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Whether you are a novice or professional painter, there is always some wisdom in choosing the correct paint for your artwork. In this article, we shall compare some of the differences between acrylic paint and oil paint with a view to informing you on which of the two would be the perfect fit for you in a particular situation.

As a general rule, it always serves us better to begin easy by defining them. Acrylic paints refer to fast-drying paints which contain pigment suspension in acrylic polymer emulsion. They are often water-soluble but become water-resistant upon drying. On the other hand, oil paints refer to paints made of ground pigment and a drying oil, for example linseed oil.

Acrylic vs. oil paint: What are the differences?

Ease of drying

The first difference that exists between acrylic paints and oil paints is in regards to the ease of drying. It is observed that acrylic paints dry much faster than the oil paints. This, therefore, means that you should determine your painting speed before deciding which of the two to settle with. If you are a slow painter or if the painting process requires an extra degree of diligence, I would strongly recommend you go for the oil paints.

Corrosiveness

The corrosive nature of a paint goes a long way in determining its suitability. We all understand how corrosive the oil paints are as compared to their acrylic counterparts. This means that if you were to choose oil paints, you will be looking at intensive preparation before starting with the painting process. One such preparation involves preparing a canvas or board in order to shield the ground from its corrosiveness. As a painter, you will also find that you require protective gear while handling these paints.

Suitability for small spaces

If you are working in a small unventilated space, then you need a paint that is odorless and non-toxic, and this is where the acrylic paints come in. This is in sharp contrast to the oil paints which are not recommended for small spaces due to the overwhelming effects of the fumes from the thinner as well as the irritability of the spirits.

Thickness level desired

Given the desired effects, we may decide to have our paints thick or thin. If you desire a thick paint, then acrylic is the best choice as it dries faster, enabling you to continue adding layers of the paint until you reach your desired size. Oil paints are ideal when the desired outcome is a thin layer of paint. This is not only due to the fact that oil dries slowly, but also because each pigment of the paint used has its own drying time and requirements and if more pigments are added in quick succession, the inner pigments may not necessarily dry properly.

Color shift

One thing observed with acrylic paints is that they change their colors when dry. They are therefore more difficult to use where precision painting is required. However, once the pigments have set in, they are fairly durable, lasting up to 200 years. On the other hand, oil paints may not change their pigments upon drying but their durability is definitely not as high as the acrylic paints.

As is evident, the question as regards the best paint between acrylic and oil paints depends upon three things namely; the desired outcome, the overall health and financial implications as well as the skill of the painter.

A mural is a piece of artwork applied or painted directly on a permanent surface like a wall or ceiling. A public mural is a mural that is made in a public place. Murals are important art in the sense that they bring the beauty of art into the public sphere. The history of murals date as far back as the Upper Paleolithic times about 30,000BC. Some of the public murals of this era can still be found in southern France today. Public murals became a integral part of the human society in the middle ages. In modern times, public murals are a fundamental part of the contemporary art, a typical example of this is the Mexican muralism art movement. Public murals are painted in a variety of ways which includes “fresco” among others. Public murals have been used in several societies in the world in the sphere of politics and product advertisement.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PUBLIC MURALS:
Public murals are very important in that they bring art into the public sphere. Often times, due to the cost involved in creating public murals, they are usually sponsored by municipal governments, businesses or other forms of sponsorship. One of the significance of public murals is that it introduces the works of talented artist to the public who have never considered visiting an art gallery. Another significance of public mural is that it beautifies the environment. Furthermore, public murals are effective tools of communication. The visual effects often times attract the public’s attention to social issues. Take for instance, the Chad McCail public murals in East London is used to tell the story of the Becontree Estate which was built in the 1920s. At that time, the estate was among the largest housing developments in the world. There are several other public murals in London which are associated with community action.One of such public mural in London tells the story of when the BNP was ousted from power in Dagenham in the 2010 elections.

BEST PUBLIC MURALS OF THE DECADE:
1. Female portrait in Mexico by Young Jarius:
One of the best public murals of our time is the female portrait in Mexico created by an artist named Young Jarius. So perfectly realistic is this public mural that it looks like a large photograph when viewed from a distance.

2. Spy Booth in Cheltenham, UK by artist Banksy:
The Spy Booth is a public mural in Cheltenham, United Kingdom and one of the most popular public murals of 2014. The art was created in April, 2014 in Cheltenham the location of the British Government Communication Headquarters.

3. Cesaria in Casarano, Southern Italy by Bosoletti:
The public mural named “Cesaria” was created by an Italian artist “Bosoletti” in the town of Casarano. The art tells the story of Santa Cesaria, a troubled girl who ran away from her troubled father and lived in a cave with two doves.

4. The last kiss by Pixel Pancho:
“The Last Kiss” is a public mural created by artist Pixel Pancho to celebrate the Subsidenze Street Art Festival in 2014. The mural shows two nude robotic characters kissing themselves and surrounded by elements of nature.

Photography is both a science and an art. It’s for this reason that photographers are always finding ways to further hone their craft by experimenting on already established methods and coming up with new techniques. Technological innovations in cameras also pretty much remove the limits to the photographer’s creativity, allowing him to exercise his skills to the fullest in order to get that first-rate shot. After all, a true photographer, who is at once an artist as well, is sure to settle for nothing less. If you’ve always wondered how they produce those awe-inspiring shots, those wondrous retinal delights, then find the time to read about the most modern techniques that they apply.

Modern Photographers and Their Techniques

1.) High-Speed Photography

Ever wondered how those seemingly impossible shots that involve split-second occurrences were shot? Just think of a photo involving water droplets suspended in mid-air after a ball was dropped on a puddle of water. Such incredible photos were taken using high-speed photography. Much value is placed on these photographs because they capture fleeting moments, and they require a lot of patience and perfect timing. These types of photographs are usually shot with the help of a tripod, with the camera set to specific flash and focus settings for the best results.

2.) Panoramic Photography

If there’s one type of photography technique that really pushes the limits of what a camera can do, it’s panoramic photography. This technique is often employed to give photo frames a wider look. It’s commonly done by appending multiple shots into a continuous photo. Panoramic shots can also be done using a camera with a wider-than-normal angle. Additionally, certain high-end cameras support 360-degree virtual photo-taking, though, which is able to easily shoot more detailed panoramic views.

3.) Night Photography

People in the past wouldn’t have been able to think of taking photos at night as a possibility, but in the case of modern cameras, technology triumphs again. What’s even better is that crystal-clear images can now be produced even with the apparent handicap of limited lighting. Night photography appeals to photographers who really appreciate the color depths that are unique only in a night-time setting. For high-quality shots, tripods are recommended for steadying, a lens hood to reduce lens flare, and a flashlight, if extra lighting is needed.

4.) Macro Photography

There’s nothing more satisfying than being afforded a view of something familiar from a completely different perspective, right? This is the primary aim of macro photography, as it essentially presents tiny objects, ranging from the moderately small to extremely miniscule, into significantly larger images. What’s good about this type of photography is that it can be done using any camera with any lens setting. However, macro lenses are always preferred if you want to prioritize detail and quality.

5.) Long Exposure Photography

Have you ever encountered photos that depict blurred images of people, flowing water that appears misty yet solid, cloud streaks, and stars that appear to have streaks? These are the effects of long exposure photography. It’s able to present anything that appears ordinary into something mysterious and bizarre, even. Such surreal atmospheres can be achieved by subjecting the intended shot that you want to take with a longer exposure time. Oftentimes, a filter is used to aid in creating such an effect.

These are but some of the most noteworthy techniques that modern photographers use to express their art. With the continuing improvements in camera technology, you can only ever expect to discover new, more astonishing images to feast your eye on in the times to come. The future of photography is bright, indeed.

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The sculpture is the art and science of building, construction, or molding a replica of the imagination of the artist or the product of a complex in which a piece is drawn. Sculpture encompasses anything made from a commonly used material, which is either a wood or metal. The artist uses a wood or metal to carve something or someone to preserve the artwork for commercial purposes.

Since the process of going a sculpture is so versatile that it takes some time, it would be well deserved for an artist to keep his / her art work for self-consumption or for a private showing. One may wonder how to make a sculpture? What is a general process of making one piece? Let’s take a closer look how a sculpture is made. First, before anything else will be put to the test, the artist decides on a theme or inspiration to make a sculpture.

Normally, there is a fictitious thing for a sculpture to go with. It usually varies, sometimes it’s a photo of someone or something, or it could be a product of the imagination of the artist. After that, the artist will decide the material for use. The material to be used will be based on the use of the sculpture. Setting will be inside or outside?

Will it be decorating, or a highlight for an event? Whatever works the artist will decide for the best material to use. However, if the sculpture will be used in private, he will be the owner who will decide what material to use because they will not pay the artist for that piece. The sculpture will be started after they set the end date.

Modern Sculpture as a fine art, witness a vital form from the ancient theory of sculptures.

Types of materials used in Modern Sculpture

Nowadays, sculptures are mostly made by the carving, welding, molding or casting a variety of materials. The most regularly used as a part of present day sculpture materials are:

Scrap iron – “Scrap” the understanding of recyclable materials that are left over from vehicles and structures. The modern term for this type of craftsmanship is “Scraptures”. It is a troublesome fine art that requires a thorough knowledge of mechanics. A small number of artist pursue it as a career however still wanting in popularity; art form is certainly very innovative.

Living Sculpture – This sort of sculpture includes making centerpieces with living or recently harvested plants. Usually, three techniques of living sculpture are made: topiary, arrangement of the tree and the tree sculpture. Topiary includes pruning plants and preparing them over edges. Tree shaping requires the design of trees and tree sculpture to create art with freshly cut branches. With the dexterity of horticulture, one can create breathtaking gardens and parks.

Glass Sculptures – Glass sculptures are extremely a popular type of work of art made by various techniques, for example, blown glass, glass fusing and glass throwing. Glass sculptures are not expected to highlight the fragile nature of the glass, rather than trying to make imaginative outlines that uses them.

Another exceptional sculptural form is the sculpture of renewable energy. The term proposes its function – it produces electricity from renewable sources such as solar, geothermal, tidal and wind energy. These sculptures fill utilitarian, aesthetic and cultural purposes.

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If you’re a keen and traveler and enjoy exploring art museums, you may want to consider traveling to visit some of the USA’s most prestigious art musuems. If you’re tempted by the idea, simply continue reading to discover some of the best art museums nationwide.

The best art museums nationwide:

1. The New York Museum of Modern Art

Not only does the New York Museum of Modern Art boast paintings from Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh but it also houses a wide selection of contemporary art which includes illustrations, films and photography.

2. The J. Paul Getty Museum , Los Angeles

The J. Paul Getty Museum is broken up into two separate locations. The first location the Getty Center boasts western art which dates back to the middle ages, whilst the second section the Getty Villa specializes in ancient Greek and Roman art.

3. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio

The Cleveland Museum of Art boasts an extensive collection of Asian and Egyptian art. Better yet, the Cleveland Museum of Art is free to visit.

4. The Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu

The Honolulu Museum of Art is one of the USA’s most underrated art museums. It boasts over 50,000 pieces of art and boasts the single largest Asian and Pan-Pacific art collections in the USA. It’s a joy to visit as it housed in a beautiful historic building, which features multiple courtyards.

5. The Mingei International Museum, San Diego

The Mingei International Museum houses art collections from the four corners of the globe, so whether you’re fascinated by Middle Eastern pottery or African tribal masks, you’ll find what you’re looking for. As an added selling point, the Mingei International Musuem, with boasts a beautiful garden, is one of the most picturesque locations in San Diego.

7. The Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas City, Missouri

The Nelson-Atkins Museum is home to a permanent American Indian art collection. Examples of American Indian works of art that you’ll have the opportunity to view include both traditional and contemporary sculptures, baskets and paintings. So if you have an interest in American Indian art it’s well worth planning a trip to Missouri.

8. The Philadelphia Museum of Art

You may recognize the steps of the Philadeplhia Museum of Art from the Rocky franchise of films. However, the Philadelphia Museum of Art should be famous for its own merits as it is home to one of the USA’s largest art collection and is home to a permanent collection of celebrated artist Vincent Van Gogh’s work.

9. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts

The Museum of Fine Arts which is located in Boston, boasts over 450,000 works of art including John Singleton Copley’s famous portrait of Paul Revere. You’ll also find numerous works by impressionists such as Gauguin, Cézanne, Monet.

10. The Smithsonian American Art Gallery, Washington DC

The Smithsonian American Art Gallery, houses art work from all 50 American states. So if you have an interest in either period American art or contemporary American art, you’ll be able to spend several hours browsing the Smithsonian American Art Gallery’s collections.

So what are you waiting for? Why not start planning a tour of some of the nation’s best art musuems? You won’t be disappointed!