Entertainment

Elements of Design - The Landscape Painter's Principles

2011-08-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Just as athletes must learn the rules and then spend many hours in practice to develop their precision and style, so must the artist learn the rules and then practice. This article is about some of the rules of design that artists must know in order to have a successful painting.
The simplest element of design is the line. A line is a one-dimensional mark. It has only length. If we draw another line, not on top of the first, then we are creating form. Form has both length and width; form is two-dimensional. Lines and forms can be organized into shapes, the third element of design. Complex shapes are often built from simpler shapes, such as circles, ovals, squares and rectangles. The distance between shapes is called space, another element of design. Space also refers to the illusion of depth, or three-dimensions. Thus when properly placed, shapes can give the feeling of three-dimensions in a two-dimensional surface. There are several ways to create visual three-dimensional space. One way is by using one-, two- or three-point perspective. Another is by using overlapping shapes. The landscape painter uses all these elements of design when creating a landscape painting.
In addition to line and form, shape and space, there are other elements of design. The amount of lightness or darkness of an object is the value. A good exercise is to draw a series of ten squares, put black in the left-most one and white in the right-most one, then try to paint shades of grey in the middle blocks, going gradually from dark to light. This is called a grey-scale, but the same could be done with any color. Similarly, we could paint a sphere with the lightest light on one side and the darkest dark on the other, going through all the shades of grey between the two.
Next is the element we all love - color. Color has three characteristics - hue, value and chroma. Hue refers to the color, such as red or green, blue or yellow. Value refers to how light or dark the color is (how it compares to the grey-scale). Chroma refers to how bright or dull the color is - it's saturation level or purity. The landscape painter must understand color in order to use it effectively.
Texture is the last fundamental element of visual design. A surface might be smooth or rough. We might represent a rough surface with thick brush strokes of paint, use of a palette knife or even by adding objects to our painting.
There are other principles of design that the landscape painter uses, according to Mitchell Albala in his book Landscape Painting. These principles refer to the painting as a whole. They are motion, balance, proportion, unity, variety, harmony, pattern, rhythm and emphasis - the focal point. In order to have a successful painting, the painter needs to be aware of all these elements of design and see that his/her painting observes them.

Pen and Wash - Which Watercolor Paper to Use

2011-08-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Finding the right kind of watercolor paper for your pen and wash is a smart start. How do want your pen and ink lines to show? Will your watercolor wash dry to the right textural affect? What are you trying to say in your artwork? Okay, enough questions. Now, the answers. There are three features of watercolor paper you want to consider.
Surface
There are three grades of surface in watercolor paper. Which one you will use depends on how much detail you want to create. The texture of the paper will dictate the final result of your effort.
Hot pressed (HP) has a smooth surface. It allows watercolor paint to glide easily and excellent for pen and ink detail.
Cold-pressed (CP or NOT) has a semi-rough surface. This is the most popular pick because the paint flows evenly and permits reasonable detail. Oh, NOT means not hot pressed.
Rough (R) has a rough surface. This is good for loose textural effects, but not so much for detail. Consider the nib of your pen when working on this texture. The surface of the paper can have a dramatic affect on your instrument. A rough surface will give resistance, produce an inconsistent mark and may damage the finer nibs.
Weight
Watercolor paper comes in different thickness, or weight. Which one you will use depends on how aggressive you will treat the paper. The heavier the paper, the thicker it is, the less it will buckle will take a beating when wet. The following three are the most widely used.
90 lb - inexpensive to work on, it's prone to buckling when wet and should be stretched first before use.
140 lb - this is the most popular pick. It has sufficient texture to hold the paint but is smooth enough to enable you to paint and draw fine detail. It won't buckle as much as the 90 lb.
300 lb - this is the easiest to work with because it rarely buckles and it's resilient to work on. Also, this heavier paper absorbs more water and stays wet longer than the other weight.
How they are sold
Watercolor papers are sold in different ways. They come in different surface, weight and size. Which one you will use depend on personal choice and if you will work indoors or outdoors.
Sketch Journals, or sketchbooks,are easy to carry around outdoors wherever you go. They are held together on one side by glue or spiral. Be sure the backing is stiff enough to rest on your lap flat or you will need a sketch board to hold your journal.
Pads and Blocks are watercolor paper held by glue on one or four sides, respectfully. When you ready to begin a pen and wash just remove a sheet from the pad and begin your project. Blocks do not need stretching before painting since it is already secured on all four sides. Once you are finished simply remove the sheet carefully.
Sheets are sold individually. They come in full sheets (22 in. by 30 in.), half sheets (15 in. by 22 in.) and quarter sheets (15 in. by 11 in.). You have the convenience of cutting these sheets into many smaller pieces to fit your need.
Miscellaneous
Select watercolor paper that is noted archival. This means the paper will survive deterioration for at least a century. Pick watercolor paper that is noted acid-free. Doing so, will insure the watercolor paper will not yellow with age.
Choosing the right watercolor paper for your next pen and wash is easy when you know what you are looking for. Be informed, be prudent, and be creative. Enjoy.

Tribal Tattoo Designs: Meaning and Symbolism

2011-07-16T01:56:00.000-07:00

Tattooing may be an art laced with piercing the epidermal layer but many of those who go for it would vouch that it is a liberating experience. It's a way in which a person can make his deepest life impressions be expressed or his individuality be reflected through the images or symbols on his skin. Of all kinds of tattoos, tribal tattoos hold a great deal of significance.

After all, the mystique element of tattooing gets even bigger when the question of ancestral beliefs jumps into the picture. Whether it is about Indian-American ancestry or relates merely to a fictional belief associated with werewolf, tribal tattoos extract great curiosity among tattoo lovers. They hold various designs and meanings. Getting across such meanings and inert symbolism can be a work of a lifetime. Even the best tattoo artists cannot propose to have mastered the tribal tattoo art completely.
However, the champions of the medium know how a correct deciphering and impression can create a powerful visual impact. The tattoos can talk about abstract designs or symbolic ones. In the latter, a dot placed astutely can represent moon, while in still other variations, it can even represent darkness.
Abstraction, Symbols, and Customization
Just like there are abstract designs, they are time-tested symbols like butterfly tattoo, heart tattoo, armband tattoos and so on. In some places, these tattoos are augmented with a tribal flame to hold a popular effect. Such tattoos, especially when combined with an impression of dragon can turn into a pinnacle of aestheticism. Abstract designs suggesting Infinity or Shades of the Gray Tribal can be especially invigorating.
If you look towards the top artists to give a meaning or an interpretation to the tribal symbols and designs, you will be bewitched by the way they use customized tattoos to create the effect. For the purpose, they take aid from your muscle groups and utilize blood flow in your epidermal tissues. It is evidenced that blood flow to the top layer of the body is different for different people. This fact is being exploited by tribal tattoo masters to fetch the desired effect.
Meanings Differ With Races
Different tribal tattoos have held different meanings. American-Indian race used same symbols to represent something else than the Magyars. Mohicans did not apply same rules as the Incans and so on. For instance, tattoos for Aztecs implied ritual beliefs and nature. Quite differently, the Polynesians denoted conventions and religious beliefs through tattooing.
It Is No More Only Black
Black is an integral color for securing right connotations from a tribal tattoo. However, even colors are being merrily introduced today. This paradigm shift has got to do with greater commercialization of the tattoo vehicle. A stock of tools and materials has ensured that designers can make robust experiments with arches and patterns. They can assimilate the mystical virtues of a tribal tattoo and yet make it look extremely contemporary and chic.
To Conclude
Tattoos can denote puberty, wedding rings, mark of belonging to a tribe, fortune, power and even immortality. The expressions that emanate out of it largely depend upon the craft of tattoo masters of the day.

Playing Jazz Charts

2011-07-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

Unlike classical compositions, most jazz compositions are written in a kind of shorthand - the melody is written out, but the harmony is represented by chord symbols, and the rhythmic feel is called out in a word or two at the top of the page. If it's a swing feel, the melody may be written in 4/4 or 3/4, but there is an implied triplet feel which if written out, would look more like a 12/8 than a 4/4 time.
The players are left to interpret the harmony as they choose - voice leading, chord extensions and sometimes alterations are part of the improvisation. In order to make this work, the pieces are generally short structures (32 bars used to be typical for show tunes, for example; blues is usually 12 bars). These structures repeat so the piece becomes variations on a set harmony as well as variations on the melodic theme.
For a student learning to improvise, the task of playing melodies on a set chord structure is the main skill to learn, one can play their scales and chords and can play the thematic melodies of the tunes. In order to become fluent at this, you have to learn chord connection and voice leading. Here are two exercises that will help:
1. Take the chord progression and start on the third or seventh step of the first chord. Create a stepwise (whole and half-steps) descending line just using the thirds and sevenths. Notice that when the roots change in fifths (Am7 to D7 to GM7, for example), the thirds turn into sevenths and the sevenths into thirds. For example, in the above progression, you can play the notes:
C (third of Am) to C (seventh of D7) to B (third of GM7).
Or, you can play:
G (seventh of Am7) to F# (third of D7) to E (seventh of GM7).
2. Start at your lowest note that fits in the first chord and ascend, with the next note fitting the second chord, etc. When you get to your highest note, turn around and descend the same way. Vary this by using two notes per chord, or three, or four notes per chord. this teaches stepwise chord connection.

Poetry Is Love, Poetry Is Life, Poetry Is Me

2011-07-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Poetry is all around us whether we know it or not. It is in songs, advertisements, and common stories. We have grown up with it, lived it, and continue to experience it every day.
My love of poetry first began as a little boy. Like many children, I found Mother Goose as great entertainment. The stories allowed my imagination to take hold onto something great and create a whole world I would have otherwise not known.
Poetry was my pathway to adulthood. It allowed me to read what others have gone through in a short read, but it allowed my mind to continue to digest the information for hours, even days. As someone who has always been a slow reader, it allowed me to take something more out of the length of time it took me to read.
As a teenager, I began writing my own poetry. It allowed me to express myself in ways I couldn't find in short stories or journals. It helped my imagination keep hold and keep my mind clean. As someone who didn't have much luck with the opposite sex, I needed every way possible to express my unrequited loves.
As an adult, my poetry has changed from my earlier writings. I no longer write about the sadness of relationships or friendships gone awry. I write about the sunset. I write about my favorite sports teams. I write about the true beauty of life. Sadly, my time is much more limited now than it was in my school days. Luckily, my writing has improved much over the years. What I lost in quantity I made up for in quantity (or so I hope).
To me, poetry is more than just a few words put together to make up meters and stanzas. It is expression. It is life. It is something I can read and then think about for hours. It is the top of the literature pyramid. It is evergrowing and it is powerful. It is apart of my past which I will never forget and will always be apart of my future.
My love of poetry might have began as a little boy, however, it has only grown throughout the years. It is something eternal and inside me. It is my true love of the literature world. It is something which will always be there when I need it.
Poetry is words. Poetry is life. Poetry is me.

Love of Life - A Child Is Born

2011-07-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

A CHILD IS BORN -
We all share something of the miracle -

So unto them a child is born
Life itself, dew fresh, as the morn
Gift to all the spirits of men
Unto all those love-linked as kin

Joy was the birth and joy embraced
Joyful the child of earth's glad fate
Loving the cradle, heart and mind
Blessed babe linked to god-like kind
As unto them a child was born
Another human spark adorned
Birth is blessed by spirit's shower
This special One born this glad hour

.................

Love of Life - Circling Love Song

Circling life of love
Round and round it goes
Love makes the world go round
This everybody knows

Why do I love you?
Why do you love her?
Why does she then love him
When he loves only me?

All I want is you
Why do you need her?
She longs for only him
Who says he just loves me

Why don't you just love me
As I love you so true
And she could marry him
Happy ever after-ing

But I love only you
And you love only her
And she loves him alone
And I think he still loves me!

The circling life of love
Round and again it goes
Love makes the world go round
Why not stop, this once, for me!

..........................

HAPPY PEOPLE

Happy people never hurry
Hurried people always worry
Worried people often angry
Angry people seldom friendly

The friendly people often smile
Smiling people pause, love awhile
Loving people often giving
Generous people are forgiving

So mean are those who often frown
Anxious they are to hoard a crown
Frowns are for those who scowl with care
Repel the people who are there

Happy people, they never lie
But liars lie I don't know why
Happy people have no real fear
Perhaps they feel a Presence near

Good people those who happy are
Content to smile and look afar
Happy are those embracing life
Accepting luck as well as strife

Our happy people often smile
Are oft' content to rest awhile
Friendly to all beyond the few
Loving all earth and heaven too

Accepting life as so they find
Faithful, strong, sure in heart and mind
They're simple, honest all the day
Happy people are these I say.
.............................
In no way can these words offer anything but perhaps a reminder of what we instinctively understand.
But certain it is that we cannot experience happiness on demand. It is the result of a meaningful life.

2011-07-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

Atif Aslam

Born Mohammad Atif Aslam; 12 March 1983 in Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Pakistan) is a Pakistani pop singer. He is widely recognized in South Asia and has given several hit songs such as Aadat, Woh Lamhe, Tere Bin, Pehli Nazar Mein, Tera Hone Laga Hoon, Tu Jaane Na, Tere Liye, Meri Kahani, Doorie and Jal Pari. He is best known for his powerful vocal belting technique, in 2008, he was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan.

Early life and education

He studied at PAF College, Lahore where he completed his F.Sc (Pre-engineering) with the class of 2001. He has represented his college cricket team and represented his college in various other cities as well. He won his first singing competition on Independence Day celebrations in the college. He then went to the University of Central Punjab and completed his Bachelors in Computer Science.

Music career

Jal

He used to sing at the college canteen when his friends urged him to participate in the singing competition on Independence Day celebrations at PAF College Lahore in 1998. He performed there and won the competition. Thereafter, he also won several other college competitions.

He met Goher- a guitarist who became his future Jal band-mate, at his college. Together they practiced and started doing mini-concerts for their friends. Atif used to perform on the songs of Junoon and Strings at these concerts. They started performing in their college, McDonalds, Uncle Bubba's Rabba Dabba and other restaurants. Thus began the original line up of Jal.

Jal recorded their first song Aadat at Mekal Hassan's Studio. The song became popular on different musical websites in Pakistan and was also aired on major radio stations of Pakistan like City FM 89, FM 100, Mast FM 103, FM 105 etc. The video for this song was released on ARY Digital and The Musik and then it was played on almost all the channels.

Solo career (2004 Onwards)

After leaving Jal due to personal differences, Atif released his first solo album, Jal Pari on 19 July 2004, under Sound Master and IC records. Its promoters declared it to be the best selling album of that year within just 5 months of its release. Besides his native country, he also became popular in India and his career took off to fame in both the countries. In the meantime he also cleared his Bachelors in Computer Science (Hons.) from the University of Central Punjab. His second album, Doorie was released on 22 December 2006.

His first major concert was at Al Hamra Hall, Mall Road Lahore where he performed during the break of a stage drama Moulin Rouge. On 14 April 2007, Atif performed in Royal Albert Hall. His first international concert was at W. StarDreamz Entertainment Group during his tour of USA and Canada with RDB and Annie.

Atif also mentioned in a press conference held in Karachi that he will be working on an international project titled The Dreamer Awakes, alongside members of American rock band Guns n' Roses. The song will be released in Summer 2011.

Aslam has began work on his fourth album. There were rumors circulating online that it is titled Shabnam. This was rubbished off by Atif. “Right now, my entire focus is on this project (The Dreamer Awakes). I may be singing with Chris Martin or John Mayer… we’re trying to bring a lot of people together.

Bollywood

Atif has also sung many songs for Bollywood films, like Pehli Nazar Mein in Race, Tere Bin in Bas Ek Pal, Bakhuda Tumhi Ho in Kismat Konnection, Tera Hone Laga Hoon and Tu Jaane Na in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Tere Liye in the film Prince, all of which have been very well-received by the Indian and Pakistani audiences.

He also performed background vocals for scenes in Prince. His latest Indian venture was Le Ja Tu Mujhe from movie F.A.L.T.U

Hollywood

Atif Aslam's three songs featured in the Hollywood film, Man Push Cart.^[4] While Aadat is the main track, Ehsaas and Yakeen are the other tracks. These songs are taken from his debut album, Jal Pari. Atif is the 3rd Pakistani singer after Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Strings to be featured in any Hollywood movie.

Acting career

Atif made his acting debut in the second film of well acclaimed Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor. The film titled Bol was released in June 2011. The film also stars Pakistani TV anchor Mahira Khan. Atif plays a supporting role of a doctor in the film.

Controversies

Jal controversy

After the release of the song Aadat by Jal, there were disputes within the band about Atif's brother being the band's manager. At this point Atif broke off from the band to do his own solo album. His solo album was released a few weeks before the release of the Jal's album Aadat. As both the albums shared certain tracks such as Aadat, Woh Lamhein, Rangon Mein and Dil Harey, an unofficial war over rights began between both the groups. Goher Mumtaz sued Atif for using the name Jal in his album title cunningly Jal Pari.

Awards

Year	Group	Award	Result
2005	Indus Music Awards	Best Lyrics Aadat	Won
	Indus Music Awards	Best Song Aadat	Won
	Indus Music Awards	Best Composition Aadat	Won
	Sahara Sangeet Awards	Best Playback Singer	Won
	Sahara Sangeet Awards	Best Debut Singer	Won
2006	The Musik Awards	Most Wanted Male	Won
	Lux Style Awards	Best Album Doorie	Won
	Filmfare Awards	Best Playback Singer (Male) Woh Lamhe - Zeher	Nominated
2007	Lycra MTV Style Awards	Most Stylish Person in Music	Won
2007	Filmfare Awards	Best Playback Singer (Male) Tere Bin - Bas Ek Pal	Nominated
2008	Lux Style Awards	Most Well Dressed Celebrity - Police Dress	Won
	The Musik Awards	Most Wanted Male	Won
	Government of Pakistan	Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction)	Awarded
2009	International Indian Film Academy Awards	Best Playback Singer (Male) Pehli Nazar Mein - Race	Nominated
2009	Star Screen Awards	Best Playback Singer (Male) Pehli Nazar Main - Race	Nominated
2010	Filmfare Awards	Best Playback Singer – Tu Jaane Na ^[8]	Nominated
	IIFA Awards	Best Playback Singer (Male) – Tu Jaane Na^[9]	Nominated
	GIMA Awards	Best Playback Singer (Male) – Tu Jaane Na^[10]	Nominated