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Friday, May 28, 2010

What are the memory banks?

Memorial Garden Memorial benches and boulders are the ultimate use of an old idea to create beautiful, elegant and unique flavors of these wonderful people and families that these animals have created a lasting joy in our hearts. A plaque of trees can help to express love and feelings of loss that occurs when someone is about to disappear. Sometimes the older ideas have the grace, dignity, and add so quickly.

Although this idea isenjoy a great performance is not a new idea, even if the former president Andrew Jackson, a plaque recalls the lonely tree in the family's private cemetery, historic house known as the Hermitage, Tennessee. This beautiful example of a tax cut is about five feet and remained for more than one hundred years, attracts numerous visitors every year, the birds, admire the beautiful sculptures and intricate, elegant details and flowers.

Veryothers identified in this idea of using a tree and a plaque showed hundreds of live plants in national parks and public remembrance of loved ones who passed from this life. Likewise, pet cemeteries are even more beautiful plaque commemorating the trees instead of granite and marble plaques common.

There are many websites that can help in developing creative and elegant ideas for the perfect monumenttheir relatives. These are professional company, how long secular tradition of the time to help, lasting tribute to his credit, which gave so much love has made of his life, regardless of the length o. Just a small amount of time to research the company's best for you.

Do not forget the idea of putting a bank in the area where you can have fun discovering reflection on lifeAdvantages of the population in whose name they have so generously donated to support the donation of a memorial tree or a stone bench.

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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Preserving a precious painting

Receiving an important and expensive art piece, like an oil painting, from your family is very sentimental. Aside from the fact that it is costly, original pieces are always a matter of pride for the owner. It may be easier to find and buy original pieces nowadays because of the popular online galleries, but, it takes time to find one you would like to own, especially such which may have been kept by your family for years.

The first most important thing that you do is to make sure that it is preserved and kept well. Paintings are priceless. An art piece such as an oil painting needs a lot of maintenance to maintain its beauty in the years to come. You may also seek professional help to clean or refurbish your valuable painting.

You may also do it yourself. Always start by removing the painting from its frame. Only use brushes with soft bristles to vacuum the dirt slowly. If the varnish of the oil painting is looking aged, buy a gentle solvent known as "conservation liquid detergent. "And when the surface of oil paint is dirty, use a mild detergent to remove. Regularly clean the paint. And remember, whenever you need to paint the wall for cleaning, hand-painted frame without touching the surface, damage may occur.

Choosing the right place to see the picture. large temperature variations are not stringent when it comes to painting, and must be protectedFluctuations in humidity. Hang them where direct sunlight. Do not hang in the air near fireplaces, heaters or a fireplace. Also avoid places such as game rooms or dens of smoke because the nicotine on the surface of the images can be deposited.

If you want to move the lamps illuminate the tables, so that the ultraviolet light. poor lighting can be used for significant damage to a little 'color and the colors in the painting. Choose areas where the temperature variesbetween 60-70 degrees and keep them in places where it's dark, dry place.

purchase based on the hook hard and then the paintings hung on the wall with a cable. Before hanging the oil paintings, cover the surface with a layer of paint store. Now you can create a most valuable asset, offering guests and home.

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Monday, May 24, 2010

Of glass flowers, glass eyes, the incredible artistic display at the Museum of Harvard

It 'was at least twice as much music, from Mozart to the very voice of God has said. If true, this amazing glass flowers are so wonderful as a creation of the hands and eyes. They are special in the opinion of many, including my own. The detail and color and shape are taken from real life incredible, almost supernatural. The comment is often heard in the museum if the flowers are for the first time, is: "Where are the glass flowers? MoreFor the first time, viewers can not believe that the flowers are real Blaschke. "Can crystal" is another comment that is often heard. The detail is incredible, according to many botanists. A model of the system and has more than 2500 flower buds, Angelica and flowers. This is not a typo. Some have hundreds of thorns or cactus needles. A and O are often heard in glass flower display area as well. This reaction is even more remarkable than the glass flowersare displayed in the Museum of Natural History in Harvard by no less than 74 years (the last flowers) is like 123 years (before the glass flowers added to the screen.) Unfortunately, the disease has used glass artists in glass soda lime. And a little 'dust and dirt particles can not without risk of damage to sensitive parts of the plant are removed. Despite this deterioration is nothing now to the details of today and the beauty of this gameBeautiful flowers glass art.

Harvard Museum of Natural History collection of highly detailed models of flowers (and the stems and leaves) is made of color (glass) coating. The display of over 800 models of plants or flowers are natural size about 780 species and families of almost 165 plants. In total there are over 4000 models, including details of wider sections of flowers and vegetative parts. There are intricate details of models of glass-pollinationmany plants, too. This extraordinary display Rudolph was created by two men, Leopoldo Blaschke and his son. The screen is the collection of the product known as Harvard. A generous donation of goods and their daughter Mary Elizabeth (1886) has enabled the Museum of Natural History at Harvard, under the direction of Professor Goodale, these models Blaschke crystal flower to form the committee. For nearly 50Years, and Rudolf Leopold (Set Blaschke) for models of glass Harvard. After Leopold's death in 1895, Rudolph has continued because of crystal flowers until about 1936, many years before his death.

The exact method (s) used to create models have never been fully revealed by Blaschke, despite a large counseling. Top Blaschko (Leopold) said that many people think that having a secret device that allows us to squeeze a sudden forms of glass, but it is not.Instead, in our opinion, "he said. I think the thought, skill and patience, or perhaps the word" instinct "was used differently or has a different meaning before 1900, as it is today. Leopold has also said to have great skill in creating artistic glass, glass artists have many ancestors, at least from my grandfather, and training with his father. The Blaschke had this race, the apparent advantage! Current technology they used, in fact,"Supernatural" or a miracle. Although his talent is incredible, the glass flowers created by their hands were not gods. The method used is essentially considered "to be light," a technique of heating pieces of glass over a flame. contemporary glass artists are using the process of glass beads and other glass to create art.

Many years before starting to do the flowers, Leopold made Blaschke and sells glass eyes. Also glasses, test tubes and grains. Shortly after, he waspatterns of marine organisms (jellyfish, octopus, squid, etc.). These glass models were very detailed and realistic. These creatures have been admired and glass contributed significantly to their children (and) fame. Marine animals have been sold to museums around the world. You see the creatures of the sea glass eventually led to ask Professor Goodale (Harvard) that (Blaschke) to create a glass flower models. The exquisite beauty and detail of flowers, the desire to createto start in Goodale and products and expand the collection of glass flowers at Harvard remarkable display today. In a last tribute to Blashkas give you this quote: (work) "An artistic wonders of science in art and a scientific marvel in the field."

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Saturday, May 22, 2010

How to Draw Car - A Tutorial

Drawing is beautiful a hobby. It takes very little money to get started. A piece of paper and a pencil is all you require to enjoy the fun of drawing. But in spite of the simplicity it can be source of great pleasure.

I myself find great pleasure in drawing various animals, natural scenes and specially cars. It is endless fun because there are so many models so much of beautiful and challenging curves... It is really amazing.

Drawing cars is not for rank beginners, because one needs to have well formed idea about lines and shapes to complete a 4wheeler on paper.

To be good in drawing cars you must keep three things in mind.

1. You will have to practice a lot

2. Start with simple models that do not have too many complex curves.

3. Do not be too conscious about what you produce at the beginning. Being too demanding on yourself at the outset may thwart the growth and you might stop trying.

Here in this article I will detail a procedure that you can use to draw a simple vehicle. The diagrams mentioned in this article can be found at the page mentioned at the end of this article.

First step: Draw few simple curves as shown in the diagram to create the basic structure. Here you need to concentrate on the overall form. Do not concentrate on the details.

Second step: At this step add few more details as per the diagram given. Head light sockets and some details of the bumper are the things that you will be adding to your drawing at this step.

Third step: Now it's time to add wheels, steering, and outline of the seats in your drawing. Try to follow the diagram as far as possible. If are just starting out do not deviate much from the given diagram. But if you have some experience you can add your own ideas to the drawing.

Fourth step: Complete the seats, and rear part of your car as given in the picture. If you have done the previous three steps sincerely this step would not pose much of problem as at these step you would be finishing and finalizing the work you have already done.

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Learning How to Draw

If you want to learn drawing, let me tell you: it's not only fun, but also awakening. Luckily anybody can learn to draw. And so can you, no matter what your age or profession are.

Most probably you've been told: if you want to draw you just need to use your eyes. Just look properly at the subject you want to depict! What a helpful advise ... You know: It's said much easier than done and makes it too tempting to fall back on mere copy work.

However, when copying others' pictures you should know it's no good way to develop your drawing skills. Instead you better prefer drawing reality. You can do your first steps easier when drawing only scenes containing simple objects and start drawing more complicated things like animals and people later. But always try to draw real scenes!

Unfortunately this is only one of a number of obstacles on your way to learning how to draw beautiful and skillfully crafted pictures. Especially when you want to become more creative read on to learn about the important stations on your way to drawing mastery

Your most important prerequisite for learning to draw isn't some special equipment or material, but your very own motivation. Especially in the beginning you may face setbacks. Also you'll probably fear failure. But the more enthusiastic and motivated you are, the easier you can rush over any obstacles and move constantly along the road to success.

Another important thing is to understand your subject. The better you understand what you want to depict, the better you'll it to paper. Once you learned to recognize and understand your subject's dimensions and the objects that are composing the scene, reproducing them in the proper proportions, dimensions and perspective will become much easier.

Then, drawing to some extent is just "craftsmanship". Some of the old masters even had a host of sidekicks who did all this "mechanical" work. As you want to do your drawings yourself, you need to practice these basic techniques. You need to learn how to get your lines and shapes in form, create smooth shadings, etc.

The old masters needed their sub workers, so they could focus on the creative part, the whole picture. And so you need a good foundation of these skills, to have more creativity and fun.
In one of the next parts I'll show several exercises for practicing these basic techniques.

But what makes up a great artist beyond these basic skills? Mostly years of experience resulting in numerous concepts, small ideas and techniques all hidden in the artist's subconscious. That's one important reason why great artists are not automatically great art teachers. They know what to do when they are doing it, but it's hard to explain the "why" and "how".

Of course experience will come to you only with time, but there are tips and tricks that will be a shortcut for your drawing career (in one of the next parts).

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Jackson Pollock - Random Life, Random Art

Art lends itself to such a non-linear perspective at times that its madness spills over to life and vice versa. Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) is an eligible study in this theory of artistic madness.

One of the most influential artists of the Post Modernist Movement, Jackson Pollock, was known for his "Drip Painting Techniques." In this art form, Pollock would let the Enamel Paints drip and roam around freely on Canvas, creating patterns and random expressionist icons in the process. However, attributing Jackson Pollock's fame to only the Drip Series of artwork would be like either underestimating the artist or misunderstanding art.

It is a huge task to bring a random yet sensible paint movement & originality, simultaneously on to a flat surface. Therefore, "Drip Technique" has got very little to do with the final product. Jackson Pollock went beyond art techniques to explore this paint "movement" in his Drip Paintings. Of course, his way of working was weird. He used to paint on a laid down Canvas, and used Spoons, Brooms, Ladles, and Gardening Implements, as Art Tools, a process definitely against the "conventional" art techniques of Paint and Brush. Jackson used to dance his Shaman Dance when he painted. In Jackson Pollock's own words, he "lived in his paintings," as he let the paintings create themselves. Not all this however, could ever take away the spirit that swirled in Pollock's Drip Paintings.

Jackson Pollock's paintings can be divided into two major categories; his early abstract, almost Neo-Picasso Style Abstractions and the "Drip Paintings." The Neo-Picasso Abstracts were stark and boldly drawn art pieces, which invited comparisons with Paul Klee style watercolors based artworks. Pollock's works however stood out distinct in their colors and ideas. Then in the late forties, came the series of the "Drip Art" that catapulted Pollock into a league of his own. This was also the time when Jackson Pollock started labeling his Drip Artworks as Numbers rather than Art Titles. For example, his paintings would be called "No.5," instead of being conventionally named or Titled.

Jackson Pollock's artworks borrowed heavily in spirit from Indian Sand Painters, for whom making the painting was a part of a ritualistic dance. The Indians believed that a painting creates itself and a painter was only a participant in this cosmic creation. This Indian artistic conviction influenced Pollock's major body of work for which he is known today.

Jackson Pollock's life was as random and abrupt as his paintings. Although he had a happy married life with a noted artist Lee Krasner, he had to struggle with alcoholism throughout his life. He died in a car crash in 1956, when he was driving under the influence of alcohol. Though Pollock does not live to witness his fame today, his artworks remain. His works keep getting categorized between "Decorative Wall Paper" and "Monumental Creations, Which Do Not Carry the Burden of History," by critics and art lovers.

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Monday, May 17, 2010

Rolf Harris Paintings and Achievements

Rolf Harris was born in Bassendean which is a suburb in Perth, Western Australia on thirtieth March 1930. This seventy eight year old artist has achieved laurels in many fields. He is not only a painter but is also famous as a musician, television artist, composer, song writer, musician and singer. His interest in drawing took him to England where he joined the famous art school City and Gilds at the age of twenty two.

Rolf Harris's Achievements

After graduating from art school he started appearing on television shows as a painter. Rolf Harris, who, has now settled in United Kingdom has been made CBE in 2006 in the list of honor for the queen's birthday for his contribution to art and entertainment. He also invented the musical instrument which is named the wobble board and he used this instrument as an accompaniment with his song in the opening ceremony of the common wealth games in 1982.

Rolf Harris's Paintings

Rolf Harris first started his painting career in a children's television show where he presented cartoons and also demonstrated the style of creating animated characters. In the year 2004 he recreated a large version of the famous painting by John Constable, the Hay Wain which was painted by nearly hundred fifty artist contributing to a small section. These small canvases were then compiled to present the full picture on the television show called Rolf on art.

He also painted the portrait of the Queen of England on her eightieth birthday which was broadcast on BBC on first January 2006. This portrait was also put up for exhibition in Buckingham Palace and in Edinburgh Palace. In the year 2007 an exhibition was held of the latest paintings of Rolf Harris in Portland Gallery.

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Saturday, May 15, 2010

Seven Successful Watercolor Techniques

Watercolor Painting is a versatile expression of an artist, which requires unique Watercolor Techniques to be excelled. Playing with the Colors, adding a dash of water has the repute of being quite challenging, while being interesting too.

Water plays a key role in implementing Watercolor Techniques. It changes the absorbency & the shape of paper, when it is wet; and outlines the appearance of the painting when it dries. For exploiting these Watercolor Techniques, one should master the manipulation of the behavior of water, rather than attempting to dominate or control it. The forthcoming discussion employs Seven Successful Watercolor Techniques. Lets take a look.

o Flat Wash. This is the primary Watercolor Technique, wherein the area to be covered by the Wash is made Wet with Water. Later, the Watercolors are applied to a sloppy surface, in overlapping Flat Strokes, from top down. The Drying of Watercolors is vital, before proceeding further. A deviation to Flat Wash is Graded Wash, where the Color is diluted with more Water for each Flat Stroke. This creates a feeling of gradual & even, fading of the Watercolor.

o Glazing. In Glazing, you paint a layer of fresh Colors over an existing layer of paint. Glazing aids in adjusting a Color (darkening it) to produce a homogeneous & smooth surface. It adjusts the Watercolor & the tone of the underlying paint.

o Wet in Wet. This Watercolor Technique deals with applying Watercolors to Wet Paper. The dampness of the paper defines the variation from soft undefined shapes to faintly blurred marks. This technique is especially helpful in picturing subtle backdrops.

o Dry Brushing. This Watercolor Technique is opposite to the Wet in Wet Technique. The Paintbrush, loaded with Color & very little Water, is dragged over a Dry Paper. These strokes produce crisp & hard-edged marks, which stand out in a painting, and are applied around the centre of interest. The aim of this Watercolor Technique is to mix Watercolors with Strokes that blend well in to the picture.

o Lifting off. This is a Watercolor Technique, where the area to be lifted off is wet with Paintbrush & Water. The Color is then blotted away with a soft cloth. Staining Colors are avoided for such Watercolor Techniques.

o Dropping of Color. This Watercolor Technique deals with introducing a hue to a wet part of the painting and letting it blend on its own. This Watercolor Technique yields interesting and vibrant Colors that cannot be made by mixing them on the Palette.

o Salt Texture. The procedure in which coarse Salt grains are mixed with moist Paint to get small snowflakes like spots in the Color is called Salt Texture Watercolor Technique. Each Salt Crystal chases away the Color to make a lighter shade below it.

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Antique Oil Paintings - Great For Home Decoration

Antique oil paintings are often viewed as something the elite upper class has an interest in. However, as more people become focused on improving how their home is decorated inside even the common person has also started to take an interest in them. Their ease of access in many small shops around the world has brought light to the fantastic visions these pieces of art bring to the world.

Now that these pieces of art have been made more common they are also becoming more affordable to the average home owner. Even a single oil painting placed in the perfect place in your home can increase the appeal of the room. In many cases it is the thing you needed to tie an entire room together and make things flow correctly.

No matter what social class you reside in, an interest in oil paintings can accurately reflect a distinct taste for rich artistic expression. While some may be on the expensive end, others are quite affordable and serve as both good decoration pieces as well as great gifts. It is up to you as to how much you are willing to spend on the artwork and what quality you wish to purchase.

It takes a lot of tedious work to create something so beautiful with various oils, but because this style of painting lasts for so long it is well worth the effort put forth. These pieces can be enjoyed for many many years without risk of deterioration.

Among the more common genres of the oil painting are things like temple paintings in which famous religious temples are the focus of the piece. While the focus is on a religious location they aren't always found in religious homes. Many people can fully appreciate their beauty even without a desire to follow a path to God.

Pictures of Christ are also found frequently in an oil medium. These are perfect additions to any home that embraces the word of the Lord and are typically very striking in nature. Religious establishments often purchase these for minimal decoration in the area that they conduct services. It is a way of paying tribute to the one they worship.

Also commonly found are historical event paintings in which significant events are portrayed on the canvas in a vibrant way. People with a true interest in history find these perfect for libraries are dens where they may often take place in discovering more about events of the past.

If you are interested in adding something new and different to your home that will serve as not only as focal point but as a a reflection of your interests and personalities than antique oil paintings may be just the thing you are looking for. However, this art style if not for everyone and often requires a person to have a refined taste in art in order for it to be fully appreciated. This doesn't mean you shouldn't look and at least consider adding a piece or two to your own home. You may surprised at how much you enjoy them in fact.

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Monday, May 10, 2010

Stencil Graffiti Art

It's hard to imagine that a simple, stenciled picture on a wall could inspire so much praise and criticism. There are views in both of the extremes ranging from embracing the art as part of the city it is located in to writing the images off as nothing other than illegal tagging, but one thing is for sure: artists like Blek le Rat and Banksy have managed to make huge names for themselves and stencil graffiti as an art form around the world.

Stencil graffiti is similar to standard graffiti you might see decorating a city, but it uses stencils created by the artist to make the picture much easier and quicker to apply. In addition, the use of stencils leaves a distinct style specific to this type of art and even though it leaves crisp, often single color, images, the artists still seem to leave their own special touch with each one.

As the art of tagging is still illegal (depending on where and who you ask), some of these artists have moved from painting their visions on public spaces for all to see to the inside of gallery space like more traditional artists. This might not have the same far reaching, rebellious effect as standard graffiti but it has managed to become extremely popular around the world with pieces created by Banksy being sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Although Blek le Rat and many before him might have been the first to use stencil graffiti as art, it has continued to develop and evolve for many years. Despite the huge growth of the art, it can still be traced back to the ideas of each artist, probably sketched in his or her graffiti blackbook. Everyone might not be able to appreciate it, but it is clear that graffiti has had a lasting impact on the art world and continues to produce some of the most interesting art in recent times.

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Sunday, May 9, 2010

Buying Art Canvas Frames Verses Building Your Own

The last step in the process of creating artwork is framing your masterpiece. While you can leave your artwork bare, your painting will look much better, as well as withstand time more easily, when you take the time to frame it. When it comes to finding the perfect frame for your painting, you have a couple of different options. You can purchase the frame from a retailer that specializes in art canvas frames or you can create your own. Each option has its own specific set of benefits and consequences, some of which we will discuss in this article.

The major benefit to making your own art canvas frames is total creative license. You won't have to rely on what the frame maker has in stock that you can use to frame your painting or print. Additionally, you can get completely creative with the frame and add personal touches that further promote your personal brand. The main drawback to making your own frames is the time you have to put into the project. It is true that making frames is a fairly simple process but you still need to cut the wood, decorate it, paint it and then mount the painting in it. This can take time, especially if you have never done it before.

Ordering your art canvas frames from a store can save you time and money. The frame maker does all the work of putting the frame together for you. A good frame store will have a decent selection for you to choose from. They will also have knowledgeable staff on hand who will help you with your questions. The major drawback to this option is that you may not always find the exact frame you want. In addition to that, unless you order the frame online, you will have to deal with traffic and busy malls to find the perfect frame for your painting project.

Buying a frame, instead of making your own, can save you time better spent creating more art. This is especially true if you have never made a picture frame from scratch before. Many places that sell art canvas frames will generally have a good selection of frames to choose from and some will even custom make a frame for you if you ask. In the end, though, think through your options carefully and the goals you have for yourself to select the right option for you.

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Saturday, May 8, 2010

Michael Jackson's "King of Pop" Over the Moon Walk

Michael Jackson King of Pop, at least, showed the world in their style, which was indeed the king of pop, with a heart of gold. He cared about those he met, and welfare. Charity, which was a surprise to many. Being in the Guinness World Records is truly an ideal element for your contributions, in fact, support the needy. He also had several Guinness World Records for his achievements as a musicalThe artists and the album more sales. In truth, Michael Jackson was an artist, the other takes over and shares his wealth for the benefit of humanity.

As the lead musician, his music has always been in the hearts of men. As well as benefiting his dance opens the way for many and practice. His moonwalk dance won the hearts of many parts of the world. He brought smiles on the faces of many when he broke out, dance in the moonwalk. Itwas simply fantastic! It is a dance of the world will never forget. In gratitude, I wrote the following poem in tribute to Michael Jackson with the titles of some of his songs:

Michael Jackson "moonwalk" Poem

He walked across the stage, like the moon

Many people are sad Gone Too Soon

He does it with a smile like a dance machine

Even the wonderful song Billie Jean

He touched manyBeautiful Girl with lyrics

He stretched out his hand and said, "We Are The World

Now, many in the sky for a Dancing Machine

To see the moonwalk, he cried.

Joseph S. © Spence, Sr.

© All rights reserved.

Michael Jackson has set standards for singers and dancers. Helped a lot and loved by many around the world to dance. They therefore decided to sing in his world and how the world looks to seeA Day of Dance on the Moon.

Submitted by master Epulaeryu. "

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Thursday, May 6, 2010

Famous Drummer - Steve Smith

Steve Smith is widely known for being the drummer of American rock band Journey. He is an all-around drummer, collaborating with hundreds of artists to date. With his powerful drumming and command of jazz, he has captured the attention of audiences of different ages.

Born on August 21, 1954 in Whitman, Massachusetts, Smith found interest in drums upon hearing marching bands during parades in his hometown as a child. He received his first drum kit at two years old. In 1963, at an early age of nine, he started studying the drums with a local teacher, Bill Flanagan, who had his share of playing in big bands in the swing era. He had his first real drum set at twelve. As a teenager, Smith performed in the school band program and garage bands. His first paid gig was with a garage band. He later played in a professional Brockton concert band and in the big band at the local college, Bridgewater State College. Smith went on to study music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where learned under renowned teachers, Gary Chaffee and Alan Dawson.

In 1974, Smith joined the Lin Biviano Big Band, with whom he toured and recorded for two years. He also toured with jazz violinist Jean Luc Ponty in 1976, as well as with Ronnie Montrose in 1977. It was during his tour with Montrose that Smith was asked to join the rock band Journey, replacing Aynsley Dunbar. He joined singer Steve Perry, lead guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Gregg Rolie, and bassist Ross Valory in the band. Smith played drums, toured and recorded with the band from 1978 to 1985, during the period which is considered most successful for the band. The group then decided to take some time off in 1985. Smith focused on jazz, and pursued his career as a session player. He has played on numerous hits with various artists, including, Mariah Carey, Savage Garden, Bryan Adams, Andrea Bocelli, Corrado Rustici, and Ray Price. He also played with a number of high-profile jazz artists, such as Mike Mainieris group Steps Ahead, Tom Coster, Ahmad Jamal, Dave Liebman, Anthony Jackson, Mike Stern, George Brooks Summit, Scott Henderson, Buddy Rich Big Band, and many more.

In 1983, while still a member of Journey, Smith formed his own jazz/fusion group, Steve Smith and Vital Information. He is also the bandleader of Steve Smiths Jazz Legacy, featuring Andy Fusco on alto sax, Walt Weiskof on tenor and soprano saxes, Mark Soskin on piano, and Baron Browne on bass. The group pays tribute to great jazz drummers.

In 1995, the band re-united and recorded a comeback album, Trial by Fire, released the following year. The recording included the chart-topper When You Love a Woman, a single that gave Journey a Grammy nomination. The band planned a subsequent tour following the success of their album; however, Steve Perry sustained a hip injury, so the band decided to look for a new vocalist. It was during this time that Smith also decided to leave the band.

Steve Smiths explosive solos gained him much acclaim. He was named in 2001 as one of the Top 25 Drummers of All Time in Modern Drummer Magazine after being voted as #1 All-Around Drummer for five consecutive years. In 2002, he was voted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. The following year, his Hudson Music DVD Steve Smith Drumset Technique - History of the U.S Beat was voted #1 Educational DVD of 2003. Smiths calendar is filled with drum clinics, which showcases his exceptional drumming techniques and concepts to students all over the world.

Smith plays Sonor drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth Signature Sticks and Tala Wands, Sonor Hardware, Roland Electronics, Shure Microphones, DW Bass Drum Pedals, Puresound Snare Wires, and Remo Drumheads.

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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Basic Tips For Beginner Artists

Understand first that you are not going to be a professional artist without practice and time. I know you want to learn to draw and be a good artist instantly but for 99% of people that is just not going to happen. Here are a few tips and advice to help you pump out some decent drawings immediately.

Many artists start off by drawing really thin and hard to see lines. Be confident with your strokes and use solid lines and bolder and darker colors. Don't be afraid to make errors as this is natural for beginners. This will help you to realize what your mistakes were so you can correct them the next time you draw. If you choose to erase your mistakes all the time and there will be no way to tell what aspects you need to work on to get better.

Since you are a beginner don't expect your results to be like Picasso, Michelangelo, or da Vinci. Each time you draw will be like a training session where over time your drawings will begin to look better and better.

Mix up the things you're going to draw. For example some people will exclusively draw portraits while others will work on scenes and environmental settings. Do a little of both an experiment in many different areas to see where your strengths really lie. Try to copy photos and notice shapes and shadings and do your best to get them on paper. Eventually you will learn what type of pencil or pen you will need in order to get the results that you want.

The best way to notice contrasts is by using black-and-white photographs. Even if it is not a black-and-white photograph, you can change those color photos into black-and-white as well to give you a true idea of where the contrasts lie in that color environment.

So you don't get bored with your work or end up wanting to quit, make sure that you draw items or scenes that you truly enjoy. This will just make it much more enjoyable and keep your interest in artistry alive. Good artists normally don't draw on subjects or items that they don't want.

Most of all, when first starting out be sure to practice as much as possible as this is the only true way to become a good artist. Have fun in what you're doing and be patient with your results.

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Sunday, May 2, 2010

Using Blurs and Attenuation in 3D Renderings

You can use Blur, Defocusing, and Attenuation to your advantage to improve anti-aliasing quality. The Ray tracer, out of the gate, has a decent Ray tracing engine. Sometimes, however, it needs a little kick in the pants for some scenes. This kick can be done by manipulating the Blur, Defocusing, and Attenuation settings.

Blur and Defocus basically blur an anti-aliased material more than it already is. Blur adds a general blur across the entire Ray traced material/map. Defocusing blurs a reflection or refraction more and more as the reflected surface's distance is further and further away from the material.

The end result is that Ray traced reflections and refractions do not appear as sharp. The Raytracer, however, tends to produce crisp, hyper-real images anyway. By using Blur and Defocus, you will "dirty" up the reflections and refractions. Be careful, however, not to add too much blurring or defocusing.

At higher settings, the blurring is overwhelming for most scenes. Lower offset values, anywhere between 0.1 and 0.3, often work fine. Attenuation helps to control the amount of reflections or refractions taking place on your material by limiting the distance that it can reflect or refract the environment. Because there is less of the environment to reflect, there is less to anti-alias.

This also means that rendering times are shorter when a material is more and more attenuated. Attenuation has its own section within the Ray trace map. The material has only check boxes for attenuation. If you desire a great deal of control over the attenuation of your Ray traced reflections or refractions, you will need to use the map versus the material.

A good Attenuation type to use is Exponential. Set the Start and End Ranges to values that reflect objects and the environment in the immediate vicinity of the reflective/refractive surface. The Exponent value acts as a multiplier.The higher the value is, the more attenuation will occur.

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