It can be hard to know the difference between a true and fake friend at first. However, once you know the difference between the two, you should try to make friends and keep them. Maybe making friends is hard for you because you're shy or naturally quiet. Even if you're not shy, it can be hard to talk to people you don't know well or who make you feel nervous. The fact is, most adolescents feel shy some of the time and some feel shy a lot of the time. There's nothing wrong with keeping to yourself when you don't feel like talking. If you want to have friends, you have to be friendly. That means being kind and thoughtful and learning to talk and listen. Talking without listening isn't really a conversation at all. It's just exercising your voice and mouth. If you don't listen to the person you're talking to, you aren't likely to make or keep many friends. Another way of having friends is by sharing.
Once you start conversations, keep them going by telling others something about yourself. Other kids are more likely to talk about themselves if you share something about yourself. Sometimes, sharing means telling others about what your opinions, interests, plans, and feelings are. Lastly, to be friendly, you should speak kindly to others and of others and be polite. Saying things like please, thank you and excuse me is very important. It also means showing respect and treating people the same way you'd like to be treated. Nobody likes to be bossed around. Sometimes you may need to be assertive, and sometimes you may even need to speak to people in a strong voice to stop them from doing something harmful. But even then you can be polite.
Polite, respectful talk is one way to exude kindness. Kind talk is more than that too. Kind talk is going out of your way to help others through your words. It means giving words of support to people who are lonely or sad and giving sincere compliments to others. You can show friends that you really care about them through your words. Kind talk is adding kindness to someone's life with your words, especially when they don't expect it. But it can even be more than that. It can also be adding kindness through your actions by doing favours for others. By taking these steps, you will be learning how to make and keep friends. But you will also learn who can be trusted with your friendship and who can't. Both are important to be assertive and self-confident. Irene S. Roth writes for teens, tweens, and kids about self-empowerment. She is the author of over thirty-five books and over five hundred online articles. She also has four hundred and sixty published book reviews both online and in print.
Friday, 13 July 2018
The Magic of Congenial Friendship
We, as social animals need company of each other to share our happiest, grief-stricken, difficulties and easiest moments. Consequently, it leads to either celebration or empathetic moments in return. Whatsoever way we may think to be independent, we are either directly or indirectly dependent on each other on this planet. Basically, it is a give and take relation that drives us to be dependent on each other. Hence to bring an equilibrium in this relation we need to be empathetic, altruistic and compatible. There are two ways to defy the above relation - one by denouncing our physical possessions to go on to become a hermit, or by being greedy to possess all physical things that come on our way. Nevertheless, these two exceptions would lead to an hostile atmosphere resulting into a chaotic situations.
Thus, such a dependent and jovial atmosphere is the need of the hour; because, this blooms into a harmony that has more value than gold or platinum. The above friendly relations which include compatibility resulting into a congenial atmosphere could be viewed with a small story. The story revolves around a group of six friends who met in a two year education program in a city in India. They were from different parts of the country, having a considerable exposure towards potpourri of cultures across the length and breadth of the country. Naturally, this portrays their eclectic knowledge about various topics while still being down-to-earth.
A common thing that bound them together is weekend parties and spending time together after the supper. Nonetheless, their cultures were different; however they share the common thoughts of being together for their better understanding, non-regionalism and maturity-in-thought. During the two years of stay, never ever have they involved themselves in a turmoil situation on petty things, and whatsoever may be the issue. They respected each other while trying to be empathetic, sympathetic and friendly to each other. Obviously, such a behavior has developed a congenial system among them portraying their compatibility for each other.
Moreover, the exciting thing among them that bound them sturdy is their exciting bike trips they have had during the two year stay. These trips have been exciting and have been drawn as successful ones by their peers in their batch. The point to be emphasized and to be noted here is that despite being different on the basis of caste, creed, gender or region of a country, we need to be empathetic and sympathetic to each other so as to maintain a congenial relationship. Eventually, this would lead to a compatible dependency which culminates into a harmonious and jovial atmosphere.
Thus, such a dependent and jovial atmosphere is the need of the hour; because, this blooms into a harmony that has more value than gold or platinum. The above friendly relations which include compatibility resulting into a congenial atmosphere could be viewed with a small story. The story revolves around a group of six friends who met in a two year education program in a city in India. They were from different parts of the country, having a considerable exposure towards potpourri of cultures across the length and breadth of the country. Naturally, this portrays their eclectic knowledge about various topics while still being down-to-earth.
A common thing that bound them together is weekend parties and spending time together after the supper. Nonetheless, their cultures were different; however they share the common thoughts of being together for their better understanding, non-regionalism and maturity-in-thought. During the two years of stay, never ever have they involved themselves in a turmoil situation on petty things, and whatsoever may be the issue. They respected each other while trying to be empathetic, sympathetic and friendly to each other. Obviously, such a behavior has developed a congenial system among them portraying their compatibility for each other.
Moreover, the exciting thing among them that bound them sturdy is their exciting bike trips they have had during the two year stay. These trips have been exciting and have been drawn as successful ones by their peers in their batch. The point to be emphasized and to be noted here is that despite being different on the basis of caste, creed, gender or region of a country, we need to be empathetic and sympathetic to each other so as to maintain a congenial relationship. Eventually, this would lead to a compatible dependency which culminates into a harmonious and jovial atmosphere.
Look, Listen, and Learn From Friends
As children we develop friendships that we vowed no matter what, we will be friends to the end. We were sincere in the very idea and thought of that pack. However, life begins to happen, and other things begin to happen at the same time. When you are children all is wonderful, colorful, and free. We see the bluest sky and the greenest trees. Our friend is right no matter what they say or do, and we just admire how they can tell a lie and make it sound so true. Innocence has long been lost and almost forgotten. Though we try to keep things as light-hearted as possible; life is uncomfortably black and white most of the time. The colors have been meshed into an unrecognizable color that we can't readily name; so we find ourselves spontaneously making up a name that appears to fit. No one wants to say that this is not right, or this is wrong, or even question anymore "WHY"? Nooooooooo, we just mindlessly and "purposely" get-in-to-fit-in and in some arenas this seemingly is the only way to acquire the desired end goal of us all.
However, this compromise puts us at of risk of being just another face, another number, another... just the same old "here's another one'. Don't get-in-to-fit-in, dare to be different, even if "different" to today's standards is not popular. I can be me, you can be you, we can be us, and they, can be them; and everyone can accept "who each one is", but not necessarily "what" we all may do. That is an individual choice, and personal conviction of whatever "that" is that we, they may do. If you don't like "what I do", simply 'don't participate', if I don't like what you do... I simply 'don't participate'. My end is mine alone, and I am very confident about my end.
Your end is your end, and I hope you are as certain of your end. My end is "eternal" bliss, for I have experienced a small glimpse of this bliss on this sided of measured time. I have also experienced "a glimpse of and been impacted by unrest, unfaithfulness, unloved, unforgiveness, pain, sorrow, confusion, despair, illness, hopelessness, and boy have I seen my share of death; but, the promise of "eternal bliss" has overshadowed my heart, soul, spirit, and mind, til my only outlook is "inner peace", and "unfiltered joy". Some of my childhood friends are no longer hear on this earth, some of them have gone on beyond this world. None of them have come back to tell me where they are, but, for some I already know, because they made it very clear while they were yet alive; where their eternity would be.
This I am assured of and this you can ponder... #if you my friends went to heaven, they don't want to leave; and if their eternity is in hell... #they can't leave. I leave you with this... If your friend(s) say to you that they have found inner peace, unspeakable joy, and life is good, though they may be financially struggling; and you on the other hand have $$$$$$, but you are miserable, no inner peace, and you find yourself envying your friend(s)... DON'T! Ask them... how is it you can be broke, alone, and at peace... they may just tell you... "I have unspeakable joy"; that I can't explain but it's something that has helped me, and me it has surely sustained.
However, this compromise puts us at of risk of being just another face, another number, another... just the same old "here's another one'. Don't get-in-to-fit-in, dare to be different, even if "different" to today's standards is not popular. I can be me, you can be you, we can be us, and they, can be them; and everyone can accept "who each one is", but not necessarily "what" we all may do. That is an individual choice, and personal conviction of whatever "that" is that we, they may do. If you don't like "what I do", simply 'don't participate', if I don't like what you do... I simply 'don't participate'. My end is mine alone, and I am very confident about my end.
Your end is your end, and I hope you are as certain of your end. My end is "eternal" bliss, for I have experienced a small glimpse of this bliss on this sided of measured time. I have also experienced "a glimpse of and been impacted by unrest, unfaithfulness, unloved, unforgiveness, pain, sorrow, confusion, despair, illness, hopelessness, and boy have I seen my share of death; but, the promise of "eternal bliss" has overshadowed my heart, soul, spirit, and mind, til my only outlook is "inner peace", and "unfiltered joy". Some of my childhood friends are no longer hear on this earth, some of them have gone on beyond this world. None of them have come back to tell me where they are, but, for some I already know, because they made it very clear while they were yet alive; where their eternity would be.
This I am assured of and this you can ponder... #if you my friends went to heaven, they don't want to leave; and if their eternity is in hell... #they can't leave. I leave you with this... If your friend(s) say to you that they have found inner peace, unspeakable joy, and life is good, though they may be financially struggling; and you on the other hand have $$$$$$, but you are miserable, no inner peace, and you find yourself envying your friend(s)... DON'T! Ask them... how is it you can be broke, alone, and at peace... they may just tell you... "I have unspeakable joy"; that I can't explain but it's something that has helped me, and me it has surely sustained.
The Responsibility We Have to Friends
Deep friendships mean abysmal betrayals, when, for some reason, the relationship ends. Inevitably every close relationship, friendships particularly, are affected by conflict, and ultimately some skirmish occurs to test the strength of trust between two buddies. There's deep hurt, sorrow, anguish, and loneliness. But things can get even more complex if one or both begin to interact from a platform of that hurt.
It stands to reason that it's when we're hurt we have more capacity to hurt others. And when the other person is hurt they will not respond well to our hurtful comments and behaviour. Friends really have a responsibility to one another, and if one doesn't take responsibility surely it's up to the other. What an irony it is that one person from the eroded friendship must take the role of being a friend. But what is the role of a friend when they're in conflict with another friend? Well, the obvious thing to say is this; if they don't act as a friend, the friendship has no future.
Not just that, the friendship will ever more be a source of pain that cannot and will not be reconciled. Bitterness is bred on the spread of relational distance, the refusal to vulnerably admit and lovingly address hurts. A friend must act beyond their feelings of sadness and anger from betrayal, and genuinely reach forth to their friend as if the hurt hadn't occurred in the first place. That's right, for one attempt, or perhaps one more, it's the godly thing to reach out and endeavour to understand the hurt in our friend.
This is helped by getting the log out of our own eye first (Matthew 7:1-5). It would be a waste of their time and ours, and potentially catastrophic to an already damaged friendship, to reach out without being ready to assume our own responsibility for what went wrong. Remembering that the premise of this article is the initial interactions to get the friendship back on track after conflict, reconciliation can start with us. Redemption is in our hands if we walk humbly with our friend.
It stands to reason that it's when we're hurt we have more capacity to hurt others. And when the other person is hurt they will not respond well to our hurtful comments and behaviour. Friends really have a responsibility to one another, and if one doesn't take responsibility surely it's up to the other. What an irony it is that one person from the eroded friendship must take the role of being a friend. But what is the role of a friend when they're in conflict with another friend? Well, the obvious thing to say is this; if they don't act as a friend, the friendship has no future.
Not just that, the friendship will ever more be a source of pain that cannot and will not be reconciled. Bitterness is bred on the spread of relational distance, the refusal to vulnerably admit and lovingly address hurts. A friend must act beyond their feelings of sadness and anger from betrayal, and genuinely reach forth to their friend as if the hurt hadn't occurred in the first place. That's right, for one attempt, or perhaps one more, it's the godly thing to reach out and endeavour to understand the hurt in our friend.
This is helped by getting the log out of our own eye first (Matthew 7:1-5). It would be a waste of their time and ours, and potentially catastrophic to an already damaged friendship, to reach out without being ready to assume our own responsibility for what went wrong. Remembering that the premise of this article is the initial interactions to get the friendship back on track after conflict, reconciliation can start with us. Redemption is in our hands if we walk humbly with our friend.
5 Genuine Reasons Why We Lose Friends
Most of us are unable to retain friends as we grow older. The reasons are countless and few of them are genuine too. So if you are the one who feels guilty for losing childhood friends or school friends then you should not as it is absolutely normal. Let's find out the reasons why we lose friends. Changing Priorities In every phase of life, we have different priorities. Since your life is changing, you have to go with the flow. Be it studying abroad, professional life or getting married, the priorities need your focused attention. You must have realized that something you had at the first place on your priority, it has become now second. In most of the cases, that first priority even no longer exist. New Role of Life When you are on your journey of a new parent, the world seems like upside down. It is the time when your priorities changed immediately.
Like most of the new parents, your key priority also becomes taking care of kids. No joy can match the bliss of seeing your child growing up. It somewhere affects your friendship and you tend to lose friends. That is the point when you no longer have time to catch up with friends like you used to. Added Responsibilities There is a time in life when you have more responsibilities and have no time to hang out with friends. It can be the time once you get married, or prepare for an exam or a promotion at work. This way, you have less time for your social life which in a way has an impact on your friendship too. You cannot overlook new responsibilities and on the other hand, you don't wish to lose friends. Refraining from Toxic Friends Your friendship was started on a very good note. But with the changing time, some friends unknowingly develop a toxic relationship.
You may find some of them have developed interest in you more than a friend. This may turn you off if you were serious about friendship only and did not wish to think otherwise. We also tend to discover few things about our friends' character that may not go well with our values. In such cases, it is hard to retain even our best friends. Moving to New City This could be one of the most genuine reasons for losing away friends. When you move to a new city, there are lots of challenges ahead. Settling down in a new location may take time which is sure to affect your friendship to a certain level. Moreover, you get in contact with new people and then find it hard to stay connected regularly with friends of the old city. The above list shares some of the most genuine reasons why we lose friends. However, a good friendship is not worth losing at all. Try your best to keep it alive and stay connected with old friends because they are the gems of your life that add value to your existence.
Like most of the new parents, your key priority also becomes taking care of kids. No joy can match the bliss of seeing your child growing up. It somewhere affects your friendship and you tend to lose friends. That is the point when you no longer have time to catch up with friends like you used to. Added Responsibilities There is a time in life when you have more responsibilities and have no time to hang out with friends. It can be the time once you get married, or prepare for an exam or a promotion at work. This way, you have less time for your social life which in a way has an impact on your friendship too. You cannot overlook new responsibilities and on the other hand, you don't wish to lose friends. Refraining from Toxic Friends Your friendship was started on a very good note. But with the changing time, some friends unknowingly develop a toxic relationship.
You may find some of them have developed interest in you more than a friend. This may turn you off if you were serious about friendship only and did not wish to think otherwise. We also tend to discover few things about our friends' character that may not go well with our values. In such cases, it is hard to retain even our best friends. Moving to New City This could be one of the most genuine reasons for losing away friends. When you move to a new city, there are lots of challenges ahead. Settling down in a new location may take time which is sure to affect your friendship to a certain level. Moreover, you get in contact with new people and then find it hard to stay connected regularly with friends of the old city. The above list shares some of the most genuine reasons why we lose friends. However, a good friendship is not worth losing at all. Try your best to keep it alive and stay connected with old friends because they are the gems of your life that add value to your existence.
Botticelli - Enduring Artist of the Renaissance Period
The Renaissance produced some of the most prolific artists that are still heralded today as the great standard of talent and execution. One of the most prominent artist's on this list is Botticelli (1445 - 1510). He encompassed a style of painting that emphasized a pure state-of-mind and a preference for nostalgia that has made him the "especial object of Pre-Raphaelite admiration in the nineteen century... " 1 However, outside of his own lifetime, Botticelli became the "The Forgotten Florentine", as his work "suffered centuries of neglect before it was rediscovered by the Victorians." 2 Like many of his contemporaries, Botticelli had an expressive, even emotional aspect to his painting. He was energetic and intense but simultaneously refined in execution. A grace was exuded through his linear presentation of design and blend of clear colours that enhanced delicate natural details. With an evocative sensitivity toward the artists of the Middle Ages, Botticelli combined all of these attributes in his remarkable works. This is most evident in his major paintings of Primavera and The Birth of Venus in addition to a number of other images that were equally outstanding. Before exploring these creations, it is helpful to become acquainted with the background of this famous artist. Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi was born in Florence in 1445.
His family affectionately nicknamed him Botticelli which is an Italian rewording of the word "botticello," meaning "small wine cask"; this name would remain with him forever. His working-class family prided themselves in providing tanning and quality weaving goods that were highly sought after at the time. Although quite poor, the family was close-knit and existed in happy domesticity. Botticelli was a talented but restless child and his parent's decided to remove him from school and instead send him to work as an artist's apprentice. His training began with the goldsmith, Maso Finiguerra from where he progressed to the studio of artist Fra Filippo Lippi in 1461. The majority of Botticelli's experience was painting frescoes for Florentine churches and cathedrals which eventually led to working with the painter and engraver Antonio del Pollaiuolo. In addition to learning his craft from these artists', Botticelli also made valuable connections to wealthy and powerful families. Confident with his talent and ability to secure commissions, Botticelli established his own workshop in 1470. It was at this time that he received his first appointment and had the opportunity to exhibit his considerable gifts. His first patron was the Merchants' Guild for whom he completed the painting of Fortitude for the Council Chamber.
This was secured for him by way of his Medici family connections - the most prominent of Florentine families. During his career, Botticelli was engaged by several noteworthy patrons, including the wealthy Medici Dynasty, Pope Sixtus IV and writer Dante Alghieri. It was through these clients that Botticelli completed some of his greatest works which transformed him into a highly regarded artist of the day. The Medici family had a significant influence on the success of Botticelli and throughout his working life they provided him with a steady tributary of clients. In addition, the Medici's themselves were highly desirous for numerous original Botticelli paintings. Of these works, Primavera (above) and Birth of Venus were two of the most outstanding that Botticelli created for the Medici's and they were displayed in the Medici Villa Castello.
The interpretation of these pictures has made reference to the long, slender proportions of Venus together with showering her in soft golden light that "may depict Venus as a symbol of both pagan and Christian love." 3 These two paintings helped to establish Botticelli as having both secular and non-secular abilities with his painting. Once the Sistine Chapel was complete in 1481, it was the duty of Pope Sixtus IV to assemble a special group of artisan's to decorate the interiors; Botticelli was one of them summoned to contribute. Delighted with the opportunity, Botticelli went to the Vatican in Rome and there he executed The Punishment of Korah, The Youth of Moses and the Temptation of Christ. After a year in Rome, Botticelli returned to Florence in 1482 and he became more sought after than ever before. His work at the Sistine Chapel brought him an abundance of new commissions that ranged in subjects from secular to religious subjects and took the form of banners, wedding chests (cassoni) and paintings.
His renditions of Madonna and Child images were particularly renowned and his studio created many reproductions of his own originals as they were too popular and hence financially lucrative not to exploit. Botticelli also hired several assistants and prospered to a level he never anticipated. During this time, Botticelli also embarked on illustrations for writer Dante Algheri's most prolific work, The Divine Comedy. Commissioned by Lorenzo Medici for these images, Botticelli spent time from 1480 to 1500 working on these drawings, however they were never completed. By 1490 Botticelli fortunes changed and calls for his works, particularly religious subjects diminished. This was due to the Medici family being expelled from Italy and the Dominican monk Savonarola preaching major moral and religious reforms. These events had a profound impact on Botticelli and his work reflected his state-of-mind. He refused to adapt to the realism of anatomy that Leonardo Da Vinci used or to the latest subjects heralded by the new artistic elite. He instead wanted to stay in the romantic reflection of expression from the past.
Throughout his lifetime Botticelli remained in his home city of Florence and in the house that his father purchased for the family many years before. When his father died, Botticelli continued to live with his brothers in this home. Given his loyalty and love of his birthplace, Botticelli was more disturbed with the later developments in Florence. He suffered decades of decline and when he died in 1510, he was buried in his lifetime parish of the Church of Ognissanti; sadly, no mark of the grave remains today. Botticelli's genius was re-discovered during the Victorian age and admiration for this work continues to the present.
For those possessing artistic appreciation, it is easy to understand why. Some of the most outstanding features of Botticelli's style embraced a variety of remarkable techniques. His early influences from the artisans that he apprenticed with greatly affected his work. Botticelli's treatment of fine details, especially his rendition of halos was exemplary; his fine work to augment the most "exquisite brushwork in a delicate mesh of gold." 4 Botticelli was considered the master of line as he was graceful and disciplined in what Sir David Piper called "the seductive charm of his flowing line." The effort Botticelli placed in creating distinction and beauty in his flowers, garments, facial expressions and other subtle but refined subjects was extraordinary. It is no wonder that he is regarded today as one of the most brilliant and enduring artist's of the Renaissance period.
His family affectionately nicknamed him Botticelli which is an Italian rewording of the word "botticello," meaning "small wine cask"; this name would remain with him forever. His working-class family prided themselves in providing tanning and quality weaving goods that were highly sought after at the time. Although quite poor, the family was close-knit and existed in happy domesticity. Botticelli was a talented but restless child and his parent's decided to remove him from school and instead send him to work as an artist's apprentice. His training began with the goldsmith, Maso Finiguerra from where he progressed to the studio of artist Fra Filippo Lippi in 1461. The majority of Botticelli's experience was painting frescoes for Florentine churches and cathedrals which eventually led to working with the painter and engraver Antonio del Pollaiuolo. In addition to learning his craft from these artists', Botticelli also made valuable connections to wealthy and powerful families. Confident with his talent and ability to secure commissions, Botticelli established his own workshop in 1470. It was at this time that he received his first appointment and had the opportunity to exhibit his considerable gifts. His first patron was the Merchants' Guild for whom he completed the painting of Fortitude for the Council Chamber.
This was secured for him by way of his Medici family connections - the most prominent of Florentine families. During his career, Botticelli was engaged by several noteworthy patrons, including the wealthy Medici Dynasty, Pope Sixtus IV and writer Dante Alghieri. It was through these clients that Botticelli completed some of his greatest works which transformed him into a highly regarded artist of the day. The Medici family had a significant influence on the success of Botticelli and throughout his working life they provided him with a steady tributary of clients. In addition, the Medici's themselves were highly desirous for numerous original Botticelli paintings. Of these works, Primavera (above) and Birth of Venus were two of the most outstanding that Botticelli created for the Medici's and they were displayed in the Medici Villa Castello.
The interpretation of these pictures has made reference to the long, slender proportions of Venus together with showering her in soft golden light that "may depict Venus as a symbol of both pagan and Christian love." 3 These two paintings helped to establish Botticelli as having both secular and non-secular abilities with his painting. Once the Sistine Chapel was complete in 1481, it was the duty of Pope Sixtus IV to assemble a special group of artisan's to decorate the interiors; Botticelli was one of them summoned to contribute. Delighted with the opportunity, Botticelli went to the Vatican in Rome and there he executed The Punishment of Korah, The Youth of Moses and the Temptation of Christ. After a year in Rome, Botticelli returned to Florence in 1482 and he became more sought after than ever before. His work at the Sistine Chapel brought him an abundance of new commissions that ranged in subjects from secular to religious subjects and took the form of banners, wedding chests (cassoni) and paintings.
His renditions of Madonna and Child images were particularly renowned and his studio created many reproductions of his own originals as they were too popular and hence financially lucrative not to exploit. Botticelli also hired several assistants and prospered to a level he never anticipated. During this time, Botticelli also embarked on illustrations for writer Dante Algheri's most prolific work, The Divine Comedy. Commissioned by Lorenzo Medici for these images, Botticelli spent time from 1480 to 1500 working on these drawings, however they were never completed. By 1490 Botticelli fortunes changed and calls for his works, particularly religious subjects diminished. This was due to the Medici family being expelled from Italy and the Dominican monk Savonarola preaching major moral and religious reforms. These events had a profound impact on Botticelli and his work reflected his state-of-mind. He refused to adapt to the realism of anatomy that Leonardo Da Vinci used or to the latest subjects heralded by the new artistic elite. He instead wanted to stay in the romantic reflection of expression from the past.
Throughout his lifetime Botticelli remained in his home city of Florence and in the house that his father purchased for the family many years before. When his father died, Botticelli continued to live with his brothers in this home. Given his loyalty and love of his birthplace, Botticelli was more disturbed with the later developments in Florence. He suffered decades of decline and when he died in 1510, he was buried in his lifetime parish of the Church of Ognissanti; sadly, no mark of the grave remains today. Botticelli's genius was re-discovered during the Victorian age and admiration for this work continues to the present.
For those possessing artistic appreciation, it is easy to understand why. Some of the most outstanding features of Botticelli's style embraced a variety of remarkable techniques. His early influences from the artisans that he apprenticed with greatly affected his work. Botticelli's treatment of fine details, especially his rendition of halos was exemplary; his fine work to augment the most "exquisite brushwork in a delicate mesh of gold." 4 Botticelli was considered the master of line as he was graceful and disciplined in what Sir David Piper called "the seductive charm of his flowing line." The effort Botticelli placed in creating distinction and beauty in his flowers, garments, facial expressions and other subtle but refined subjects was extraordinary. It is no wonder that he is regarded today as one of the most brilliant and enduring artist's of the Renaissance period.
Affordable Handmade Canvas Paintings
Paintings have eternally enthralled men in different ways. This ageless form of art speaks volume even without a word inscribed on it. The paintings not only speak about your thoughts or attitude towards life, but reflect your own philosophy in quite an aesthetic way. Oil paintings, water colours, acrylic paintings, digital paintings have always held a special position in the decoration of interiors. Whether it is your home or office, canvas paintings have, added, changed, enhanced and excelled the manifestation of décor. You might happen to think that you do not "understand" art and paintings. Well, there are quite a few factors that can help you understand art like never before once you start recognizing them. As they say "beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder" is quite a true fact when it comes to understanding and selecting a canvas painting for your home. If it is sublimely beautiful to your eyes and tantalize your senses in a smooth way, then you know that you can "buy this canvas". The next factors that you should look at are the colours, textures and the shapes or figures on the painting you are looking at.
If you think the colours would soothe and suit the space of your decoration then you know you have chosen the perfect one. For most of us canvas paintings are expensive affairs. But, how would it be to have those affordable home made canvas paintings that you can buy online? Yes, it does make sense doesn't it? Top quality modern art and abstract art forms on canvas at affordable prices may seem a little surreal. But indeed they are not! They come with an affordable price tag that might even surprise you pleasantly. If you are an ardent lover of art and paintings and wish to have a couple of handmade canvas paintings for your drawing room then you should start looking for them on the web. Yes, you heard it right! You do not need to go to an art collector or an art gallery. Only a few clicks on your mouse will take you on a journey to the places where art meets technology and let you choose from an exciting and enchanting collection of modern day art forms. Buying a canvas on the web is an easy and exciting prospect.
You can view hundreds of handmade paintings on a single search. You get all kinds of information that you need to know about a particular painting. You can use the zoom in and zoom out to view the paintings up close and personal. Buying an abstract canvas painting can have quite a few advantages. Since the painting will have abstract forms, the magnitude of its usability in your home décor will increase quite noticeably. Modern art and abstract art go well with the modern décor and lively wall colours. Geometric shapes and figures used on the canvas will also add an element of modernity to your home décor. The exclusivity of the handmade canvases makes it a matchless option that is unique for your home only.
If you think the colours would soothe and suit the space of your decoration then you know you have chosen the perfect one. For most of us canvas paintings are expensive affairs. But, how would it be to have those affordable home made canvas paintings that you can buy online? Yes, it does make sense doesn't it? Top quality modern art and abstract art forms on canvas at affordable prices may seem a little surreal. But indeed they are not! They come with an affordable price tag that might even surprise you pleasantly. If you are an ardent lover of art and paintings and wish to have a couple of handmade canvas paintings for your drawing room then you should start looking for them on the web. Yes, you heard it right! You do not need to go to an art collector or an art gallery. Only a few clicks on your mouse will take you on a journey to the places where art meets technology and let you choose from an exciting and enchanting collection of modern day art forms. Buying a canvas on the web is an easy and exciting prospect.
You can view hundreds of handmade paintings on a single search. You get all kinds of information that you need to know about a particular painting. You can use the zoom in and zoom out to view the paintings up close and personal. Buying an abstract canvas painting can have quite a few advantages. Since the painting will have abstract forms, the magnitude of its usability in your home décor will increase quite noticeably. Modern art and abstract art go well with the modern décor and lively wall colours. Geometric shapes and figures used on the canvas will also add an element of modernity to your home décor. The exclusivity of the handmade canvases makes it a matchless option that is unique for your home only.
The Wide Application of Zentangle Art Patterns
They say "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see", and I could not agree more. It is has the power to help you find yourself and lose yourself at the same time. Such a very simple, yet intriguing and fun method is the one that involves Zentangle art patterns. It is very simple to learn, it is relaxing, and creative approach to make excellent pictures by drawing organized examples. It is so popular because practically anybody can use it to make breath-taking pictures. Even though it involves specified steps, the result is a pretty creative expression.
People all over the world from different ages enjoy the Zentangle method and thousands have found it relaxing enough to help them break free from the chains of stress. So let's take a look at some of its characteristics. • Intuitive With the Zentangle method, anybody can make amazing pictures from repetitive examples. It is anything but difficult to learn and it is very simple. Also, despite the fact that it is a predefined arrangement of steps, it results in an innovative expression that rises above its own guidelines. • Fun and Relaxing The making of Zentangle art is a fun and happy approach that helps you unwind and purposefully encourage a shift in perspective and focus. It is unrestricted by authoritative opinion and cost which can weigh on other methods.
However, it is adequately organized and structured so you can truly enjoy it and benefit from such an activity that otherwise may be considered whimsical. • Timeless The creation of designs, symbols and the mere act of drawing is a part of our human legacy. In a time when the world revolves around computers, cell phones and other sophisticated gadgets that were designed to simplify our lives, the simple strokes that are fundamental of the Zentangle art patterns method make you engage in a comfort of basic, timeless creativity. • Ceremonial This exciting method involves some pretty simple and repetitive steps. They support focus, relaxation and are very inspiring. You can practice this method every day and make it your daily ritual - a recipe for happiness. • Portable Here comes the best part - all that you really need to make delightful Zentangle art can fit in your pocket. This simple to learn method can be done basically anywhere you might be, whether alone or in a group, without having to invest in any expensive equipment.
People all over the world from different ages enjoy the Zentangle method and thousands have found it relaxing enough to help them break free from the chains of stress. So let's take a look at some of its characteristics. • Intuitive With the Zentangle method, anybody can make amazing pictures from repetitive examples. It is anything but difficult to learn and it is very simple. Also, despite the fact that it is a predefined arrangement of steps, it results in an innovative expression that rises above its own guidelines. • Fun and Relaxing The making of Zentangle art is a fun and happy approach that helps you unwind and purposefully encourage a shift in perspective and focus. It is unrestricted by authoritative opinion and cost which can weigh on other methods.
However, it is adequately organized and structured so you can truly enjoy it and benefit from such an activity that otherwise may be considered whimsical. • Timeless The creation of designs, symbols and the mere act of drawing is a part of our human legacy. In a time when the world revolves around computers, cell phones and other sophisticated gadgets that were designed to simplify our lives, the simple strokes that are fundamental of the Zentangle art patterns method make you engage in a comfort of basic, timeless creativity. • Ceremonial This exciting method involves some pretty simple and repetitive steps. They support focus, relaxation and are very inspiring. You can practice this method every day and make it your daily ritual - a recipe for happiness. • Portable Here comes the best part - all that you really need to make delightful Zentangle art can fit in your pocket. This simple to learn method can be done basically anywhere you might be, whether alone or in a group, without having to invest in any expensive equipment.
Cape Town Art Fair
One of the highlights in my annual calendar is attending the Cape Town Art Fair. It gets bigger, and better each year. The main attraction of the show is that it brings art from Africa to the world, and in many ways, it brings the world to South Africa. One dedicated space is the temporary home to the Arts over these few days. Originally, the Fair focused on Contemporary art only, but now, I am pleased to announce that they have a great mix of Contemporary art, and Old Masters. I love this combination, since it offers the opportunity to art collectors and artists alike to the see the progression of fine art.
This way, we are able to see how, when artists are exposed to wide audiences, they evolve into becoming old masters. African art is so incredibly diverse, as there is so much around us to inspire our talented artists. We have the geographical beauty that Africa offers, ranging from our seascapes, to mountain ranges, and a large range of landscapes. We have a variety of diverse cultural heritages which inspire artists to reach into the very souls of our people. I was so engrossed in my own stroll around the Art Fair, that I missed the curated one that I was going to join. For the first time this year they had curated tours showing visitors around the galleries and the art on show. Be sure to join one of these if you are ever afforded the opportunity at any exhibition or gallery.
It is always so wonderful to learn from such knowledgeable people, and it deepens our art appreciation. I am a lover of fine art and all things cultural, and I am so delighted that South Africa is now hosting top quality exhibitions. We have the most brilliant artists, amazing art galleries, and finally the opportunity to be able to enjoy the arts. Many questions were continuously raised during the Art Fair, and I am going to be writing a lot more on art to answer some of these questions. If you would like to add to the list below, please feel free to leave a comment: What is contemporary art? What are old masters? What is investment art? How do you begin collecting art? And my favourite one is always Why would someone pay so much money for this, when my child could paint it better for free?
This way, we are able to see how, when artists are exposed to wide audiences, they evolve into becoming old masters. African art is so incredibly diverse, as there is so much around us to inspire our talented artists. We have the geographical beauty that Africa offers, ranging from our seascapes, to mountain ranges, and a large range of landscapes. We have a variety of diverse cultural heritages which inspire artists to reach into the very souls of our people. I was so engrossed in my own stroll around the Art Fair, that I missed the curated one that I was going to join. For the first time this year they had curated tours showing visitors around the galleries and the art on show. Be sure to join one of these if you are ever afforded the opportunity at any exhibition or gallery.
It is always so wonderful to learn from such knowledgeable people, and it deepens our art appreciation. I am a lover of fine art and all things cultural, and I am so delighted that South Africa is now hosting top quality exhibitions. We have the most brilliant artists, amazing art galleries, and finally the opportunity to be able to enjoy the arts. Many questions were continuously raised during the Art Fair, and I am going to be writing a lot more on art to answer some of these questions. If you would like to add to the list below, please feel free to leave a comment: What is contemporary art? What are old masters? What is investment art? How do you begin collecting art? And my favourite one is always Why would someone pay so much money for this, when my child could paint it better for free?
Legendary Genres Of Painting In India
From early civilization to the modern era, Indian paintings form a rare aesthetic continuum that has never failed to fascinate art lovers. Experts describe these paintings as lively, vivid, sophisticated, and refined, yet vigorous and bold. Influenced by different cultures, the evolved Indian style of painting is very hard to categorize as a single form of art. From pre-historic rock paintings to Mughal paintings to British influenced company paintings, Indian art has a long history and a vast tradition. If you wish to buy paintings online in India, this write-up will do you a world of good. Without any basic idea about the broader classifications of Indian art, you will find it very difficult to buy paintings online. Murals Indian murals can be traced back to the ancient times. The mesmerizing caves of Bagh, Armamalai, Ajanta, Ellora, and Sittanavasal are the best examples of Indian murals. Versatility of form and line, role of composition and color, and supreme creativity are the major highlights of this art form. These masterpieces can easily mesmerize the beholder and inject a different state of consciousness.
Miniatures Gautam Buddha once said, "The master painter disposes his colors for the sake of a picture that cannot be seen in the colors themselves." Miniature art revolves around the principle of symbolism. Rich in delight, awe, and wonder, the miniatures describe nature with symbols. Inspired by mythology, the unification of human and divine, mutable and ever-present, and nature and art, have been exquisitely portrayed in these ancient works of art. These small paintings are diligent in detail, and intricate in brushwork. Most known styles and forms of painting falls under the miniature category. You can find some of the most important styles below. Mughal paintings The miniature paintings of the Mughal period are a perfect blend of Islamic, Indian, and Persian styles. Akbar's reign started a new era in terms of miniature painting with the establishment of the first atelier in India headed by Abdus Samad and Mir Sayyed Ali.
The famous Hamzanama series was one of the first productions of the Mughal School of miniature paintings. Madhubani paintings Mithila in Bihar is famous for this unique style of painting that revolves around mythology and social scenes. The specialty of this style is that no gap is left uncolored. Colors used in this form are made from herbs, leaves, and flowers. If you really want to buy paintings with a feel of ancient India, this is the style to look for. Pattachitra This classical Odisha art involves painting (chitra) on clothing (Patta). Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna formed the basic inspiration, while Jaydev's Gita Govinda, Ramayana, and Mahabharata were also used for subject matter. Tanjore paintings This 9th century art form is famous for detailed representation, bright colors, and supreme elegance. The multi-staged process involves preliminary sketching on the base, applying adhesives mixed with zinc oxide on the base, decorating with semi-precious stones and laces, pasting gold foils, and using dyes to color the figures.
Miniatures Gautam Buddha once said, "The master painter disposes his colors for the sake of a picture that cannot be seen in the colors themselves." Miniature art revolves around the principle of symbolism. Rich in delight, awe, and wonder, the miniatures describe nature with symbols. Inspired by mythology, the unification of human and divine, mutable and ever-present, and nature and art, have been exquisitely portrayed in these ancient works of art. These small paintings are diligent in detail, and intricate in brushwork. Most known styles and forms of painting falls under the miniature category. You can find some of the most important styles below. Mughal paintings The miniature paintings of the Mughal period are a perfect blend of Islamic, Indian, and Persian styles. Akbar's reign started a new era in terms of miniature painting with the establishment of the first atelier in India headed by Abdus Samad and Mir Sayyed Ali.
The famous Hamzanama series was one of the first productions of the Mughal School of miniature paintings. Madhubani paintings Mithila in Bihar is famous for this unique style of painting that revolves around mythology and social scenes. The specialty of this style is that no gap is left uncolored. Colors used in this form are made from herbs, leaves, and flowers. If you really want to buy paintings with a feel of ancient India, this is the style to look for. Pattachitra This classical Odisha art involves painting (chitra) on clothing (Patta). Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna formed the basic inspiration, while Jaydev's Gita Govinda, Ramayana, and Mahabharata were also used for subject matter. Tanjore paintings This 9th century art form is famous for detailed representation, bright colors, and supreme elegance. The multi-staged process involves preliminary sketching on the base, applying adhesives mixed with zinc oxide on the base, decorating with semi-precious stones and laces, pasting gold foils, and using dyes to color the figures.
The Art of Varnishing Your Paintings
How you protect your paintings is just as important as how you prepare your painting surface, the quality of your paint, and what you mix with your paints while applying them. All of these tasks add up to not only how your final painting will look, but how it can be cleaned in the future---even decades from now. A finish coat of varnish, the right kind applied in the right way, ensures that your oil or acrylic painting will have an evenly distributed gloss, satin, or matte finish that won't yellow and will be protected from dirt, dust, and air contaminants like smoke. The varnishing process is an investment in the longevity of your painting. When an oil or acrylic painting dries, the outer surface---the skin or film---hardens and actually separates from the inner paint substance itself. Depending on the mediums mixed with the paint during application, this outer surface dries with a matte, satin, or glossy finish.
Typically, this finish is uneven and is a mixture of those different qualities. Varnish evens out this final surface quality to either a matte, or flat finish; satin; or glossy, more reflective surface. Giving your painting surface a uniform look makes it more appealing to the viewer by making it less challenging to the eye. One word of caution: if areas of your painting have sunk and look dull, do not try to fix these areas with varnish. Use a good quality painting medium such as matte medium for acrylics or Liquin for oils to fill those areas. Let this dry completely before applying varnish. The reason varnishing works well with oil and acrylic paintings is that once coated, over time the surface can become impregnated with contaminants like dust and dirt. Even wiping the surface to clean it is a temporary solution, important as it is to do this on occasion.
But eventually, the surface can reach a point where wiping it off does little good and the varnish must be removed and new applied to revitalize the painting surface---and the painting! Varnishes come in many brands and most are fine when used according to directions. Some better brands include Winsor & Newton, Grumbacher, Liquitex, Golden, M. Graham, Schmincke, and Gamblin. The classic varnish used for centuries by artists dating back to the early Renaissance is copel, or amber. These were hard varnishes made from tree sap. They were a great protectant, but yellowed badly in time and became much more difficult to remove.
A softer varnish used for many decades is damar (or dammar). Unlike copel or amber, damar and mastic varnishes are soft and dissolve in turpentine or mineral spirits allowing for easier removal and re-application. Even with the introduction of synthetic varnishes in the past decade, damar remains the most widely used by artists for their oil paintings. Varnish can be applied by brush, the most common method, or by aerosol spray. Spraying requires even better ventilation than brush application. An appropriate varnish applied in the right way will give your final painting surface just the right appearance and can ensure proper maintenance of the painting for many years to come.
Typically, this finish is uneven and is a mixture of those different qualities. Varnish evens out this final surface quality to either a matte, or flat finish; satin; or glossy, more reflective surface. Giving your painting surface a uniform look makes it more appealing to the viewer by making it less challenging to the eye. One word of caution: if areas of your painting have sunk and look dull, do not try to fix these areas with varnish. Use a good quality painting medium such as matte medium for acrylics or Liquin for oils to fill those areas. Let this dry completely before applying varnish. The reason varnishing works well with oil and acrylic paintings is that once coated, over time the surface can become impregnated with contaminants like dust and dirt. Even wiping the surface to clean it is a temporary solution, important as it is to do this on occasion.
But eventually, the surface can reach a point where wiping it off does little good and the varnish must be removed and new applied to revitalize the painting surface---and the painting! Varnishes come in many brands and most are fine when used according to directions. Some better brands include Winsor & Newton, Grumbacher, Liquitex, Golden, M. Graham, Schmincke, and Gamblin. The classic varnish used for centuries by artists dating back to the early Renaissance is copel, or amber. These were hard varnishes made from tree sap. They were a great protectant, but yellowed badly in time and became much more difficult to remove.
A softer varnish used for many decades is damar (or dammar). Unlike copel or amber, damar and mastic varnishes are soft and dissolve in turpentine or mineral spirits allowing for easier removal and re-application. Even with the introduction of synthetic varnishes in the past decade, damar remains the most widely used by artists for their oil paintings. Varnish can be applied by brush, the most common method, or by aerosol spray. Spraying requires even better ventilation than brush application. An appropriate varnish applied in the right way will give your final painting surface just the right appearance and can ensure proper maintenance of the painting for many years to come.
How To Buy Paintings Online For Your Home
Your home is your sacred space, and it is necessary to decorate it well. This is necessary so that you look around your home and like what you see; it gives you that sense of being at peace in your own home. Home decor is very important for your family too. Everything in your house should give you a welcome feel. This is also true for guests who visit your home. After all, you do want them to like the kind of home that you have. The artwork exists at the very core of home decor, and original canvas art can take your home to new heights. It gives a different outlook to your house. It is rather easy to buy paintings online these days because there are so many sites to choose from. However, not all of them have the best galleries or paintings that they portray in their homes. So, this can get quite disappointing after a while, and it will be a waste of money too if you don't know where to look for. Things to consider before buying You can easily find an online art gallery but finding one that is worth your time and money is difficult.
But here are some things you should keep in mind before investing in canvas paintings or anything else. • You should only buy what you love. At the end of the day, it is your home, and you will be staying there all the time. So, whether it is modern art paintings or even simply a painting of a waterfall on a blank wall. You should be passionate about what you choose. Many people choose paintings on canvas because of their old school texture and feel. • If you are a genuine collector of art, then keep in mind the value of the art you purchase. Consider purchasing only from an original art gallery so that you can ensure its authenticity. • Content should also be an important factor. Especially if you are an art enthusiast. What the painting is about and what it says to the world should also be important. • When you go to any art gallery website, keep in mind the color scheme of your house and how well the artwork suits your general decor.
• Oil paintings are not very popular these days, but they can still be found online if you search the web long enough. You will need to skim through quite a few sites to find them. The importance of art Art is something that portrays your personality to the world whether you create art or simply display it in your home. It tells the world about the things you like, the things you are passionate about and the things that catch your eye. They are quite the conversation starter. So when you venture out to buy paintings, you should definitely look online first. In the online store, you can find all the art you want. Whether you're a collector, or want something original, or just looking for ideas to decorate your home, you can find everything you need if you find them in the right manner.
But here are some things you should keep in mind before investing in canvas paintings or anything else. • You should only buy what you love. At the end of the day, it is your home, and you will be staying there all the time. So, whether it is modern art paintings or even simply a painting of a waterfall on a blank wall. You should be passionate about what you choose. Many people choose paintings on canvas because of their old school texture and feel. • If you are a genuine collector of art, then keep in mind the value of the art you purchase. Consider purchasing only from an original art gallery so that you can ensure its authenticity. • Content should also be an important factor. Especially if you are an art enthusiast. What the painting is about and what it says to the world should also be important. • When you go to any art gallery website, keep in mind the color scheme of your house and how well the artwork suits your general decor.
• Oil paintings are not very popular these days, but they can still be found online if you search the web long enough. You will need to skim through quite a few sites to find them. The importance of art Art is something that portrays your personality to the world whether you create art or simply display it in your home. It tells the world about the things you like, the things you are passionate about and the things that catch your eye. They are quite the conversation starter. So when you venture out to buy paintings, you should definitely look online first. In the online store, you can find all the art you want. Whether you're a collector, or want something original, or just looking for ideas to decorate your home, you can find everything you need if you find them in the right manner.
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