Pastel Paintings Art is about self-expression. This is a medium that gives full freedom to the artist to express his/her feelings and convey a whole lot of meaning without using a single word. An artist can use many techniques and styles. From acrylic to oil paintings, pencil sketches and watercolors, the option depends upon the artist. Be it Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo, famous artists have had their own style to represent what they wished to convey.
As an artist myself, I have been mesmerized by many mediums. My first brush with art was with charcoal and pencil. From there on, I discovered many techniques that helped me realize which medium best suited my skills. Pastel painting gave me the freedom to experiment and give a completely new meaning to a blank sheet of paper. Even now, the joy of opening a box full of these magical colors still gives me the thrills I first felt years back. Over the years, I have discovered the magic of oil pastels and the beauty each stroke contains. And here, I would like to share with you some basics of pastel painting. Read more on this Article!
Mosaic art, like any other form of art, has its own appeal. This technique when combined with the skills of the artist can be used to create beautiful works of art. Mosaic art is not just limited to the creation of paintings. Mosaic art forms have been used in different ways since the olden days. The beauty of mosaic patterns and designs is something that cannot be described with mere words.
What is Mosaic Art?
A look at any piece of art that involves the use of the mosaic style will indicate a different technique that is employed in this form. A mosaic artist requires ample skill and patience to create the artwork. An artist has to place together small pieces of material for the main artwork. This can be done after the design is finalized and the outlines have been drawn. The artist has the freedom to place the pieces in any way to create designs that range from the simple to the complex kinds. The materials used can be varied, from pieces of glass, pebbles to tiny pieces of tiles and colored stone. Mosaic art is versatile and can be done on a variety of surfaces.
The presence of mosaic art can be seen since the early days. Artists have used this method that dates back to as far as 2600 BC. This was the time when stone and pebbles were used to create the basic artwork. The earliest evidences thus reveal that mosaic art was used as floor coverings and even to embellish homes. The Christian basilicas stand testimony to the beauty of mosaic art. In the 4th century, these basilicas employed the use of wall and ceiling mosaic patterns.
Mosaic as an art form received due recognition only during the Byzantine period. Between 6th to 15th centuries, this art form flourished and it could be seen on major buildings that belong to the Byzantine Empire. Artists used intricate patterns that depicted plant life, animals, geometrical shapes and even humans in larger-than-life proportions. During the Roman period, it is believed that the walls of every house were decorated with mosaic art.
In the modern times, mosaic art is used not only as a decoration for the walls and floors, it is seen on pottery, furniture, medallions, windowpanes, archways, etc. Vibrant colors are employed to achieve a contrasting effect for the interiors. Today, mosaic art enjoys an important position in interior decoration. It can be used for creative as well as for religious themes. Read more on this Article!
Ludwig Van Beethoven was born in a small town ‘Bonn’ of Germany on 16 December 1770 in a family of professional musicians. His father Johann and grandfather Ludwig were musicians and they had decided to train him in music right from his childhood, so his father took on the job to teach him the basic lessons of music. Ludwig learned violin and some other instruments from his father. His father wanted Ludwig to be perfect in music, and in that endeavor he thrashed littel Ludwig whenever he made any mistake during practice (According to one story, because of the punishments given by his father Ludwig suffered from hearing problems in future, which ruined his life). Besides the fact that his father and grandfather had a wish that little Ludwig should become a great musician, he himself had a great interest in music. Whatever treatment Ludwig received from his father, he never let fade his love and interest in music.
Further, Beethoven was sent to learn music from C. G. Neefe. Beethoven learned every possible and minute detail of music from Neefe and also became his assistant when was 11 years of age. He learned piano, violin and organ from Neefe. Beethoven and Mozart share many situations in their lives which are perfectly similar in many aspects, both of them were born in a family where music was the most important and indivisible part of life, both received training in music right from their childhood, they both had genuine interest in music and like Mozart, Beethoven also had started performing in public events, shows etc. when he was just six years of age. When Beethoven was twelve years old, his first music work was published. Ludwig dropped out of his school when he was thirteen year old in order to concentrate on his practice and to perform in musical tours.
Beethoven then continued assisting Neefe till he was seventeen years old. In 1787, he went to Vienna in search of good opportunities and to demonstrate his talent in music. But he had to return to his house in Bonn when he learned about his mother’s illness. Finally, near 1792 he took off for Vienna in search of a good work in the field of music.
In Vienna, Beethoven tried to learn new things and learned composition and counterpoint from well-known personalities from the world of music such as Haydn, Albrecht Berger, Salieri and Schenk. He even published some of his compositions. Beethoven was a wise person and had a good foresight; he had understood that in his run to achieve a good position, all that he needed was good relations with people who had power in their hands. Beethoven established his relations with high profile people in Vienna, which ensured him continual income for his lifetime. His relations helped him on such level that even that time (1809) Prince of Vienna, Prince Kinsky and Prince Lobkowitz assured him a yearly income if he agreed to stay in Vienna for rest of his life. Read more on this Article!
