for you, there is another option available. It is called a face mask and you can buy it at party and costume shops.

It looks just like a face design pattern you draw, but it is actually a mask that sticks on your skin. So you can save time and have your dream look without touching a paint brush. Good luck!

Looking for fun Easy Face Painting Designs for kids and adults? You can check out this free photo gallery of fun Halloween Face Painting Ideas plus more creative unique designs for birthdays and other occasions. It helps you find your favorite face paint idea in less than 15 minutes!

An Epitome of Pride: Recipients of Awards and Medals at the College of Art and Design Lahore

After the Colonial period in the subcontinent, two new sovereign states based and divided on the grounds of ideology and two-nation theory, were to find their own path in every meaning of the word. After almost a century-long struggle for freedom, both India and Pakistan earned independence from the British Empire in 1947. However, the Colonial era had acculturated the South Asia in every way, from culture to tradition, from religion to ethics, from cultivation to transportation and from telecommunication to education.

The British rule institutionalized various skills and arts in this part of the world. JJ School of Arts in Bombay (now Mumbai) while Mayo School of Arts and Fine Arts Department of the Punjab University were established in Lahore to promote the enchanting visual culture of the Subcontinent.

The Department of Fine Arts was established under the Umbrella of the University of the Punjab Lahore in 1940 and Anna Molka Ahmed; a young British woman who, after getting married to Sheikh Ahmed had migrated and settled in Punjab, was selected as the first Head of the Department. Two other very talented, learned and capable women were also under consideration for this chair; Mary Roop Krishna and Razzia Serajuddin.

Today the Department of Fine Arts has earned the status of the College of Art and Design and offering different degrees in Painting, Design, Architecture and Art-History. This institution has produced many artists of matchless class and dignified styles whom the government of Pakistan has conferred upon, various awards of high reverence and repute.

Anna Molka Ahmed founded the Fine Arts Department of the University of the Punjab in 1940 and nurtured the first generation of Pakistani artists there. She assimilated western painting techniques, learned during her schooling in London, with indigenous themes and ideas that shaped modern art in Pakistan. Her roles as artist, educator, and administrator remain unparalleled.

She was awarded the Tamgha-i Imtiaz in 1963, the Pride of Performance in 1979, and the Quaid-i Azam Award in 1982.

Khalid Iqbal is the father figure of contemporary landscape painting in Pakistan. With his local palette, and western technique, learned at the Slade School in London, under the scholarship of Sir William Coldstream, he created a modern concept of time by controlling subtle tonalities of diffused light and shade. He is considered as the father of Modern Realism in Pakistan that ultimately shaped the modern school of landscape painting in Pakistan. Khalid's style and his long years of teaching inspired many students to take up this genre, and to evolve it over the years.

His role in the development of art in Pakistan was marked with a Pride of Performance in 1980.

Colin David was one of the three students in the first class for men at the Department of Fine Arts, University of the Punjab, along with Sufi Waqar and Aslam Minhas. His stint at the Slade School of Art London in 1973, gave a fresh impetus to his work. His compositions of figures, combined with still-life objects in well controlled space, create a Surrealistic ambiance. Colin=s work exhibits the knowledge of human anatomy that introduced Pakistani art to the mystery, flair and balance of figural painting. With his smooth line, he crafted figures in landscapes and interiors. Colin received the Pride of Performance in 1995.

Shaukat Mahmood deals in lines; lines that talk and talk loudly, sarcastically and piercingly. After doing his Masters in Fine Arts from the Fine Arts Department, he went on to take a PhD in Islamic Architecture from Edinburgh University, UK. Currently, he is the Coordinator of the Research Center at the College of Art and Design. When he joined a newspaper as a cartoonist, he came into interaction with renowned poet Munir Niazi, who titled him as Maxim. As Maxim the Cartoonist, he appears daily in a Lahore based newspaper. As a social commentator, he has been commenting on very serious issues with his naughty lines and uproarious characters.

AMaxim@ received the Pride of Performance in 2001 and Sitara-i Imtiaz in 2010.

A.R. Nagori was often labeled as a colourful painter with dark themes. He was among those who had been inspired by the changing social and political scenario of our country. Nagori opened his eyes in the land of colours and thirst; Rajasthan. His art personified the desert owing to the broad panoramic vision he always had, while his style was as colourful as a rainbow, and as thirsty as the sand. Nagori breathed his last in 2010.

He was awarded the Pride of Performance posthumously in 2011.

Zulqarnain Haider fell in love with landscapes the moment he started to paint. Gradually, his style accepted new challenges of Modern Realism concerning study of light and its effects. His canvases display the true colour and texture of the terrain that he painted time and again. His work mirrors different climatic conditions and the changing seasons. Being a true student, and a follower, of Khalid Iqbal, he continued the legacy of his mentor.

Zulqarnain Haider, a graduate of the Department of Fine Arts of the Punjab University, also studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-arts Paris, which nurtured his talents and skills.

Zulqarnain Haider was hounoured with the Pride of Performance in 2000.

Ghulam Rasul was obsessed with landscape painting that drove him to examine nature from a different point of view. He earned his MA Painting from the Department of Fine Arts and after doing MA Printmaking from Northern Illinois University, USA in 1973, he developed his own visual vocabulary by painting in flat colours; this technique ultimately resulted in modernizing his canvas by simplifying forms. At a time when perspective depth was in fashion, Ghulam Rasul concentrated on constructing a relationship between composition and the colour palette.

In 1986, Ghulam Rasul received the Pride of Performance.

Zubeda Javed, a former Chairperson of the Department of Fine Arts, is one of the first female painters of Pakistan to adopt semi-abstract and Impressionistic technique in landscape painting. She, with an intuitive colour sense and painterly brush, produced a unique and aesthetically strong display of colours coming out of deep backgrounds. Her painting style, based on imagination rather than on-spot realistic observations, encouraged the modern approach towards colour, composition and light in Pakistani art.

The Tamgha-i Imtiaz was conferred upon her in 2003.

Khalid Mahmood did his MA Fine Arts from the University of the Punjab, Lahore and then MA Art-History from Hawaii University, USA. His research on 'Sikh murals of the Punjab' earned him a doctorate from the University of the Punjab. He has served the Department of Fine Arts as Chairman. His interests, today are very much indigenous in terms of subject matter but modern styles of painting especially Impressionism, has always been an inspiration for his technique. His art displays a flowing brush movement and playfulness of colours.

He received the Pride of Performance 2006.

Ajaz Anwar, who holds a PhD in Muslim Architecture from Turkey, has visually documented the culture, the heritage and the festivities of Lahore in watercolour. He, with an intentional effort, tries to record the traditional architecture of the walled-city of Lahore. The sky in his paintings is often dabbled with the fresh shades of variegated kites flying over the architectural labyrinths of the Old City. Ajaz Anwar amalgamated his love for architecture and his passion for painting, in a way, that has become his own signature style.

In 1997, he was awarded the Pride of Performance.

Mian Ijaz ul Hassan is a painter with diverse themes. His interest and knowledge of English literature made him to think and act in accordance with new ideologies of the socio-political scene of Pakistan in the seventies. His figural paintings were rooted in communist and socialist doctrines. However, he not only dug up the fragile soil of his land but also sowed the seed of the yellow Laburnum (Amaltas) tree that blooms in the most unfavorable conditions. His socio-political canvases as well as his foliage paintings exhibit vivid and pure colours.

In 1992, his contribution in the field of art was acknowledged with the Pride of Performance.

Hasan Shahnawaz Zaidi is an artist, a poet, a singer and above all, a mentor who served the College of Art and Design as its principal. Commissioned portraits of national heroes have been his forte as a painter. He comments on socio-historical themes that are present in his poetry as well. Zaidi's love for poetry and music has led him to a rhythmic quality of line and to the warmth in his palette.

The Government of Pakistan honoured him with the Tamgha-i Imtiaz in 1998. He received Pride of Performance in 2013.

Rahat Navee Masud, uses the female figure, as a vehicle, to express the 'human condition', seeking truth and spirituality in it. She is one of the chief exponents of the pastel medium in Pakistan having developed a unique style of working with pastels and gold leaf, mainly on hand made paper. After obtaining a Masters degree from the Fine Arts Department of the Punjab University Lahore, she went on to do her MA in Art and Design in 1995 and practice-led PhD in Fine Arts in 2010 from Kingston University London. She also served the College of Art and Design as its principal from 2009 to 2013.

Rahat Naveed received Pride of Performance in 2012.

Jawed Iqbal, as a cartoonist with perseverance and commitment, has come up with a fresh image daily in a Lahore based newspaper of Pakistan. For years, the populace of Pakistan has observed the mischievous lines and playful skill of Jawed Iqbal, recording the socio-political life of the country. Moreover, he created numerous cartoons in live TV shows in Pakistan as well as abroad. A graduate from the Department of Fine Arts, University of the Punjab, Jawed Iqbal has made a mark in the field of caricatures.

Jawed Iqbal received Pride of Performance in 1993.