Believe me, I've read more than a few excellent books on real estate investing and real estate law, But I am a better Gregory Yates lawyer and dirt guy than I was ten years ago due to practice, practice and more practice. There's just no substitute for experience. Period. If there is a quick and easy solution for how to do this, we'd all do it. Your life, you learn, you move on to the next deal and you (hopefully) better every time.Gregory Yates Attorney
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
How to win an election
“Princeton University Press has made a predictable move in publishing a book called How to win an election: An Ancient Guide for Modern Politicians . . . but they're using a less predictable choice: the words of Quintus Tullius Cicero, brother to the great Roman orator Marcus Tullius Cicero,” says the Los Angeles Times. “The great Marcus Cicero needed his younger brother's advice? Absolutely. In class-conscious Rome, explains translator Philip Freeman, Cicero's bid to become consul was hampered because his family wasn't blue-blooded. His practical brother Quintus stepped in with a letter of advice to him known as the ‘Commentariolum Petitionis.’ Though Quintus' tips are directed at only one person, it is not difficult to find insights here that would help today's U.S. presidential contenders.” Speaking to us from a distance of more than 2,000 years, “Quintus Cicero's words are incisive and revelatory: They remind us that, when it comes to that strange beast known as politics, human nature hasn't changed very much since then.”
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
The Art of Face and Body Painting
By
Nelly Bee
Face and body painting has become one of the most popular
activities for parties where kids are present as well as popular
technique for photographers, artists, and other people. One of the
biggest differences between them is the purpose and when it is done.
Face painting is traditionally done on kids, whereas body painting is
done on adults.
Face Painting
This is something that many parents, or hosts of different events where kids are present, like to offer. It's a means for younger kids to express their creativity and their individuality by choosing what sort of decoration they want displayed on their faces. Face painting can include simple designs, such as hearts, flowers, stars, or other basic object. On other occasions, depending on the skill level of the face painter, a child could get an entire design painted across the entire face. Kids or adults can have their faces painted to have them look like a lion, tiger, or other animals. Clowns also use face painting to create their character. Other adults that use this form of painting in their life are members of the military or other entertainers, for example, professional wrestlers can have their faces painted to portray the image of a certain character.
Body Painting
On a whole is completely different from painting your face. As far back as we can go in history, natural pigments and clay has been used to paint members of different tribes. Body painting was used for different ceremonies or other rituals in those tribes. As the years went by, in the modern age, This was used as a form of artistic expression, fine art, commercial purposes, and it is even used for political reasons, one example is members of PETA painting their bodies to dissuade the use of animal furs. Although body painting can be done on an entirely nude body, it can also be done on specific sections of the body.
Professional body painters come together at different festivals and other events globally. At these festivals, people can come wearing minimal clothing that blends in with the rest of their painted outfit. In some sports, women and men will use body paint on their fact, arms, and torsos to express their support for different sports teams. As the increase interest grows, body painting, in all of its various forms is becoming increasingly more popular throughout the world regardless of age, gender of physical appearance, or financial background. It is simply a means by which people can express themselves artistically.
Face Painting
This is something that many parents, or hosts of different events where kids are present, like to offer. It's a means for younger kids to express their creativity and their individuality by choosing what sort of decoration they want displayed on their faces. Face painting can include simple designs, such as hearts, flowers, stars, or other basic object. On other occasions, depending on the skill level of the face painter, a child could get an entire design painted across the entire face. Kids or adults can have their faces painted to have them look like a lion, tiger, or other animals. Clowns also use face painting to create their character. Other adults that use this form of painting in their life are members of the military or other entertainers, for example, professional wrestlers can have their faces painted to portray the image of a certain character.
Body Painting
On a whole is completely different from painting your face. As far back as we can go in history, natural pigments and clay has been used to paint members of different tribes. Body painting was used for different ceremonies or other rituals in those tribes. As the years went by, in the modern age, This was used as a form of artistic expression, fine art, commercial purposes, and it is even used for political reasons, one example is members of PETA painting their bodies to dissuade the use of animal furs. Although body painting can be done on an entirely nude body, it can also be done on specific sections of the body.
Professional body painters come together at different festivals and other events globally. At these festivals, people can come wearing minimal clothing that blends in with the rest of their painted outfit. In some sports, women and men will use body paint on their fact, arms, and torsos to express their support for different sports teams. As the increase interest grows, body painting, in all of its various forms is becoming increasingly more popular throughout the world regardless of age, gender of physical appearance, or financial background. It is simply a means by which people can express themselves artistically.
Photo To Art Paintings Is A Great Way to Add Beauty To Your Home or Office
By
Agnes White
Discover truly unique fine art in customized paintings created
from the collaboration of talented independent artists from around the
globe and your favorite photograph. A gift of fine art with personal
relevance gives new meaning to the warmth of home and the ambiance of an
office. Photo to art raises amateur photography to frame worthy
wall-hangings of your favorite view.
The value of capturing a moment in time was recognized by earliest man in rudimentary expressions of prehistoric art. Though the tools and styles in the expression of art have continually evolved throughout time, art's importance and value remains uniquely constant throughout every culture's history.
The time-consuming and costly endeavors involved in sitting for a portrait today are left for heads of state and royalty. Technology simplifies the process of portraiture for the majority of fast-paced lifestyles and budget restrictions that define the rest of the population. Modern cameras give everyone the ability to snap a clear photograph with all the appeal that renders it a favorite. With a laptop in most homes, a snapshot can be edited to 'perfect' and then turned into a customized work of hand-painted, photo-realistic art with a click.
The style of art is determined by the preference of each individual desiring a painting. A full range of stylistically diverse, professional artists are available to create all realms of interpretative art. Decisions regarding the size of the artwork and painting mediums in oils, watercolors or pencil to create the customized masterpiece are appropriated per the commissioner's desire.
As a collaborative endeavor, the artistic eye of a discerning painter may notice subtleties in the chosen photograph where image editing would result in better aesthetic balance. In this event, the artist will communicate with the consumer by email or a phone conversation to exchange ideas and discuss the options to ensure both the artist and commissioner of a painting are on the same page for a finished product that results in a cohesive vision.
Upon completion, the artist will email a clear, unblemished photo of the original painting for detailed viewing by the individual commissioning the painting. At that time, any changes or suggested modifications are shared to ensure the painting meets or exceeds expectations.
If modifications are desired, the revised painting will be emailed by the artist for review. Upon acceptance, the artist awaits final confirmation by email, after which, the delivery process is initiated. The final, approved, hand-painted portraiture is couriered using the specified, recommended procedures for transported artwork, which is rolled in waterproof wrap and recycled paper. Your vision of a personal masterpiece is signed, sealed and delivered in a span of three to five weeks.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. The photo to art process begins with your personal vision, realized with painterly inspiration, applied through an artist's eyes, hands and tools. The priceless people in your life, a beloved pet, a scene with invaluable memories, or the landscape of a place that holds great meaning, are immortalized in a timeless vision of hand-painted artistic expression. The beautiful treasures you hold closest deserve no less.
The value of capturing a moment in time was recognized by earliest man in rudimentary expressions of prehistoric art. Though the tools and styles in the expression of art have continually evolved throughout time, art's importance and value remains uniquely constant throughout every culture's history.
The time-consuming and costly endeavors involved in sitting for a portrait today are left for heads of state and royalty. Technology simplifies the process of portraiture for the majority of fast-paced lifestyles and budget restrictions that define the rest of the population. Modern cameras give everyone the ability to snap a clear photograph with all the appeal that renders it a favorite. With a laptop in most homes, a snapshot can be edited to 'perfect' and then turned into a customized work of hand-painted, photo-realistic art with a click.
The style of art is determined by the preference of each individual desiring a painting. A full range of stylistically diverse, professional artists are available to create all realms of interpretative art. Decisions regarding the size of the artwork and painting mediums in oils, watercolors or pencil to create the customized masterpiece are appropriated per the commissioner's desire.
As a collaborative endeavor, the artistic eye of a discerning painter may notice subtleties in the chosen photograph where image editing would result in better aesthetic balance. In this event, the artist will communicate with the consumer by email or a phone conversation to exchange ideas and discuss the options to ensure both the artist and commissioner of a painting are on the same page for a finished product that results in a cohesive vision.
Upon completion, the artist will email a clear, unblemished photo of the original painting for detailed viewing by the individual commissioning the painting. At that time, any changes or suggested modifications are shared to ensure the painting meets or exceeds expectations.
If modifications are desired, the revised painting will be emailed by the artist for review. Upon acceptance, the artist awaits final confirmation by email, after which, the delivery process is initiated. The final, approved, hand-painted portraiture is couriered using the specified, recommended procedures for transported artwork, which is rolled in waterproof wrap and recycled paper. Your vision of a personal masterpiece is signed, sealed and delivered in a span of three to five weeks.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. The photo to art process begins with your personal vision, realized with painterly inspiration, applied through an artist's eyes, hands and tools. The priceless people in your life, a beloved pet, a scene with invaluable memories, or the landscape of a place that holds great meaning, are immortalized in a timeless vision of hand-painted artistic expression. The beautiful treasures you hold closest deserve no less.
Why You Should Consider Black and White Abstract Art for Your Home Decor
By
Matt Regton
Color matters. Our eyes are drawn to art that utilizes color and
contrast well to draw the idea to the intended object or focus. When one paints black and white abstract art,
they strip down the opportunities for color to distract and utilize the
dramatic color difference to draw the eye and make a statement. This
kind of abstract art requires an amount of technical skills to make sure
that the dramatic differences are highlighted correctly and no shading
is missed. However, when done appropriately, black and white paintings
can be a strong pop of artistic statement in an otherwise bright and
colorful home.
Such a painting style relies on shades and hues of just the two colors. You must be able to work the darks and lights to create a visual interest and balance in the painting. It forces your gaze to analyze the artistic merit of the image, as well as the fine details and subtle notes that the artist has included. The more shading, the less stark the image seems. If you are looking for a bold statement, use fewer values of lights and dark in the black and white abstract paintings. This creates harsh contrast, forcing the eye to pay attention. With more values, your image will appear much more realistic and 'picture like.'
An artist may experiment with "colorless" painting in order to stretch their abilities and improve their skills. Without color shading to rely on for any mistakes or indecision, the artist must rely on accurate drawing skills and a keen eye for shading. It strips down the artist's skills to the bare bones of art: drawing. Without color, painting acts in much the same way that drawing does, relying on two colors and all of the shades and intermediates.
Abstract art in the home is a great way to create a modern look. With sharp contrast differences, art that integrates only these two colors is a great way to offset a wall in an otherwise bright and colorful room. It can also be used to draw the eye to a bright, plain wall or distract from a visually unappealing area. Depending on the values used, such abstract paintings can also be calming and nostalgia-inducing. Art without color hearkens back to an older era where color photography was a future consideration. It often is used in theme rooms to evoke the correct mood.
Black and white abstract paintings has a way of evoking mood and desire in a way that color painting has yet to catch on to. Such abstract art is stripped down to the core and relies just as much on skill as it does on supplies; the deft application of shading and understanding of values can bring the work anywhere from cartoon-like to photo-realistic. This art style in the home is a great way to add contrast and visual interest in a colorful home or bring about a certain mood, depending on the focus of the artwork. Overall, black and white abstract artwork is not something to be underestimated and could be easily utilized in any home.
Such a painting style relies on shades and hues of just the two colors. You must be able to work the darks and lights to create a visual interest and balance in the painting. It forces your gaze to analyze the artistic merit of the image, as well as the fine details and subtle notes that the artist has included. The more shading, the less stark the image seems. If you are looking for a bold statement, use fewer values of lights and dark in the black and white abstract paintings. This creates harsh contrast, forcing the eye to pay attention. With more values, your image will appear much more realistic and 'picture like.'
An artist may experiment with "colorless" painting in order to stretch their abilities and improve their skills. Without color shading to rely on for any mistakes or indecision, the artist must rely on accurate drawing skills and a keen eye for shading. It strips down the artist's skills to the bare bones of art: drawing. Without color, painting acts in much the same way that drawing does, relying on two colors and all of the shades and intermediates.
Abstract art in the home is a great way to create a modern look. With sharp contrast differences, art that integrates only these two colors is a great way to offset a wall in an otherwise bright and colorful room. It can also be used to draw the eye to a bright, plain wall or distract from a visually unappealing area. Depending on the values used, such abstract paintings can also be calming and nostalgia-inducing. Art without color hearkens back to an older era where color photography was a future consideration. It often is used in theme rooms to evoke the correct mood.
Black and white abstract paintings has a way of evoking mood and desire in a way that color painting has yet to catch on to. Such abstract art is stripped down to the core and relies just as much on skill as it does on supplies; the deft application of shading and understanding of values can bring the work anywhere from cartoon-like to photo-realistic. This art style in the home is a great way to add contrast and visual interest in a colorful home or bring about a certain mood, depending on the focus of the artwork. Overall, black and white abstract artwork is not something to be underestimated and could be easily utilized in any home.
Artist Spotlight: Adrian Hill, War Artist and Pioneer of Art Therapy
By
Olivia Nicholls
On researching the British artist Adrian Hill I was drawn into
the fascinating story of his contribution to the use of art as a
therapeutic discipline. He is credited with having coined the phrase
'Art Therapy' in 1941 - and it seems that in giving it a name he was
making concrete a process which has likely been happening for centuries.
It is well known that art has been a long-standing and multicultural
form of expression and communication: from the paleolithic period where
cave markings may have been used to psychologically prepare for long and
dangerous hunting expeditions; through ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome
to the flourishing of art during the Renaissance as supreme human
expression. It is evident that art fulfils a fundamental human need to
create and communicate; but the value of Hill's contribution was his
insight that in nourishing the mind, art could heal the body.
Born at Charlton, London, in 1895, Adrian Hill showed artistic talent from an early age, studying at St John's Wood School of Art, 1912-14. The outbreak of the First World War saw Hill serving at the front in France as a signaller and scout in the 1st Honourable Artillery Company - so as a young man he experienced the physical and psychological traumas of war first hand. Having shown some of his drawings to Charles Foulkes, Curator and Secretary at the Imperial War Museum, he was transferred to the new War Trophies Section and became the first official war artist commissioned by the Museum.
The official British war art scheme originated in the Foreign Office in late 1914, established to manage and disseminate propaganda images. Demand grew from newspaper editors for authentic depictions of the front-line, and artists rather than studio illustrators were employed for the subtle tonal complexity of their work. Hill was told precisely what to draw, which resulted in an extensive portfolio of 187 pen and ink drawings - of rather mundane subjects, which nevertheless were very acutely observed. His drawings and paintings now find home in the Imperial War Museum in London, along with archival material relating to the commissions.
Hill continued as a professional artist after the war, studying at the Royal College of Art 1919-20. The shift in Hill's life began when in 1938 - as he describes it - he 'fell foul to a dreary complaint called TB'. He spent time convalescing at the famous King Edward VII sanatorium at Midhurst, Sussex, and started to pass the time by drawing from his hospital bed. He describes the way in which art provided much-needed occupation for his body and mind.
'The point I wish to make here is that rest, physical inactivity was beginning to pall, I was increasingly aware that time which had been 'marking time' for some weeks past was now halted and stood still - very still! And with this dread realisation came the happy discovery of how to set the pendulum in motion again, by the simple act of drawing.'
There are drawings of views from his hospital bed - of the trees in the hospital grounds - and his annotations reveal the comfort that the views provided.
When this activity proved helpful to his own recovery, Hill was engaged by sanatorium staff to assist other patients. He explains the early days of this process making it sound natural and informal, as though not part of some grand plan.
'It was only because I was bored, because I was an artist, and I asked if I could do some drawing, and when they found that I was very much more docile a patient, I asked whether I could get other patients to have a go too. And they did. And they liked it very much and it did them good too.'
Occupational Therapy was introduced to the Midhurst sanatorium in 1941 for service casualties and Hill was officially engaged by the resident Therapist. The news of Hill's work spread and he started to work at other sanatoria. Not only did Hill see value in artistic practice he also recognised the health benefits of viewing art. He went on to propose and develop a scheme of hanging artwork on hospital walls in constantly changing displays - radical at a time when hospital administrations insisted on blank walls. He explained:
'... so the patient would see something and it would bring them into touch with the artist who did it, and so they would learn a lot about art, and it would possibly want to make them draw and paint themselves.'
By 1945 Hill would publish his theories in a book called 'Art Versus Illness', devised as a practical scheme of therapy as a very real aid to recovery. A review of the book in the 1946 British Journal of Nursing described it as 'of extraordinary interest and originality'. It was evidently being taken seriously by the medical profession, and indeed the British College of Nurses secured copies to make available to studying nurses.
Looking at Hill's art reminds us that the creation of art is a process, and the resulting picture is more than an object. And when you next have a trip to a hospital, doctor's surgery or dentist, and see art hung generously on the walls, think of Mr Hill.
Born at Charlton, London, in 1895, Adrian Hill showed artistic talent from an early age, studying at St John's Wood School of Art, 1912-14. The outbreak of the First World War saw Hill serving at the front in France as a signaller and scout in the 1st Honourable Artillery Company - so as a young man he experienced the physical and psychological traumas of war first hand. Having shown some of his drawings to Charles Foulkes, Curator and Secretary at the Imperial War Museum, he was transferred to the new War Trophies Section and became the first official war artist commissioned by the Museum.
The official British war art scheme originated in the Foreign Office in late 1914, established to manage and disseminate propaganda images. Demand grew from newspaper editors for authentic depictions of the front-line, and artists rather than studio illustrators were employed for the subtle tonal complexity of their work. Hill was told precisely what to draw, which resulted in an extensive portfolio of 187 pen and ink drawings - of rather mundane subjects, which nevertheless were very acutely observed. His drawings and paintings now find home in the Imperial War Museum in London, along with archival material relating to the commissions.
Hill continued as a professional artist after the war, studying at the Royal College of Art 1919-20. The shift in Hill's life began when in 1938 - as he describes it - he 'fell foul to a dreary complaint called TB'. He spent time convalescing at the famous King Edward VII sanatorium at Midhurst, Sussex, and started to pass the time by drawing from his hospital bed. He describes the way in which art provided much-needed occupation for his body and mind.
'The point I wish to make here is that rest, physical inactivity was beginning to pall, I was increasingly aware that time which had been 'marking time' for some weeks past was now halted and stood still - very still! And with this dread realisation came the happy discovery of how to set the pendulum in motion again, by the simple act of drawing.'
There are drawings of views from his hospital bed - of the trees in the hospital grounds - and his annotations reveal the comfort that the views provided.
When this activity proved helpful to his own recovery, Hill was engaged by sanatorium staff to assist other patients. He explains the early days of this process making it sound natural and informal, as though not part of some grand plan.
'It was only because I was bored, because I was an artist, and I asked if I could do some drawing, and when they found that I was very much more docile a patient, I asked whether I could get other patients to have a go too. And they did. And they liked it very much and it did them good too.'
Occupational Therapy was introduced to the Midhurst sanatorium in 1941 for service casualties and Hill was officially engaged by the resident Therapist. The news of Hill's work spread and he started to work at other sanatoria. Not only did Hill see value in artistic practice he also recognised the health benefits of viewing art. He went on to propose and develop a scheme of hanging artwork on hospital walls in constantly changing displays - radical at a time when hospital administrations insisted on blank walls. He explained:
'... so the patient would see something and it would bring them into touch with the artist who did it, and so they would learn a lot about art, and it would possibly want to make them draw and paint themselves.'
By 1945 Hill would publish his theories in a book called 'Art Versus Illness', devised as a practical scheme of therapy as a very real aid to recovery. A review of the book in the 1946 British Journal of Nursing described it as 'of extraordinary interest and originality'. It was evidently being taken seriously by the medical profession, and indeed the British College of Nurses secured copies to make available to studying nurses.
Looking at Hill's art reminds us that the creation of art is a process, and the resulting picture is more than an object. And when you next have a trip to a hospital, doctor's surgery or dentist, and see art hung generously on the walls, think of Mr Hill.
3 Top Ways to Get Started on Painting Like a Professional Artist
By
Dorothy Gauvin
Confidence is a powerful gift. Only you can give it to yourself.
Do treasure the memory of the day you commit to Art. In some private
place, you said out loud, 'I am an artist.' It's already true, you've
only confirmed a fact you secretly knew.
Now, you need to convince the world. Start with those around you, family and close friends. They'll be your support team while you make yourself ready to approach galleries. You'll need some loving support, because there's something you can't be expected to know at the start of this journey to professionalism.
The old adage says, 'Opportunity only knocks once.' You'll make yourself ready to open the door by
getting a body of artwork done - paintings or drawings suitable for a portfolio to show gallery directors. You might keep some of your preparatory sketches, even notes on why you chose the medium and the subject matter you prefer. Keep updating your portfolio as your skills progress.
2. Don't wait for Inspiration
Professional artists don't wait around for inspiration to strike. They're in the habit of being ready. So, for them, inspiration is everywhere, all the time. Let me illustrate what that means...
For perhaps a majority of people, 'work' is the proverbial four-letter word. For artists, like elite athletes, their work is what others perceive as 'play.' Canadian author Margaret Atwood, on a recent visit to Australia, suggested we need a new word that combines work and play. She nominated 'plork' as the solution. So, 'PLORK' every day in your studio.
When I started out, most of what happened to further my career was a matter of trying this and that, failing at some points, stumbling upon the things that worked. I'd have given a lot for a handbook to show me the way. I understand much of what you are facing now and I'm glad to have a chance to help ease your path. Next time, I'll share tips on setting up a studio in your home.
Now, you need to convince the world. Start with those around you, family and close friends. They'll be your support team while you make yourself ready to approach galleries. You'll need some loving support, because there's something you can't be expected to know at the start of this journey to professionalism.
- No matter how long a career may be ahead for you, no matter how successful that career may be, days will come when you'll feel self-doubt so strong it will tempt you to give up the struggle. Please don't. Just remember the surge of confidence you felt on the day you declared, 'I am an Artist.' Follow these 3 empowering habits of successful artists:
The old adage says, 'Opportunity only knocks once.' You'll make yourself ready to open the door by
getting a body of artwork done - paintings or drawings suitable for a portfolio to show gallery directors. You might keep some of your preparatory sketches, even notes on why you chose the medium and the subject matter you prefer. Keep updating your portfolio as your skills progress.
2. Don't wait for Inspiration
Professional artists don't wait around for inspiration to strike. They're in the habit of being ready. So, for them, inspiration is everywhere, all the time. Let me illustrate what that means...
- A Composer walks along a busy city street. His ears are assailed by the screech of traffic, the blare of car horns, the buzz from workers and shoppers who crowd the sidewalk. What he hears is 'A Beautiful Noise.'
- A Painter reads about the prodigal son who abandoned the family farm and his ageing parents, returning only after the inheritance was squandered. What the painter creates is an image of the Ideal of unfailing parental love and forgiveness.
- A Poet sees an urn, a vase of stone, engraved with figures from ancient Greek mythology. What he writes is an Ode, a lyrical examination of how much can be represented by Art about the tragedy at the heart of humankind: the knowledge of our own mortality.
For perhaps a majority of people, 'work' is the proverbial four-letter word. For artists, like elite athletes, their work is what others perceive as 'play.' Canadian author Margaret Atwood, on a recent visit to Australia, suggested we need a new word that combines work and play. She nominated 'plork' as the solution. So, 'PLORK' every day in your studio.
When I started out, most of what happened to further my career was a matter of trying this and that, failing at some points, stumbling upon the things that worked. I'd have given a lot for a handbook to show me the way. I understand much of what you are facing now and I'm glad to have a chance to help ease your path. Next time, I'll share tips on setting up a studio in your home.
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