Careers In Fine Arts

Fine arts programs are ideal for creative individuals with a strong interest in design and visual arts. This area of study can also lead to music-related fields. Fine arts students may become professional artists, or use their talent and knowledge to further a career in a more business-oriented environment. A fine arts degree can lead to a wide variety of careers. The opportunities are limited only by the creativity and determination of the individuals pursuing them.

Artists

Fine arts majors with remarkable talent in their field may go on to become professional painters, sculptors or photographers. Those with musical talents may become professional musicians.

Design

With the Internet constantly expanding, a plethora of careers are available in web design, graphic design and digital media design.

Education

Those with a gift for sharing their knowledge may want to pursue a career as art, music, or theater teachers or professors.

Theater

From set design to drama coaching and direction, most careers in theater performance and production benefit from a fine arts background.

Television

Fine arts careers encompass nearly every aspect of television production, including script writers, producers, directors and actors.

Commercial Fields

Advertising, marketing and photojournalism are all fields in which a fine arts major can often excel by combining their artistic background with business savvy.

Plant A French Kitchen Garden

Border a French kitchen garden with violets for visual impact and to add sweet aromatic flavor to salads.

Inspired by the historical designs of gardens from the French Renaissance, the intention of a French kitchen garden is to add visual appeal to the food source. Also referred to as a potager, a French kitchen garden contains a combination of fruits, edible flowers, herbs and vegetables. They have a formal, structured design with geometric patterns, and incorporate shrubs, perennials and cold weather flowers to give the garden year-round appeal.

Instructions

1. Assess the space you have for the French kitchen garden. Note how much sun the site gets, the type of soil and the amount of space you have to work with. Does the area have good drainage or is it low-lying?

2. Browse images and details of French kitchen gardens for design inspiration. Look for examples of surprising color and texture combinations. For instance, spiderwort's purple flowers make the purplish leaves of red cabbage pop. Mixed rows of fava beans and ruby chard look more like a tapestry than dinner ingredients.

3. Draw basic sketches of different design ideas, taking your site and the plants you intend to use into account. Choose a pattern that will work for your space. One traditional layout is a rectangle divided into four equal squares, with a sculpture or sundial as the center focal point.

4. Refer to the site's growing conditions to select plants. Choose only vegetables, herbs and fruits you like to cook with. Tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and heirloom peas with deep purple pods add color to the garden and serve as primary ingredients in many dishes. Sage, chives, anise hyssop and purple coneflower are a few herbs that offer subtle fragrances, delicate foliage and flowers. Violets and hibiscus are edible flowers typically added to salads and drinks.

5. Prepare the soil for your garden by removing grass, weeds and large rocks. Add native topsoil to raise its surface height 3 to 4 inches above ground level. Mix garden compost into the soil to improve its moisture and nutrient retention. Compost also adds oxygen to clay soil and healthy bacteria.

6. Map out your garden arrangement. Visualize how the garden will look from different angles and plan the layout so you have access to each plant for watering, weeding, harvesting and other maintenance tasks. Use the smallest flowers and herbs as borders, and put the largest plants in the back to allow for good light and air flow.

7. Use a hand shovel to plant each seed, seedling and plant to the depth and spacing requirements specified on the instructions. Identify plants with a small wooden stake.

8. Cover the soil with a 1-inch layer of mulch to prevent weeds and keep the ground moist.

9. Water your French kitchen garden according to its needs. New plants need more water for the first few weeks as the root systems develop.

Pick Music For Any Cotillion

Modern-day cotillions--dances intended to teach adolescents manners and properly interact--don't play just one type of music. Today's cotillion intermingles classic dance music with contemporary tunes to appeal to the younger generation. Learn pick music for a cotillion to satisfy the diverse tastes of those in attendance.

Instructions

1. Choose music for a cotillion that incorporates different styles of dance. While traditional music such as the waltz and fox trot are common at modern-day cotillions, contemporary top-40 music is used to attract the attention of young people.

2. Pick special music if the cotillion has a theme. Choose Christmas music for a winter cotillion, Latin-influenced music--such as the cha-cha or tango--for a culturally-themed cotillion or country music for a western theme. Themed cotillions are a fun way to allow the students to showcase any special dance moves they have learned throughout the year.

3. Check the music you choose for cotillions before the cotillion begins. Cotillions are atmospheres where manners are of the utmost importance. Music used at a cotillion needs to be reverent and wholesome. Check to ensure the cotillion music has no vulgar language or improper innuendos. If you aren't the final say in music, have the music approved by the director of the cotillion prior to the special dance.

Why Is Tap Footwear Make Noise

Young tap dancers enjoy the music of their shoes.

Whether it's music to your ears or the making of a good headache, the tip-tap sound made by tap shoes is unmistakable. No other shoes can achieve quite the same pitch and clarity as the specially made tap dance shoe. What is it that gives them that magical sound?

Natural Tap Shoes

Bare callused feet were the original "natural" tap shoes.

The original tap dancers were black American slaves who pounded out rhythmic beats with nothing but their bare callused feet on the wooden decks of riverboats in the South. The practice moved to minstrel stages where a white man named Thomas Rice imitated the dance style in black face under the stage name of Jim Crow in 1828. The first black minstrel tap dancer was William Henry Lane who danced as Master Juba. Minstrel dancing remained popular until after the Civil War.

Wooden Soled Tap Shoes

Bill Robinson, known as Bojangles, was the first dancer to popularize tap dancing using shoes with wooden soles and heels. Referred to as a "hoofer," his unique dance style involved keeping a relaxed facial expression and quiet upper body while allowing all focus to remain on his feet. While Bojangles danced primarily on the balls of his feet, King Rastus Brown, another popular tap dancer of the time, was known as a "buck" dancer, dancing primarily flat-footed.

Metal Taps

Modern tap shoes use thin metal plates to achieve their sound.

The early 1900s brought about the addition of metal plates, known as "taps," to the toe and heel of the dancers' leather-soled shoes. These taps allowed for a new level of audio performance and inspired the now popular tap dancing style involving the use of both toe and heel in complicated combinations and rhythms. John William "Bubbles" Sublett became popular using these new shoes and is known as "the father of rhythm tap."

Metal Types and Thicknesses

Aluminum taps were first used after 1910, but iron taps have also been used. James Godbolt, known as Jimmy Slyde, used iron taps to create a unique tone against wooden floors and became famous for his jazz-style tap dancing. During the 1930s, Fred Astaire's and Ginger Rogers's taps were thicker to create bolder and louder sounds. Today, highly specialized taps are available in a variety of shapes and thicknesses to create the specific tones desired by individual tap dancers.

Photograph Using Multiple Exposures

Double-exposure adding the moon

Double exposures in film photography can make some exciting images. There are several way to go about double exposures. In a film camera, there might be a button that allows you to take another picture without having to advance the film. Not all cameras have this function, but it works best with manual winding cameras, usually found on older camera bodies. Double exposures in digital photography can be done with different types of software.

Instructions

Double Exposure with Film Cameras

1. Load film in your camera.

2. Find the button to override the film advance. Each camera is different, so you will have to study the instruction book or call the camera shop or manufacturer if your book doesn't state do this.

3. Take a picture of something, like the seashore or mountain scenery, for example.

4. Wait for conditions to be right to add another image to the existing picture. For example, a mountain picture with a clear blue sky could be enhanced by photographing a bank of clouds building in the sky. Cloud pictures do a lot to break up the boredom of clear skies. Or you could snap a shot of the beach, then wait until a flock of birds flies into your frame and add that to your existing wave shot of the ocean.

5. Advance your film after you have captured what you believe to be a good double-exposure shot.

Double Exposure for Digital Cameras

6. Take several pictures with your digital camera.

7. Upload the pictures to a folder where you want them or open the pictures from your software directly.

8. Manipulate the opacity to blend two pictures together or layer them with both images' opacity set to normal.

9. Save the picture in the folder where you want it.

Photograph Individuals With Glasses

Photographing people with glasses requires proper lighting and camera angles.

Photographing people is a requirement for most professional photographers. Even if you are an amateur photographer you must understand photograph around obstacles, such as reflecting eye glasses. If you must take a photograph of a person wearing glasses you must follow several steps to ensure you end up with a beautiful and clean image.

Instructions

1. Gather your digital camera, lighting equipment and a diffuser for the light, which can be a white bed sheet or a professional light umbrella. Outline the type of shoot you wish to perform. Will you be creating a professional headshot for an actor or are you simply establishing your portfolio as a photographer by taking editorial images? Determining the goal of the photo shoot will help decide where the pictures should be taken as well as if any additional equipment is needed, such as a backdrop.

2. Place the model on his mark, which is where he will stand during the photo shoot. If you are taking pictures outside make sure the sun is beside or behind the model, not directly in front of him.

3. Set up your lighting equipment, which can be a simple lamp or a multi-piece professional lighting kit. Do not place the lights directly on the models face as this will cause a reflection within the glasses. Instead, place the lighting at an angle so it will illuminate the face without being too harsh.

4. Diffuse the light by placing a white bed sheet directly in front of the bulb or bouncing light off of a lighting umbrella. Take your time when positioning this equipment to ensure there is no glare in the model's glasses.

5. Look through the viewfinder or image screen on your digital camera. Do not stand directly in front of the model as your reflection may be visible in the glasses. Rather, position yourself above or below the model's line of sight. Take several snapshots to determine if your positioning is correct.

6. Turn off the autofocus and manually focus on your model. By doing so you can ensure the background is blurry and the model is in sharp focus. Capture at least 20 frames before changing your shooting angle or altering the lighting equipment.

Sell A Movie To Marketers

So now that you've made a film, it's time to sell it to a distributor. There are some basic steps to get this done, and the rules differ depending on whether your film is a feature or a documentary. But once you learn what do, you'll be able to sell the film and see it get the attention it deserves.

Instructions

1. Contact sub-distributors, especially if your film is a documentary. There aren't a lot of distributors for documentaries, so do this yourself through PBS, library journals, hospitals and schools. Find out contact people for PBS or HBO and call them about your film.

2. Consider foreign distribution as an option. They pay up front and you make money for every country where your film is distributed. Find out if your American distributor works with foreign markets and work with them to get started.

3. Join one of the many sites on the Internet that will help you distribute your film. There are those who specialize in documentary films and others that lean more towards indie (independent films), so do some research and then sign up your film.

Mix Acrylic Offers To Have An Airbrush

Airbrushing with acrylic paint is extremely versatile as acrylics are available in both opaque and transparent forms. Acrylic paint is very safe to use. It is water-based and does not have fumes or an odor making it safe to use indoors with little ventilation. Using acrylics the artist can render a variety of textures and layering, giving their work depth and clarity. Mixing acrylics for airbrushing will be easy if you follow a few simple steps.

Instructions

Preparing to Airbrush Using Acrylic Paint

1. Purchasing acrylic paint specifically made for airbrushing is the easiest, most concise method of acrylic airbrushing. Usually, these types of acrylics have acrylic airbrush thinner included with them, or readily available where airbrush acrylic is sold. Simply mix according to the brand's instructions, which are included in the package, to achieve the look you want.

2. Thin acrylic paint with water, using a 50-50 mixture of water to acrylic paint. Be sure to mix well. To achieve this, shake well by placing the mixture in a tightly lidded container and shaking briskly for a few minutes, or place mixture in a large measuring cup and whip with a mini whisk (available in the house-wares section of department stores).

3. Use rubbing alcohol or Windex to thin acrylic craft paint (available at hobby stores, WalMart, and craft shops) are inexpensive (as little as 77 cents per bottle) and can also be used effectively for airbrushing. Simply thin with a 50-50 mixture of rubbing alcohol or Windex (reported to make the paint stick better), and spray through the airbrush.

Produce A Caricature Free With Templates

Making a cartoon is a breeze with a template.

Comic strips are a fun and creative way to share your sense of humor or observations about everyday life with other people. If you find yourself brimming with ideas but lacking in artistic ability, consider creating a comic strip with a template. Online resources such as Strip Generator make it easy for would-be cartoonists by providing a range of vector artwork and all the tools necessary for comic creation, all within a simple Flash-based interface.

Instructions

1. Go to Strip Generator website (see Resources) and click on the "Create Your Strip" link. Browse the options under each of the tabs to get an idea of the range of art elements at your disposal.

2. Write the story. Every comic strip has three basic elements: the setup, the development and the punchline. The setup sets the stage and introduces the central conceit of the strip. The development expands on the ideas stated in the setup, perhaps by following a certain line of thought or introducing a counterargument. The punchline provides the conclusion to the comic, via a humorous observation or gag.

3. Plan the layout. Choose your characters based on what feels appropriate for your story. Select additional art elements as necessary.

4. Arrange the artwork. Click and drag art elements from the currently selected tab to the appropriate panel. Click the white circle at the upper-right corner of each element to rotate; click and drag the white circle on the left or bottom of each element to resize. Move elements to the foreground or background using the two buttons beneath the strip template, to the right of the red X.

5. Add the dialogue. Select the tab labeled "Bubbles" and choose a word bubble from among the available options. Drag a word bubble to the first panel and type in dialogue. If necessary, resize the word bubble by clicking and dragging the white circles on the right and bottom sides. Repeat in each panel as needed.

6. Publish your comic. You can print a copy of your newly created comic strip by clicking on the "Print" button in the upper left. Alternatively, you can publish your comic on the Strip Generator website by clicking on the "Publish" button (you will have to complete a registration process before adding your strip to your personal gallery).

Carry Out The Selftying Shoe lace

High-top shoes are ideal for performing the self tying shoelace trick.

The self tying shoelace is a fairly simple magic trick that was popularized by the famous magician David Blaine. The trick is a good choice for beginners to magic as it is a trick based on concealment and does not involve sleight of hand or any other of the more difficult elements of magic tricks. This trick can easily be used for street magic as it requires little preparation and equipment, yet dazzles the audience.

Instructions

1. Cut a length of thread the same length as your leg.

2. Tie one end of the thread to the middle of a spare shoelace and pull the other end of the thread up your trouser leg so that it hangs over your trouser waistband and the spare lace dangles out of the bottom of the trouser leg.

3. Put on a pair of lace up shoes and tie the laces.

4. Conceal the tied shoelaces with the bottom of your trouser leg. Pull the spare shoelace down so that it lies on either side of your shoe like an untied shoelace.

5. Shake your leg and pull the thread at your waistband up at the same time so that the spare shoelace is pulled up your trouser leg. Pull your trouser leg up slightly as the spare lace is pulled out of sight to shake the already tied shoelace free, making it seem like your lace has tied itself.

Carry Out The Quick Change Miracle Illusion

The Quick Change magic illusion has been a favorite of magicians for decades. The magician and his assistant change into multiple outfits in a matter of seconds. The most important element in performing this magic illusion is timing and sleight of hand.

Instructions

1. Collect dresses, suits and other attire in a variety of colors to perform the Quick Change magic illusion. You can work with a seamstress in your region, like Cleveland's SewNeau, to add release tabs and stitch layers together (see Resources below).

2. Procure costumes from a magic shop that are double-sided to simplify the Quick Change magic illusion. Custom Change Magic Store helps magicians and assistants put together two-sided attire that makes multiple wardrobe changes possible (see Resources below).

3. Supply flesh-colored material to your seamstress to add complexity to the Quick Change illusion. Cloth that matches your assistant's skin tone allows the change from concealing to revealing dresses without slowing down the illusion.

4. Write out a background story to tell the audience while you perform the Quick Change magic illusion. This story can talk about dressing for different seasons, professions and events to create prompts for your assistant.

5. Place colorful curtains and screens throughout the stage to facilitate the Quick Change illusion. The mixture of colors on the stage will attract the attention of your audience while the illusion is performed.

6. Begin the Quick Change illusion with full-length attire that hides layers of other outfits. The magician should wear a tuxedo or suit, while the assistant should wear a dress with material covering the shoulders.

7. Line the interior of screens, curtains and other stage elements with hook-and-loop tape to speed up the Quick Change illusion. Textol Systems provides large amounts of hook-and-loop tape that can be applied to the invisible portion of these elements to pull off clothing quickly (see Resources below).

8. Engage in sleight of hand and other tricks as you perform this magic illusion. Card tricks and clever banter keep the attention of your spectators off the changing garments worn by your assistant.

9. Wander from point to point on the stage to keep audiences guessing during the Quick Change illusion. Practice moving before you perform the illusion to integrate wardrobe changes, patter and coordination of moving screens.

Draw Anime Expressions

Emotions and expressions in anime are larger than life.

Anime is known for having characters with many different emotions and expressions. Learning to draw human expressions in anime style is key to developing your anime characters. Emotions and expressions in anime are larger than life, much like the plot lines and characters of the genre.

Instructions

1. Draw an oval to create a basic anime head. Add the neck with parallel lines under the head.

2. Draw the eyebrows pointing down diagonally to create an angry expression. Draw the eyes smaller than normal and add diagonal lines to the top of the eyelids. Draw the mouth with a rectangular shape to show that the teeth are gritted.

3. Create an annoyed look by drawing the basic face as above but make the eyes normal (for anime) size. Place the pupils and irises turned to the side. Draw one eyebrow in a normal relaxed state, but have the other curved and slightly lifted. Draw the mouth with a slightly diagonal line that curves at the top. Add a line under the mouth to show the lower lip.

4. Draw the expression of contentment by sketching out a basic face and keeping the eyes at the normal size. Draw the eyebrows so that the inner brow is higher than the outside. Create the mouth with a small upturned line. Add a shadow under the mouth with a small upside-down triangle.

5. Draw a flirtation expression by turning the mouth up slightly on one side to create a smirk. Thicken the eyelashes and lower the eyelids on each eye slightly. Have one turned upward and the other tilted downward.

6. Draw a laughing expression by drawing a large mouth with a rectangular shape. Add the tongue with a small circle inside the mouth. Draw the eyes closed and add small diagonal squint lines on the top and bottom of the eyelash. Draw the eyebrows with wide curves above the eyes.

7. Make a mischievous expression by placing the pupils and irises in the upper right-hand corner of the eye. Raise the outer side of one of the eyebrows. Create a smirk with a mouth line that turns up at one end. Add a shadow under the mouth with an upside-down triangle.

8. Create a sad or crying expression by drawing the eyebrows upturned on the inside of the face. Draw a well of tears in the eyes with a bubble-like shape at the bottom of the eye. Add a stream of tears with two parallel lines running down the side of the face, starting at the eyes.

9. Draw the expression of surprise by drastically upturning the inside edge of each eyebrow. Draw the eyes slightly large and open, just a bit wider. Draw the mouth open with a circular shape. Draw the tongue with a small circle inside the mouth.

Know If You're Getting A Boy Or Perhaps A Girl Baby

Know if You Are Having a Boy or a Girl Baby

You can choose from several scientific and many not-so-scientific methods to determine your baby's sex. Remember, you'll be right half the time with any method, so feel free to develop your own. Here are a few ways to find out whether you are having a baby boy or girl.

Instructions

1. Consider the ultrasound technician's evaluation to be accurate; most won't make a prediction unless they get a clear view of the baby's genitals.

2. Trust the results of your amniocentesis, if you have one.

3. Thread a needle or use a necklace with a charm and have someone else suspend it above your belly. If the needle (charm) swings back and forth, a boy is in your future; if it moves in a circle, count on a girl.

4. Feeling really really nauseous during your first trimester is a sign you are having a girl; low levels of nausea means it's a boy.

5. You've got a boy if your belly bulge is high up on your abdomen; carry low, and you're having a girl.

6. Breaking out often? Feeling extra-bloated? Many people would say that you're having a girl and that she is already stealing your beauty.

7. Looking back to the moment of truth - if the act that led to your conception was performed standing up, you'll have a boy; if the woman was on top you'll have a girl.

Carry Out The Guillotine Miracle Illusion

The centuries-old fear of the guillotine has been turned into entertainment with the Guillotine magic illusion. Magicians who perform this illusion ask an unwitting volunteer to be bound while a sharp blade plummets toward his head. It is important to understand the intricacies of this magic illusion to avoid harming audience members.

Instructions

1. Avoid the complexities of building a guillotine by consulting with an online magic shop. The Great Scot sells a device called the Scottish Maiden, which is a basic guillotine built for professional magicians (see Resources below).

2. Insert faster blades and additional elements before you perform the Guillotine illusion by building your own device. You can acquire plans from Internet venues like Hank Lee's Magic Factory, which provides advice on building and conducting this illusion (see Resources below).

3. Engage the audience in the history of the Guillotine before you perform this magic illusion. Discuss the guillotine as a symbol of cruel justice going back to the French Revolution before you select a victim.

4. Modify the seating area of the guillotine to ensure comfort for the chosen audience member. Many guillotines have a space for kneeling, though elaborate versions of this illusion allow victims to lie on their stomachs.

5. Slip a bucket underneath the headstock after you select an audience member. This bucket should be large enough to hold a human head in an effort to create anxiety in the volunteer.

6. Lock the volunteer's head and hands into the front stock before you perform this magic illusion. The inner workings of the Guillotine will protect the neck and hands by activating a lower blade once the upper blade strikes the top of the stock.

7. Run the Guillotine multiple times to ensure that the lower blade will work when you perform the illusion. The lower blade needs to activate the moment the upper blade appears to hit the victim's head for a successful illusion.

8. Release the main blade of the Guillotine after easing the tension of the audience volunteer. Invite the audience to countdown from three, and feign confusion about releasing on the number one or the word "go." You should release the blade during the second countdown, one step ahead of the audience for an element of surprise.

9. Pause several seconds after the lower blade hits the floor before unlocking the headstock. This pause makes the safe release of the volunteer more dramatic for a captivated audience.

Blacklight Tattoo Ideas

Blacklight tattoos are visible only under black lights, which emit ultraviolet rays.

The latest rage in body art is blacklight tattoos, which are nearly invisible on the skin but are stunning and bright under black lights. The ink comes in 18 colors. After the tattoo has fully healed in 10-12 months, there is almost nothing visible in regular light. Clubs, bars and casinos all over the world have black lights, and young people are flocking to show off their new blacklight tattoos. Blacklight tattoos are a good alternative for people worried about getting normal tattoos because of their career prospects.

Regular Tattoo Enhancement

In addition to getting a tattoo that's nearly invisible by itself, you can also add to existing tattoos with blacklight ink. You can get a blacklight tracing or shading over a tattoo you already have so that when you get under a black light, it becomes a different tattoo.

Hidden Messages

Because the tracings of the tattoos are nearly invisible in daylight, there is potential for writing hidden messages that are only visible under ultraviolet lights. You could also pair these next to words you have tattooed in traditional ink. Hidden messages, phrases or symbols could be rebellious or funny or special only to a few people you know.

Anatomy

An interesting trend in blacklight tattoos is the practice of getting anatomical tattoos on the skin that reflect what's beneath it. For instance, you could get a full arm sleeve tattoo showing the muscles and tendons in your arm under a black light. Bones, veins, or organs would make for interesting scientific blacklight tattoos.

Obtain A Joke Book Released

You may be lucky enough to come with side-splitting quips on a whim, but others might not be so blessed. If you think your original jokes can translate well to print and put humor in the mouths of many, follow this guide to getting your joke book published.

Instructions

1. Like any other book, you will need to work with an editor to be sure that before you even start submitting queries to publishers, your manuscript is flawless and free of all grammatical errors.

2. When formatting your manuscript, be sure to research the individual publishers to see what their preferences are on the matter. Some may prefer certain things, others might be strictly against them. The Internet is a great tool to finding publishers for your niche market and researching the submission guidelines for individual joke book publishers.

3. Once your manuscript is ready to submit and you have selected your desired publisher, it is time to submit a query letter. A query letter is a one-page, single-spaced letter that introduces your book with the intention of hooking an editor in what your book has to offer.

4. When writing the query letter for your joke book, keep it simple. The old advice for public speaking "open with a joke" may work well in this case, but do not riddle your letter (pun intended) with jokes from your book. Insert just enough to get the attention of your publisher-to-be and let them know what you are capable of. Keep it professional. As funny as your book may be, not everyone is laughing when money is involved.

5. Illustrations go great with joke books. If you have someone in mind to provide art for your book, mention this in your query letter but do not submit the art with the letter.

6. Do not fret if the first publisher rejects your book. In fact, this is bound to happen. Instead, keep a list of selected publishers in mind and try again.

Fundamental Photography Course Objectives

Basic photography requires a minimum understanding of how your camera works.

Mastering photography involves more than simply pointing the camera and clicking away. The objectives of a basic photography course should cover various aspects of photography, the most important of which are aperture (depth of field), shutter speed, exposure compensation, histogram levels and digital sensitivity.

Aperture

A large aperture is suited to this photo as less of the subject is in focus.

Understanding aperture is key to learning how photography works. A large aperture (characterized by a "small" number such as f2.8 or f4) means less of the subject is in focus. In other words, if you focused on a dog's nose, its eyes and the rest of its face would be out of focus. With a narrow aperture (characterized by a "big" number such as f8 or f22), focusing on the dog's nose would cause most of its face to remain in focus. A large aperture is usually for portrait or macro photography while a narrow aperture is better for architectural and landscape photography.

Shutter Speed

Whether a photo is in focus is crucial to its success. A potentially brilliant image that's blurred is wasted but an average one that's in sharp focus is usable. This comes down to shutter speed. A fast speed (for instance 1/1000th of a second) means there's more chance of a photo being in focus, while a slow speed (1/60th of a second) increases the chances of blurriness. Poor lighting and a narrow aperture will slow the shutter speed, which means that to take a focused image you need to switch to a larger aperture (such as f4), increase speed or use a tripod.

ISO Sensitivity

The International Organization for Standardization sets the international standard for film (or digital) sensitivity. Photographing outside when it's sunny usually requires an ISO of 100, which means the resulting photo will be smooth and won't contain much grain or noise. However, taking photos in poor light forces you to increase the ISO to 200, 400 or higher, which introduces more noise and negatively affects quality. The only way around this is to use a tripod or beanbag on which to rest your camera, or to use a high-powered attachable flash, which will allow you to shoot at a low ISO.

Exposure Compensation

If a photo is too dark, it is considered underexposed; if it's too light, it's overexposed. The trick is to master the perfect exposure. A photo perfectly exposed has neither too many dark areas nor too many "burnt" hot spots and overall has balanced lighting. The histogram on most digital cameras gives you a good idea of whether your photo has an incorrect exposure. Peaks so prominent they disappear over the top of the histogram indicate a hot spot while too much flatness in a graph indicates excessive underexposure.

Make Funny Pictures From Photos

You can use photo editing software or craft supplies to make a uniquely funny picture.

Modern technology has made it easier than ever to create funny pictures from your existing photos. All you need is a digital photograph and some photo editing software, or access to the internet, to turn an ordinary picture into a hilarious edited masterpiece. Editing programs give you the ability to do things like morph faces, insert faces into funny backgrounds or add funny captions. If you are more of a hands-on crafter, you don't have to be a slave to the digital age. You can create funny pictures using hard copies of photographs and your own creativity.

Instructions

Digital Editing

1. Upload your digital photograph to your computer and open it in your photo editing software. Adobe Photoshop is one popular editing program that's widely available.

2. Select from the menu options to apply effects to your photograph, including blurring, washout, morphing or tiling the picture, then save the picture when you're satisfied with the results. This can be a lengthy process, especially if you don't have prior editing experience; online websites may work best if you don't have expensive software, or lots of editing experience.

3. Choose an online editing website such as Pho.to Fun Editor, Citrify Photo Editor or FaceinHole. Different websites will allow you to apply different effects, so search around and try different sites until you find one that works best for you.

4. Upload the digital photograph to the editing website. Most websites will have an "upload" button, and then you can click "browse" and search for the photograph on your computer.

5. Choose an option like "cartoonize yourself" to make your photograph look like a cartoon drawing.

6. Cut out a face, or bodies, within the digital photograph and then play around with adding the image to different backgrounds. The editing program usually has an option to allow you to "cut" portions of the photograph for use in your funny edits.

7. Add the image to famous paintings, magazine covers, historical landmarks and more. You can even add your face to a famous face, or try out a funky new haircut with photo editing.

8. Apply color effects, stretching or digital blurring to customize your funny photo.

9. Click "save" and then email or print your funny picture to share with friends and family.

Hands-on Crafts

10. Choose the hard copy photograph from which you'd like to create a funny picture.

11. Cut the subject --- person, pet or building --- from the picture with a pair of scissors.

12. Glue the subject to a funny new background, such as an existing photograph, or a background from a magazine. One fun example is to glue an image of someone in a bathing suit to a magazine image of a winter landscape.

13. Draw and cut caption bubbles from white paper, write a funny saying and glue the bubble near the mouth of the picture subject, to make it look like he's saying something funny.

14. Use stickers to enhance your digital photograph without cutting the subject from the picture. For example, you can add stickers of your favorite cartoon characters to make it look like they're in the photograph with you.

Perform Fundamental Breakdance Moves

Perform Basic Breakdance Moves

Ever thought it might be cool to impress your friends with your hip breakdancing moves? Here's some good news: you can learn breakdance simply by learning a few basic moves and following a few simple steps.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Play some hip-hop music you can breakdance to.

2. Make sure you have a large, smooth floor to practice on. If you want to go old school, lay down some flattened cardboard boxes.

3. Wear comfortable clothes as well as protection, such as sneakers, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist bands, a head band and gloves.

4. Do a few stretches before you start to warm up your muscles and prevent injury.

Learn the Top-Rock (or Up-Rock)

5. Master this basic breakdancing move first.

6. Start on your left foot, with your right foot back and your arms held backward.

7. Jump forward on your right foot while at the same time sending your left foot back. Don't drag your feet; only let them touch the ground for steps.

8. Bring your left foot forward halfway while you swing your right foot back halfway in an arc-this is the "transition."

9. Swing your right foot in to replace the left as the left goes back; pump backward with your arms.

10. Kick forward with your left and kick back with your right, swinging your arms back for balance, and landing your weight on your left.

11. Step forward with your right halfway, swinging your left back in an arc.

12. Move from left to right, and you're ready to go again!

Learn Other Moves and Steps

13. Watch other "breakers" (people who breakdance) and see how they move.

14. Rent or buy breakdancing videos.

15. Practice with friends or while watching breakdancing movies.

16. Take a breakdance class or workshop if such a thing exists in your community.

Execute A Kimura

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A kimura is an arm lock that is often use in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights. This jujitsu technique is difficult to escape and applies an extreme amount of pressure to your opponent's shoulder. Learning to perform a kimura takes time and practice.

Instructions

1. Control one of your opponent's arms. The kimura is often done from a knee on belly position. You will want to control the arm that is on the same side as your body.

2. Grab the wrist firmly on the controlled arm with the hand that is closest to their head. If you are on the right side of their body this would be your left hand on their right wrist.

3. Pull the fighter's arm up where their elbow is pointing towards your face. Make sure to maintain control of their body with the knee you have on their stomach.

4. Slide your other arm under your opponent's elbow and grab your own wrist on the opposite arm. This is through their trapped arm and attaching to your own.

5. Rotate quickly around the fighter's head. This is taking the knee off their belly and stepping over their head with your other leg. This must be done smoothly and quickly.

6. Make sure the trapped arm and elbow is tight against your chest. Jujitsu is about control and maintaining that control throughout an entire move. If at any time you lose control, you leave yourself open to a reversal.

7. Twist your torso away from their body. Do not twist any part of your body under your waist and do not twist your arms. Just twisting your torso will cause a lot of pressure in your opponent's shoulder.

Create A Free Anime Character

Anime is a hot trend that originated in Japan. It is short for animation. Japanese anime characters have a very distinct look. They usually are wind blown and have exaggerated features. Anime character drawings are very particular and detailed. Because anime started in Japan the characters oftentimes have Japanese features. It's now possible to make your own anime character using fun and convenient tools. Many people like to use anime cartoons as avatars on online social networking websites.

Instructions

1. Conduct some internet research regarding anime characters. Get a feel for popular anime characters and make a list of the traits you most like. This research will enable you to envision your ideal anime character. You can include very detailed information in your list of traits. This list might include things your character likes or dislikes. You can create a history or a back story for your character as well.

2. Search the internet for sites that will enable you to create your free anime character. Choose a site that best suits your needs and is easy for you to navigate.

3. Enroll with the site by creating an account if neccessary. Thoroughly read and sign the User Agreement (if one is provided).

4. Begin experimenting with your anime character. You can select the gender of your character and try different permutations of hair color, eye color and dress. In many cases, you can give your anime character special accessories such as armor and weapons.

5. Decide upon the final version your anime character. This character should compliment the back story you've created or evoke a new, exciting persona.

6. Print or share your anime character. Some sites will allow you to print your character while others may allow you to upload the image as an avatar or email it to a friend.

Execute A Dramatic Reading through

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Perform a Dramatic Reading

You have been asked to read a story to an audience. Whether you are reading your own work or a story by a famous author, there is a lot more involved than just opening the book and reading aloud. A little preparation can ensure that your reading of the story is as memorable as the story itself.

Instructions

1. Select a story. Make sure it is one that your audience can appreciate with a structure that will be easy to understand.

2. Analyze the story. In order to convey the story to your audience, you must thoroughly understand it. Read it several times. See if other writers and critics have written about the story.

3. Act each part. Each character with dialogue has a different way of speaking. The narrator also has a speaking style. Practice reading your story, acting the part of each character. Be excited when the character is excited, pause when the character would pause. Remember that it is a dramatic reading--it is your job to be dramatic!

4. Build toward the climax. Begin and end the story with low energy and make sure that your biggest gestures and loudest volume occur at the climax of the story.

5. Rehearse. You should know the story well enough that you can look up from the book and make eye contact with the audience without getting lost. Practice your gestures until they seem natural. You may want to record your rehearsal to see how you look and sound.

6. Perform the reading. Do not let nervousness make you forget all your hard work in preparing for the reading. Take a deep breath and a sip of water, then begin.

New york city Activities For Children

Central Park

Whether you're a local parent or a visitor to New York City, finding great activities for kids can be a challenge. The city has a goldmine of kid-friendly events and activities if you know where to look.

Outdoor Activities

Enjoy the outdoors. The city's parks offer a wealth of events during the warmer months, from concerts and theater performances to pools and sprinklers. Check the Parks Department website for a list of events and services. Many parks show free outdoor movies all summer long as well. Governor's Island is a former military base that is now open to the public Friday through Sunday from May through October. The island is accessible by ferry and offers outdoor activities like kayaking, biking around the island and mini-golf. Visit govisland.com for a list of activities occurring each weekend.

Museums

Expand kids' horizons by visiting a museum. The Brooklyn Children's Museum and the Children's Museum of Manhattan both offer a range of exhibits in history and science and hands-on activities for kids. Children love exploring the American Museum of Natural History, which many now recognize as the setting for the 2006 movie "Night at the Museum." This museum has exhibits ranging from dinosaur bones and dioramas of cavemen to permanent exhibits on different animal species or cultures around the world. The Guggenheim, The Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum are all great places to take little ones to see historic or modern art masterpieces.

Theaters

Check TimeOut New York Kids or one of the local papers for a list of what's currently playing on Broadway. Disney productions are usually an easy sell for little ones who want to see their favorite animated shows come to life. To find discounted tickets to Broadway shows, visit the TKTS booth in Times Square or the South Street Sea Port the day of the show or search online for discount vendors before you go. There are often magic shows, circuses and children's plays produced off-Broadway as well.

Libraries

Check library websites for current events, either nypl.org or brooklynpubliclibrary.org. You don't have to have a library card to participate and most events are free. New York has some of the oldest libraries in the nation with dozens scattered throughout the five boroughs, so there's bound to be one nearby. The Children's Center on 42nd Street, housed in the ground floor of the library on 42nd and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, has the original Winnie the Pooh on display and offers reading events several days a week. Some libraries, like the Hudson Park Branch on Leroy Street, have playrooms that are great destinations for rainy or winter days.

Fresh paint Kids Hands And Foot prints

Paintings of your baby's hands and feet make memorable art projects.

An image with your baby's hand and footprints makes a wonderful keepsake that is sure to be cherished by anyone who receives it. Hand and footprints can be printed on canvas or paper for wall display or on fabric for use in a quilt or bag. It is best to use acrylic or tempera paint as they are nontoxic; however, the paint you choose to use should match the medium you will be working with. Hand and footprints are not just for babies -- children of all ages can partake in this fun craft!

Instructions

1. Paint the baby's hand. Hold the baby's hand tightly and apply a generous coating of paint to ensure a good impression.

2. Place the hand firmly on the paper or medium to be used. Repeat with the opposite hand.

3. Paint the bottom of the baby's foot in the same manner as the hand.

4. Place the baby's foot onto the intended surface and press firmly to ensure a clear footprint. Repeat with the opposite foot.

Fresh paint With Tempera

Paint With Tempera

Every kindergarten finger-painter, high school cheerleader and pep squad member is familiar with tempera paint. One of the oldest types of paint, it was originally a pigment paint thickened with egg yolks. Modern popular tempera paint is now also called poster paint and is more of a gouache, a pigment and water paint similar to watercolor.

Instructions

1. Choose either tempera powder or pre-mixed tempera. The powdered form must be mixed with water, but the thickness may be more easily controlled. Pre-mixed tempera is more convenient, but it is more difficult to adjust its thickness.

2. Chose the correct paper or surface. Tempera works best on paper that works well with a water base, such as watercolor paper. Experiment on other surfaces, such as wood or canvas.

3. Mix the correct thickness. Tempera paint is flexible in its consistency. Thin tempera paint is almost transparent and can be used in much the same way as glazes. Thicker tempera is more opaque.

4. Take heed of techniques. Because tempera paint dries quickly, short swift brush strokes are more effective. Thin tempera works well when underpainting. Use numerous layers of paint to build depth of color.

5. Blend a rainbow of colors. While tempera may only come in basic colors, these colors can be blended to make any shade desired. Use the color wheel to blend primary colors into secondary: red and yellow make orange; blue and yellow make green; blue and red make purple. Use black, white and brown to make variations of colors.

6. Allow drying time. While tempera paint dries quickly to the touch, it may take much longer to completely cure. Some paintings with many layers may take up to a year.

Arrange Flowers Inside A Beauty Pageant

Flower arrangements are a great way to decorate a beauty pageant stage. Decorations can set the tone of the pageant, but should never be so overwhelming they distract from the pageant contestants. Flowers and plants are a subtle way to add color and elegance.

Instructions

1. Determine if the pageant has an obvious theme that lends itself to a particular kind of decoration. For example, it would be appropriate for the Miss Hawaii pageant to have tropical decorations on stage. If a theme doesn't jump out at you, decorate with the current season in mind.

2. Choose two or three specific colors for your flower arrangements that coordinate with the theme. A spring pageant should have pastel decorations, while red and gold would work well for a fall or Thanksgiving pageant.

3. Consult a florist after you choose your colors. A florist can help you pick flowers in the right colors that are appropriate for your theme. Don't get discouraged if you can't find or afford flowers that match your colors. You can always use white flowers and add colorful decorations to the arrangement.

4. Add fun decorations to your arrangements. If you're using white flowers, this is your chance to add color. If your flowers are bright, use pale decorations that complement the flowers rather than overwhelms them. The decorations should match the theme. For example, use pumpkins instead of vases to hold your flowers for a fall pageant.

5. Place the flower arrangements around the stage carefully. You want your flower arrangements to stand out, but not get in the way.

Jobs In Art Restoration & Conservation

The world of art offers countless treasures that often must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

There are many different types of wonderful careers in the field of art restoration and conservation. For those who wish to pursue these jobs, an educational background in the arts, including a bachelor's or master's degree in fine arts, will most likely lead to the best jobs.

Art Conservator

An art conservator is responsible for the preservation of cultural and artistic artifacts. This job is a mixture of science, field work, and creativity. Responsibilities may include examining articles to determine their properties and levels of deterioration and then restoring the object to its fullest potential. Specialties within the field of art conservation include paintings, textiles, sculpture, or electronic media. Art conservators typically work for museums, government agencies, universities and archive institutions.

Conservation Technician

For those who are mostly interested in the scientific aspects of art preservation, a career as a technician or scientist can be a good fit. This person is a professional scientist who uses specialized skills in technology to preserve artifacts in conjunction with the work of a conservator. They focus more on the scientific aspects of art preservation rather than the aesthetic.

Educator

Those who teach about art restoration and conservation typically have at least a master's degree and most likely a Ph.D. in a field such as art history, fine arts or museology. Educators use their own knowledge and experience to teach others either about the history of artifacts, such as when working for a museum or teaching fine arts at a university, or teach others restore and conserve art themselves.

Museum Exhibition

To work in an art museum, job seekers must typically have at least a bachelor's degree. They focus on the presentation of artifacts for the benefit of the public museum visitors. In addition, they are expected to have knowledge about storing, transporting and setting up art exhibits such as with traveling exhibitions. To do these jobs properly, a museum artist should have artistic and mechanical skills.

Architectural Conservationist

Some art conservationists specialize in architecture. This means that they travel the world to help restore ruins or other architecturally important artifacts. This job requires a great deal of research, and language skills can be helpful for international work.

Fresh paint With Blackboard Fresh paint

Chalkboard paint has endless possibilities.

Blackboard paint makes it possible to turn just about any surface into a chalkboard. You can paint signs, menus, calendars, toy chests, walls or cupboards; the uses are endless. Children like to draw on the paint, and adults like to use it for message boards or labels that can be easily updated. Blackboard paint can be found in craft stores and hardware stores, and it comes in a variety of colors. Blackboard paint can be applied to most surfaces, including: wood, metal, unglazed ceramics, plaster and glass.

Instructions

1. Prepare the surface for painting: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove all dust and dirt. If you're painting a rough surface, sand it first if possible, then wash with a sponge, soap and water. Let dry completely.

2. Use painter's tape to section off the area you want to paint. Use a ruler or straightedge to make sure your tape lines are even and straight. If the surface is uneven or porous, apply a coat of primer.

3. Paint the surface. Sponge paintbrushes are very good for creating a smooth surface, but any quality paintbrush is fine. You will most likely want to apply two or three coats of paint. Allow the surface to dry at least one day between coats.

4. Allow the paint 72 hours to dry completely before using the chalkboard surface. Remove the painter's tape.

5. Season the surface to make the chalkboard easier to write on. Holding a piece of chalk lengthwise, rub gently and thinly cover the entire surface of the board. Wipe off the chalk with a chalkboard eraser or a piece of felt, and your chalkboard is now ready for use. Clean the surface whenever needed with soap and water.

Fresh paint With Bauhaus Software'S "Mirage"

Bauhaus Software's Mirage software focuses on 2-D animation.

Instead of entering the crowded 3-D animation program market, Bauhaus Software's Mirage focuses on 2-D and traditional hand drawn animation. The user interface is simple enough, with the image in the center, the main menu bar down the right side of the screen and other options available as needed. As with other animation programs, image creation can be controlled through a mouse, trackpad or electronic pen and tablet as the user dictates. Brushes and textures focus on created bitmap-based two-dimensional images.

Instructions

1. Select the type of brush you wish to use. There are 10 types of brushes available with Mirage including "Pen," "Mechanical Pencil," "Oil Brush," "Pencil," "Wet Brush" and "Custom." Lines created will depend on the type of brush as well as the texture.

2. Select the size of the brush. This option, located on the right side menu below the different types of brushes, dictates the thickness of each brush stroke.

3. Select the color of the brush. Mirage offers five color palettes, but unfortunately only one may be selected at a time. This means that if you wish to use a different palette, you must close the present one, open the new one and select the color again.

4. Select any other options as needed; options include textures and line edges.

5. Draw a line onto the canvas using the mouse, trackpad, electronic pen or other digital input device as needed.

Fresh paint With Aquarelle

Aquarelle pencils provide more control than watercolor brushes.

If you ever painted watercolor with brushes, here's a tip: Using aquarelle pencils give you more control over your strokes. Aquarelle is useful in creating the shapes and color in the background while later applying water with a brush to the entire painting. It is a great way for beginners to learn watercolor.

Instructions

1. Draw the design of the finished picture with the No. 2 pencil on watercolor paper. Do not push too hard with the pencil so you can erase if mistakes are made. Finish the entire design before moving on to the aquarelle pencils.

2. Tape down the watercolor paper to a solid surface so that it does not move or wrinkle once water is applied.

3. Use your selected aquarelle pencils and draw the outlines of the shapes that you previously drew with the No. 2 pencil. First, decide on the colors that would best fit the areas.

4. Fill in the shapes and background using the aquarelle pencils. Do your best to stay within the lines.

5. Wet the painting, one area at a time. Dip the brush in the water container and start to fill in the different areas of the painting. Smaller brushes, such as the Nos. 1-2, are better for small areas while the No. 30 is better for larger areas. Do not apply water to more than one color at a time or you will mix the colors. Dip the brush in the water container until it is clean and wet before moving on to the next color. Do this until you have finished wetting the entire painting.

Fresh paint By Having An Image Texture

Painting With an Image Texture

I'll never forget when I first started to "play" with Photoshop in 1990. I was always fascinated with the clone tool. It was like magic to select someone's face and then "paint" with it on a white background. Video games weren't that good back then, and this was surely more fun then "Ms. Pacman." As I have grown a little more sophisticated, so have cloning tools. I began to think that I could use the tool to create distinctive movie titles for my music videos. Although I still haven't created any movie titles I like, I wanted to share the method for doing this. Art takes time, and maybe someday I will create some titles that I like. Until then, the clone tool will still mesmerize me. Here I will demonstrate the process using GIMP, but the method is the same regardless of which image-editing software you use.

Instructions

1. Open your image-editing program and select an image for clone selection. I am fascinated by the patterns created in these Chicago skyscrapers and thought it would be fun to paint with that texture. I will start with the building on the left and select part of that image to paint with.

2. Select the clone tool from the toolbar on the left. Once you have selected the tool you can set the tool attributes. You can set opacity, brush dynamics and brush size. For writing or painting movie titles I selected the largest brush (Galaxy) that was available. I wanted to be able to see the buildings in each stroke of the title.

3. Once you have set the attributes you need to select the clone source, move the tool over the image to the spot you wish to select. To set the clone source click your mouse and the control key at the same time and the source is selected.

4. Now it is time to actually paint my movie title using the source I selected. To do this, simply open a new blank file. Select the color background you want and use the fill function to color the background. In this case I stayed with white. Next position your mouse and begin to draw. The brush I selected determines the width of the stroke. Now I have a movie title painted with the texture of the building. It's OK, but not exactly what I wanted, so back to the drawing board.

Fresh paint With Airbrushes

Practice using the airflow before adding paint to an airbrush.

Painting with airbrushes allows for the drawing of fine lines or the painting of large areas. Using a double-action function airbrush makes the paint transparent or opaque. With a good action airbrush, the power can be either gravity-fed or bottom-fed and the power source can either be a compressor or a CO2 tank. Set up your easel or tape your airbrush paper to a pad of newspaper and then lean it against a protected wall. It is easier to airbrush when your paper is upright or when it is leaning against something.

Instructions

Practice

1. Keep the airbrush hose out of the way by draping it over your forearm.

2. Hold the airbrush in a relaxed way with your index finger. Push down gently on the trigger to practice airbrushing. Always leave the airbrush on between strokes and when applying paint.

3. Practice regulating the flow of the air, which is regulated by the movement of the trigger. When the trigger is pulled back, air flows; the further back the trigger is pulled, the more air is released. Practice with the flow of the air by moving the trigger back and forth before adding paint if you are a beginner.

4. Add paint to the airbrush per the manufacturer's directions. Begin by practicing by drawing a thin, straight line. Avoid wet paint because it can ruin your line by dripping and do not pull the trigger far back. Practice airbrushing larger areas once you are satisfied with your line.

5. Practice airbrushing in a large area by verifying the color on the paper is all the same color. This is not as easy as it seems because if you add too much air, some areas may turn out darker and other areas may turn out lighter.

6. Create shadows by using black paint. Create light areas by using less paint. You can use less paint by adding water to dilute your paint. Add highlights by using white paint in addition to your paint.

Paint

7. Draw a circle on a fresh piece of paper and mask it off with masking film. This gives your picture sharp edges. Cut along the circle very carefully so you don't cut the paper. Remove the masking film from the circle.

8. Add paint to your airbrush per the manufacturer's directions. Follow the directions for filling in large areas by making sure the paint is applied evenly and the color is the same. It helps to airbrush over it a few times so it isn't too dark.

9. Add shadows and highlights to your circle by using black paint and white paint.

Fresh paint With Acrylics

Acrylic paints are a versatile and fast-drying medium. Many effects can be achieved by painting with acrylics. They can be purchased for a low price and are good, especially for beginners.

Instructions

1. Choose a surface on which to apply the paint. With acrylic paints, this can be about anything. Paper and canvases are commonly used. So are cardboard, wood and pottery. With acrylics, the possibilities are endless.

2. Decide whether to use the paint as transparent or opaque. Acrylics have the ability to be either. Transparent mediums allow the light to shine through the color and bounce off the surface underneath for highlights. Opaque finishes completely cover the surface, whether it is paper or canvas.

3. Mix the paint from the tube with water. Acrylics are water soluble and can move more easily when wet. Add just a little water to move the color more easily, but add a lot to use the acrylics like watercolor. Watercolors are transparent and allow highlights from the light background. When used like this, acrylics allow the colors to be layered upon each other for blending. Add a lot of water to use acrylics as a glaze.

4. Use the paint thick and straight out of the tube to recreate the look of an oil painting. Acrylics dry much faster and are much cheaper than oil paints, but can achieve much of the same effects.

5. Work very quickly to blend, since acrylics dry at a rapid pace. Work time can be extended by mixing the paint with a slow-dry medium. These are found at art supplies stores with the acrylic paint in tubes just like the paint. Using the medium won't thin the paint at all, like water does. Water also increases work time. If working on paper, wet the paper to also increase drying time.

Mix Stitch Supplies For Novices

Just a few supplies are needed to get started in cross stitch.

Cross stitch is one of the simplest embroidery styles. With just a few supplies, you can get started in this craft. You will need a needle and thread, special cloth for cross stitching, scissors and an embroidery hoop.

Needle

For many cross stitch fabrics -- especially those that are best for beginners, like Aida cloth -- a sharp needle is unnecessary. A blunt ended needle is a good beginner's choice. A gold eye tapestry needle in size 18/22 will work well for most beginning projects.

Thread

Most often, six-strand embroidery floss is used for cross stitch. Often, a pattern calls for separating the strands, so it is important to buy the right kind of floss. "Craft floss" usually can't be separated and is not used for cross stitch.

Scissors

Any pair of scissors will do to cut your embroidery floss when needed. It's nice to have small sewing scissors or folding scissors that can be tucked into the pocket of a small sewing bag, but this is not necessary.

Embroidery Hoop

An embroidery hoop holds fabric stiff so that it can be worked more easily. You will need one if the fabric you are using is not a stiff type especially made for cross stitch.

Hoops come in different materials and sizes. The material of a hoop -- metal, plastic or wood -- is a matter of personal choice, but the best size will depend on the project. If possible, choose a hoop that is slightly larger than the design planned, so the entire pattern will show inside the hoop.

Sometimes, embroiderers use hoops to frame their completed work. If you plan to do this, consider a colorful hoop that coordinates with your planned design.

Fabric

Cross stitch is done on "evenweave" fabric. This weave creates little squares in the cloth that create a block for the stitches. There are many different types of evenweave cloth. Aida cloth is best for beginning cross stitchers. It is stiff and does not require a hoop.

The "count" of the cloth is also important. A higher count will create a smaller finished design and a lower count will create a larger one. Choose the cloth that is best for your intended project.

Cross stitch fabric also comes in many colors. White or ivory are probably the best for beginners, as darker colors can make the holes in the fabric harder to see.

Princess Face Painting Ideas

A princess face isn't something you can mess up very easily, because unlike a panda or a cat or a teddy bear, a princess face isn't something specific you need to mimic. Anything pretty and in a color the girl likes should go over well.

Princess Palette

Pick your colors. Most girls will prefer blue, pink or purple. If there is no preference, match the color to the clothes being worn. Try not to mix blue, pink and purple together--limit your palette to shades and tints of one color only, with highlights of white. Flourishes of gold or silver may also nice, in small amounts.

Princess Base

Consider the structure of the child's face before proceeding. An emphasis on the eyes and cheeks will complement most little girl's faces nicely. Since a princess does not actually look any different from any other person, the princess face will mostly be a concoction of made up swirls, curls and feminine designs like stars and hearts. Make your design symmetrical and radiating outward from the center. Give the girl eye shadow and line the eyes with white. Little curly cues emerging from the outer corners of the eyes will give the child a cute and somewhat mystical appearance.

Princess Crown

Paint a jewel or a star in the center of the forehead. If the child will not be wearing a crown, you may wish to make the jewel connected to a line that proceeds into the child's temples, to imitate the presence of a crown.

Princess Finishing Touches

Have the child look at herself in the mirror and ask her if she has any suggestions. For the finishing touches, give her a little paint on the lips (a lighter color is usually better than a darker color) and top everything off with glitter dabbed on the face.

Fresh paint Walls Different Colors Within The Same Room

Choosing interior house paint

Paint walls different colors in the same room to create a dynamic yet inexpensive change to the d cor. According to Jenny Gibbs, interior design expert and author of "Interior Design," after people leave a room, they have a difficult time remembering the actual colors of the room, but they can easily recall the emotional impression they felt. Whether you're aiming for elegance, calm or artistry, the colors you choose will determine the mood. Choose a color scheme with the aid of a color wheel to prevent a haphazard appearance when using more than one paint color in a room.

Instructions

1. Incorporate different hues of the same color for a monochromatic color scheme. Monochromes tend to offer rich yet subtle effects that can create an elegant or understated quality. To add interest and contrast, add textures to paint finishes.

2. Create a dramatic contrast by choosing a complementary color scheme that uses colors from opposite sides of the color wheel. If the room has wooden architectural elements or wood furniture, establish the color of the wood, and paint nearby walls a complementary color. For instance, the reds in cherry woods and mahoganies are enhanced and intensified when contrasted with shades of green.

3. Balance and harmonize a room by using an analogous color scheme that uses neighboring colors on the color wheel. Reds, yellows and oranges can be used to create a vibrant yet harmonious environment.

4. Express your artistic side by using a triadic color scheme. Triads utilize every fourth color on the color wheel to create a bold statement, but they must be used with skill to avoid too much activity that can overwhelm. The primary colors red, blue and yellow are triads that work well in children's rooms as well as in recreation spaces.

Measure Roofing Having A Tape Dolly

Measure safely from the ground with a tape dolly.

The tape dolly is an attachment that works with any standard measuring tape and speeds the process of measuring by pushing the end of the tape on two rollers. In addition to being useful on the ground, the device also allows homeowners to measure from the top of the roof to the eaves without having to actually climb up onto the roof. A tape dolly not only increases efficiency but also decreases the risk of falling from the roof.

Instructions

1. Look at the top of the tape dolly and locate the nut attached to a threaded bolt. Grasp the nut and turn it counterclockwise until it comes off. Grasp the silver metal plate that is positioned under the bolt and lift it up.

2. Locate the thin gap underneath the metal plate and insert the metal lip of the tape measure into the gap. Lower the upper metal plate and hold it on top of the tape measure.

3. Place the nut back onto the threaded screw and turn it clockwise until it no longer turns. The tape measure is now securely attached to the tape dolly.

4. Walk to an area just under the eaves of the house. If the home is very tall, such as a two-story, position a ladder under the eaves and climb up onto it.

5. Place the wheels of the tape dolly on the roof while holding the tape measure in your hand. Grasp the tape in your hand and slowly push it forward little by little to extend the tape dolly up the roof vertically. When you reach the top of the roof, stop pushing the tape measure.

6. Look at the number located on your end of the tape measure to determine how steep the roof is. Write the measurement down.

7. Retract the tape measure slowly until the tape dolly is back at the bottom of the roof.

8. Detach the tape dolly by reversing the steps you used to attach it to the tape measure.

Fresh paint Underwater Sea Moments

An underwater scene can include as much depth, detail, and color as you like

Whether you're painting a mural, a child's bedroom, or on a canvas, use the same basic steps to paint underwater ocean scenes. For inspiration before you paint, look over a few photographs of underwater landscapes and fish to get an idea of what type of scene you want to paint. Gather your supplies before you begin and go as quickly as you would like---to finish in under an hour, or allowing for more than one session to finish it.

Instructions

1. Sketch out a quick drawing on a sheet of paper to create a blueprint of how you want your scene to look. While this drawing will not be as detailed as your painting, you can include basic items such as large rocks, fish, or coral so you can make sure your picture looks balanced on the page without every item crowding to the same side.

2. Determine the background color of your scene, which can be a light or dark blue, or even shades of green. The closer you want your scene is to the surface of the ocean, the lighter your background color; deeper ocean scenes are a deeper blue.

3. Paint the entire surface of your canvas or wall with your background color by starting with a light shade of your background at the top. As you work your way down toward the bottom of the canvas, add in more of your blue and/or green base to subtly darken the shade.

4. Allow the background to dry thoroughly. Make very light markings with your pencil on the painting, outlining background items such as cliffs, coral reefs, large boulders, or shipwrecks.

5. Paint in your background items as detailed or plain as you want them to appear. As you paint, remember the light source for your work is coming from above, so darker shades should be used along the bottom half and base of your landscape.

6. Let the background items dry before tracing light marks for your more prominent items, such as fish, dolphins, starfish, or seaweed. Paint these foreground items over your background where needed, keeping the shading of darker colors toward the bottom of the objects you paint.

7. Finish your painting by adding any further details, such as fish scales, gills, wood grains on ships, or texture of coral to the images you have created. Often, stepping away from the painting and looking at it from about 10 feet away will help you see where your painting may look sparse or need more detail.

Fresh paint Trees With An Oil Painting

Paint Trees on an Oil Painting

Oil painting is done by people for both enjoyment and for profit. Whether it's a hobby for you or you want to pursue a career in oil painting, knowing paint a tree can lead to a diverse set of potential subjects, as you can thereafter paint nature scenes. Painting a nature scene can be done without knowing paint a tree, but sooner or later you'll want to plant a tree in the middle of your oil painting.

Instructions

1. Decide on what kind of tree is going to go into your oil painting and what the season is. If it's an evergreen tree, the colors you'll use for the foliage will be combinations of green. The same is true for deciduous trees in spring or summer. Fall colors of course tend to be much more diverse.

2. You should already have painted the background and everything else that, distance-wise, goes behind the tree, as paintings are painted in order from background to foreground in order to give the painting correct perspectives.

3. Paint the trunk of your tree on your canvas. Squeeze a few shades of brown paint onto the pallet in close proximity to each other. Add a dab of black paint. Lightly mix the paint together, but make sure not to thoroughly mix the paints. Take a filbert brush, load the brush with the brown paint mix, and draw a rough vertical line on the canvas. Remember that tree trunks are not straight lines and should have some slight side-to-side bends. The trunk should thin as it rises and gradually reach a small tip at the top.

4. Paint the branches of the tree. Using the same brown mix of paint, paint branches out from your tree trunk. The branches should be thickest at the trunk and gradually thin to a tip. Branches grow out and up from the trunk. Add smaller branches at various points from your larger branches. Add even smaller branches to these. Branches should be even less straight than the trunk, and generally reach up in order to help leaves catch sunlight.

5. Add shadows to your trunk and branches. Add a little black paint to your brown paint mixture. Use a thin filbert brush to add this darker color to the shadow side of the trunk and branches. This should be a very thin shadow, and be less than half the thickness of the trunk and branches.

6. Create three paint areas on your pallet for the color of your leaves. For each area, use the same colors but in different ratios. The idea here is to create a combination of greens and yellows that will be darker in the back of the tree and in the shadows (and therefore not much yellow), a group of paint that is a little lighter and then a third group that has less green and more yellow and white. Use black paint to make the darker greens and white paint to create lighter green shades.

7. Use a large oval brush to dab the canvas with the darker greens. Dab the brush at the end of the branches, and also in a general umbrella pattern over the tree trunk. Repeat the process with another oval brush with the middle tones of paint. For the lightest color, use a fan brush and highlight the ends of branches and where sunlight will be hitting the tree in the foreground.

Clean Cutting Mats

Cutting mats are a must-have for serious crafters, photographers and designers. These handy mats serve two purposes. The are not only used to protect your furniture from damage when sewing and doing craft projects, but they're also a helpful measurement tool. Cutting mats are typically made of three-ply vinyl or rubber and are extremely durable. Although cutting mats are resilient and known as "self-healing," cleaning a cutting mat properly can help determine how well it performs and how long it will last.

Instructions

1. Use a lint brush or roller after every use of your cutting mat to pick up small papers, crumbs and debris.

2. Use baby wipes to remove minor dirt and stains from your cutting mat. Baby wipes can be used often to keep your mat free of general dirt and buildup.

3. Spray a small amount of all-purpose spray cleaner on your cutting mat and wipe it with a clean cloth or rag.

4. Wet a clean cloth or rag with warm water and put a few drops of mild liquid detergent on the rag. Gently clean the mat to remove glue and other stuck-on stains.

Fresh paint Heaven With Watercolors

Paint a sky with watercolors by using a common technique known as flat wash. This technique works well for large areas that need layering, like going from dark to light. The wet-in-wet technique means applying a colored-wash over a water surface. To remove colors, the lifting off technique creates lighter effects by using a dry brush, sponge or paper tissue to remove excess color. Painting a sky uses these techniques.

Instructions

Paint a Graded Sky

1. Paint a horizontal line to divide the sky from the land. Use one color or mix two colors together for your one color. Use watercolor paper with weight at least #140.

2. Wet the sky area with water. Use a 1 inch flat brush or round No. 10 or 12.

3. Take blue and begin at the top by painting a dark horizontal stroke across the sky. Add up to four more rows to bring the sky downward for a darker effect. Let the blue drip downwards for a graded color wash if you prefer.

4. Cover the remaining sky with a lighter color. Simply dilute the horizontal strokes with more water, less watercolor. Blend the sky colors to the horizon, dark to light.

5. Use water only to brush along the bottom edge of the last horizontal skyline. This blending effect creates contrasts between colors.

Paint a Variegated Sky

6. Choose two or more colors. Blue, yellow and red work well but you select whatever color is needed.

7. Dampen the paper with water only.

8. Paint several horizontal strokes across the paper with mixed blue and red. Bring this part of the sky as low as you want. Remember blue and yellow together produces green.

9. Spread your yellow watercolor into the lower section of the first color blue/red and let it flow downward. Add several horizontal layers moving downward for the next color.

10. Add red into the lower yellow area and bring it to the horizon. Use more water to lighten the red.

11. Correct any straight lines by bleeding the colors into each new horizontal line.

Paint a Wet-in-Wet Sky

12. Choose the sky color or colors. This watercolor technique creates more movement in the sky.

13. Use plain water to brush the entire sky area.

14. Place the colors you want onto the wet areas.

15. Hold the paper up to let the colors run and mingle together.

16. Lay the paper flat to dry after finishing the desired effects.

Fresh paint Florida sunsets

Include a silhouette in your watercolor painting.

Watercolors blend colors effectively and are an ideal choice for painting a sunset. Once you know use watercolors, you can create dramatic effects by blending different tones of yellow, orange and purple paint. Plus, you can add character to the sunset image by including silhouettes of objects, the sea or mountains in front of the skyline. However, for a beginner, it is best to keep the foreground simple.

Instructions

1. Draw the horizon line on a fresh page in your watercolor pad. Sketch the outline of two or three trees on the line. The trees will be silhouettes against the sunset to add character to your image.

2. Dip the large flat brush into the pot of water, and then dab it onto the yellow paint in your cake and pan watercolor set. This is a beginner's paint set that includes different watercolor shades and palette. Transfer the paint to a space on the palette so you can blend the water and pigment together.

3. Start painting the sunset from the bottom of the horizon line upwards. It will consist of a number of blended layers ranging from warm yellow to purple at the top. Use long brushstrokes to paint the first layer of yellow paint.

4. Dab the brush on the orange paint, then mix it into the yellow paint on the palette. Loosen the paint by adding a touch more water. Stir both the paint and water with the tip of the brush to blend the colors together. The yellow will become slightly darker and warmer owing to the orange paint. Add the warm yellow shade above the layer of yellow. Overlap the two areas with long brush strokes so the flow between colors is more natural.

5. Add more orange paint to the shade you mixed during step four to make it even darker. This will give you a warm orange shade that matches the previous two layers of yellow. Blend this color above the warm yellow, using long brush strokes.

6. Continue to paint the sunset colors onto the background of the paper. Once the warm orange layer is complete, blend a layer of pink above it. Mix a purple layer into the pink, which represents the top of the sky during the sunset.

7. Paint the tree silouhettes using a synthetic blend brush. Add water to black paint in a space on your palette, and fill in the area within the tree outline and below the horizon line.

8. Leave the paint to dry.

Strategies For Determining An Individual Service Corporation

Veterinarians who have incorporated and meet the requirements could be classified as personal service corporations.

Many service providers opt to incorporate their businesses after reaching a certain income level and hiring employees. They get several tax benefits as employees of a corporation and don't have to pay as much in income taxes. However, they run the risk of being classified as personal service corporations, and losing these benefits, if their business meets certain conditions set by the Internal Revenue Service.

Drawbacks of the Designation

If is business is classified as a personal service corporation by the IRS, it loses out on several benefits afforded to corporations. It will be subject to a flat 35 percent income tax rate. The business must also file taxes at the end of the calendar year like most individual taxpayers and can't use a fiscal calendar year. It has become rare for the IRS to apply this classification because most businesses work to avoid it by not meeting all of the requirements.

Who Owns the Business?

The IRS classifies a PSC as a business with employee-owners who own more than 10 percent of the business. Employee-owners are people who are employed by the company but also own part of the business in stock. Employees can be classified as employee-owners even if they work as independent contractors for the company. For example, if all members of an acting troupe are employed by the business and each owns an equal share of at least 10 percent of the business, they would be employee-owners.

What Do the Owners Do?

Another requirement for identifying a PSC is that the employee-owners are the ones performing most of the services for the company. The employee-owners of an acting troupe are also the ones who do most of the acting and work in maintaining the business for it to be classified by the IRS as a PSC. The IRS requires that employee-owners must receive 20 percent of the overall compensation paid out to employees each year to classify as a PSC.

What Does the Business Do?

The IRS defines a personal service corporation as a business that performs some specific kind of service for its clients. These services are in the fields of accounting, actuarial science, architecture, consulting, engineering, health, veterinary science, law and the performing arts. Determine the nature of the business. If it offers a service to clients such as bookkeeping or operates as a small actors' troupe performing plays in local theaters, it meets one of the requirements for being a PSC.

Benefit From The Ringling Bros Circus

Circus Tent

The Ringling Bros. Circus is by far one of the most fun events that you can ever attend with your family. It gives you something different to do than your standard day at the park or play land. Not only is it exciting but it is also guaranteed to puts smiles on the faces of everyone who attends. From the dazzling acrobatics to the beloved animals, there are so many ways to enjoy the Ringling Bros. Circus.

Instructions

1. Make sure no one has a fear of clowns. The worst way of ruining a day at a circus is to have a child or children who decide that they are scared of clowns. It is actually a legitimate fear that many children, and adults, have so it is important to talk to everyone about the clowns and even show videos of clowns to see how everyone reacts. There will be plenty of clowns at the circus, so this is a definite way to make sure everyone has fun.

2. Get the best seats you can. Ringling Bros. Circus is a three ring circus which means that you are going to get the best view of everything going on if you sit near the middle ring. The middle ring is usually where most of the action takes place and it is also where they ask for the most audience participation from which can be enjoyable as well. These seats are usually available as soon as the tickets go on sale, or if the seats are already being sold, they can more easily be found on the opening night of the event since it usually is on a weeknight where not too many people attend.

3. Arrive one hour prior to the show. Since the arenas where the Ringling Bros. Circus is held are rather large, it is best to arrive at least one hour prior to the show. It gives you a chance to stop and get your food and souvenirs which absolutely ensures a good time, and it gives you a chance to find your seats with ease. Also, there are many clowns roaming around at this point entertaining the audience so you actually can see a show before the show.

4. Pick up a program. There is almost so much going on that it is important to pick up a program specifying which event is coming up and in which ring. There are the animals, the high wire act, the trapeze artists and so much more that you will want to know for sure where everyone is going to be and when in the circus they are performing.

Things Related To Kids In Westchester County New You are able to

There are playgrounds at many children's facilities in Westchester.

Westchester, New York is a large county in the upper portion of the state, which has cities and towns like Yonkers, White Plains, Port Chester and many more. There are a variety of activities, many of them inexpensive. Whether you are looking for rides and games or an educational afternoon, you can find it in Westchester.

Playland Park & Pool

Playland Park & Pool is a theme park and kid's attraction with over 50 rides, roller coasters and amusements for children and adults of all ages, open most days a week, every May through September. Playland Park's many attractions include a boardwalk and carnival, mini golf, water rides, and as well as lake boating, kayaking, and much more. The boardwalk area has many shops, food stands and cafes, as well as a numerous carnival rides and a large video game arcade, featuring classic 80s games and new releases. Ice skating facilities and a billiard hall are also onsite, as well as a small sandy beach and Marina area, for sunning, swimming and boating. Prices vary however, group rates and discounts are available throughout the season.

Playland Park & Pool

Playland Pkwy.

Rye, NY 10580

914-813-7000

ryeplayland.org

Westchester Children's Museum

Westchester Children's Museum is a large public learning and discovery center, which exists to educate and entertain children aged between two- and 16-years-old with many permanent and rotating galleries, exhibits and hands-on displays. Tour guides and museum aides illustrate math and science basics with installations and multiple daily planned activities. The museum emphasizes sustainability and conservation, and the museum building and the playground are green design and construction.

Westchester Children's Museum

3 Barker Ave.

White Plains, NY 10601-1524

914-421-5050

discoverwcm.org

Leapin Lizards

Leapin' Lizards is a multi-purpose children's play facility, in the town Port Chester, which is open for indoor play and birthday parties seven days a week. Leapin Lizards caters to children between the ages of two to 12 and has abundant slides, ball pits, and obstacles for kids to play in, in addition craft and block centers. Leapin' Lizards offers a variety of differently themed birthday parties, all including a professional birthday host and entertainer, party favors, as well as pizza cake and ice cream. A summer fun pack is available for frequent summer guests and group rates are also available.

Leapin' Lizards‎

421 Boston Post Rd.

Port Chester, NY 10573-4750

914-937-5867

leaplizards.com‎

Fresh paint Reversepainted Lampshades

An example of painted glass.

Reverse-painted lampshades were developed in the early 20th century. On reverse-painted lampshades, artistic scenes are hand-painted on the inside of a translucent glass lampshade. The painted images are viewed when illuminated by the lamp. Reverse-painted lampshades were originally made for wealthy clients. Today, anyone can make a reverse-painted lampshade with a few craft supplies and some painting skills.

Instructions

Painting a Reverse-Painted Lampshade

1. Wash your clear-glass lampshade inside and outside with mild soap and water. Thoroughly dry the lampshade with a soft dish towel.

2. Set your dropcloth or newspapers on a clean table surface. Place your glass lampshade upside down on the dropcloth or newspapers.

3. Fill your paint palette wells with your glass paints in dots about the size of a nickel. Glass paint is not thick, so be careful to not overfill your paint wells, which will cause your paints to run together.

4. Wet your paintbrush slightly with water and dip the tip of it into your paint color of choice.

5. Apply the paint to the inside of the lampshade with short, even strokes. Keep in mind that you are painting upside down. Your images will need to be painted upside down in order to appear properly when the lampshade is placed on the lamp. Letters, symbols, and images need to be painted as the mirror image to how they normally read, in order to be viewed correctly when the lampshade is turned over. Details or accents that would ordinarily be painted first, such as the background, should be painted last.

6. Wash the brush and dab it dry on the dish towel before using a different paint color. You also can use a different paintbrush for each color.

7. Continue to use the paints to cover the inside of your lampshade with your desired pattern or scene.

8. Place your glass lampshade in your oven and bake it at the time and temperature listed by the manufacturer of your glass paint. With your oven mitts protecting your hands, remove the lampshade from the oven. Let it cool for an hour and place it on your lamp for a unique, decorative look.