Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Mastering Graffiti Art

Graffiti art doesn't just mean art we see sprayed on walls. In fact, graffiti art has such strong characteristics that it's easy to spot them everywhere - in schools, on sidewalks, on bicycles, on automobiles, on skateboards and on textbooks, just to name a few examples.

Graffiti art has a loose feel about it. There are no strict rules to creating graffiti art, except a few distinct characteristics that always make graffiti art appear stylish. Let's see what those characteristics are.

First, graffiti art are usually loose forms. But these forms are usually just clear enough to represent what they're supposed to represent. The shapes are loosely created, and the subjects overlap one another in a rather random manner. Highlights are applied to the image if needed but again, these are loosely applied.

Second, texts are usually visible, and drawn in an embossed manner that gives a 3D impression. These texts usually form a few words or a short phrase, and makes up a part of the entire graffiti artwork.

And finally, graffiti art is usually created with a wide variety of colors. Bright and luminous colors like red, orange, yellow, green and blue are preferred. There's little or no intention for color harmony and the goal here is to create a dazzling array of colors that draw attention to the graffiti art itself.

Due to these characteristics, it's no surprise that we see so many teenagers being drawn to graffiti art. But once you recognize these characteristics, you'll also come to understand that it's not all that hard to create a piece of graffiti art, even if you know little about drawing.

For a start, you may want to look up some tattoo images to use as reference images or to draw inspiration. Images like skulls or roses make great subjects for graffiti art.

Once you have your image ready, you'll need some magic markers as well. Try out the same image using different colors and see which end result you prefer. You may also wish to add in some texts.

Glittering markers make an excellent drawing tool for graffiti art. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with these markers. And don't forget, never draw on public property without permission!

Source : Ezinearticles

How to Draw Cool Graffiti Art

Learning to draw great graffiti art requires lots of skill and practice. There are several genres of graffiti art, but usually, graffiti art will mostly:

-- be painted in vivid colors, to create emotive images and grab attention

-- include graffiti style lettering with letters that overlap and are drawn in 3D

In particular the use of the bold style lettering is really distinctive to graffiti art. The images themselves will usually be hard hitting, and be painted in stark colors utilizing strong shadows and outlines to add depth and definition. Images usually depict social or political issues close to the artist's heart.

Before you start a piece of graffiti art, you should draw a small scale version of the large piece you want to create first, then when you begin your actual piece, its a simple task of just scaling up your graffiti sketch.

If you need ideas for a graffiti font to use, there are plenty of sites online that have examples for you to copy. For the outlines, use a fine marker pen. In order to produce a 3D effect, shade around the letters you've outlined with a different color. Then use permanent markers to color in your letters.

Once you are ready to paint your sketch on to your larger canvas or wall, you need to draw a reference grid over your small drawing. Sketch a full size replica of the grid on to your wall or canvas that you are using for your scaled up graffiti piece. Use either chalk, charcoal or diluted paint to draw the large grid. To make marking the grid out easier, the simplest thing to do is to use a piece of string.

Use chalk or charcoal to transfer your small drawing on to you larger canvas. Use an aerosol can to paint the background in using diluted paint, keep the layer thin and allow it to dry before you start your coloring. When you've finished the outline and the background, it's time to add the colors and detail. Again use aerosols to add the colors. Start with the lightest colors first and the largest sections, and then move on to the detail and the smaller areas last.

When you've colored your work in, you can add the fine definition with a brush to enhance the fine lines and borders around your figures and letters. You can preserve it for years to come with a thin layer of varnish.

These are all the steps you need to master if you want to paint impressive graffiti art.

Source : Ezinearticles

Various Graffiti Removal Products to Clean Up

Graffiti is an increasing threat to society as it damages public and private properties. Many vandals are interested in writing down their initials or names while the rest are interested in writing down cultural, violent or religious contents on walls, fences, trucks, trucks, and everywhere possible. It is very important to remove these graffiti coatings and keep our area clean and away from these provoking words or symbols.

When we talk about removing graffiti, we must also understand and accept that removing graffiti is not an easy job. We cannot use the normal cleaning solvents to clean these graffiti coatings. You need special products if you want to get rid off the graffiti completely. Especially when done on brick walls, it is really difficult to be harsh while cleaning the graffiti as it might cause damage to the masonry. So, you must use good g.r.p for these kinds of surfaces. If the fence is of brick, then check whether it is a real brick. Based on the quality of the brick, you need to use customized products to safeguard or save the fence from any other damage.

Heavy duty power washers are available with 3000 psi pressure on an average. You can either rent them or borrow them as you need them just for cleaning purposes. When you use the power washer, it is important to protect your skin from graffiti removal products. So, use protective eye wear, gloves made out of rubber and other items too. You can use the power washing the paint with mild cleaning agent. You must use only spray paint here. If cleaning agent is not available, then you can mix bleach with water and use this as graffiti removal products.

Ensure the power washer's tip is not narrow. The reason why it should not be narrow is because you will get an outline of the spray paint on the brick. This outline is permanent and hence you need to be careful about it. Remember that most of the graffiti removal products are very strong and harsh. So, you must take special care to protect yourself from the damage. Once you are ready, you must not stay in one spot for a long time while using the power washer. Standing in one place will damage the surface of the brick.

If you are still not able to get rid off the paint, then you must try other graffiti removal products that are stronger in chemicals. These chemicals can easily remove paint and graffiti. There are various websites that can suggest you on graffiti removal products suitable for various surfaces. There are about 35 types of graffiti removal products that are advised for general use. Sand blaster is one of the most important graffiti removal products that can easily remove spray paint.

If regular graffiti removal products fail to clean the graffiti, you must try harsher chemicals. However ensure these harsher graffiti removal products do not harm the brick or surface. You must also protect yourself from the harsh graffiti removal products. It is advised to stay in ventilated areas when you clean up.

Source : Ezinearticles

Street Poster Art - Free Flowing Graffiti on Paper

Street Poster Art - The Concept
Poster Art secures an important position in the world of Street Art. It is actually Graffiti done on paper. While most of these posters are 100% handmade, some are digital designs as well. Moreover, being a basic art form this genre stayed in the local street corners and roads rather than sitting pretty inside a gala museum or gallery. While experts often debate about the contemporary side of such works, many artists find it the most 'modernist' of styles with free expression.

The History
During the 1870s decade, the streets of fashion city Paris were literally transformed into the graffiti artists' paradise. Rich street artworks graced the region. The wave also welcomed the initial paper form of advertising as Street Poster Art. Even other cities, like Milan (Italy) and Berlin (Germany) appreciated the Post-Graffiti styles and encouraged street artists.

The Details
Street posters are displayed on slick or smooth surfaces, mostly walls, by sticking them with the help of wheat paste or gum. The art pieces belonging to Post-Graffiti or Contemporary Post-Graffiti genre admirably have a higher distinctive status than the 'rude' Graffiti or Vandalism. This global art style is especially popular in the urban and the suburban regions of the Eastern and Western countries. Interesting and unique Street Poster Art has found fame among some of the greatest artists.

The Correlations
Street Poster Art does connect with Graffiti and the other forms, like Wheat Pasting, Stencil Graffiti, and Sticker Art. This Post Graffiti Art form has a distinguished contemporary style, different from the local Graffiti or Vandalism.

The Artists and the Artworks
Street artists have shown a cheap and affordable way to produce and display artworks meant to connect primarily with the common public. Exhibition 'Street Art' held in 'Washington Project for the Arts' (1981) displayed work by renowned American artists, such as John Fekner (born 1940) and Lee Quinones (born 1960). Even the art exhibition held at the prestigious Tate Modern Hall in England clearly indicates that the artworks found on the street are not necessarily graffiti.

Interesting and unique Street Poster Art has found fame among some of the greatest artists. Distinctly accomplished Italian poster masterpieces can be witnessed in many prestigious museums and galleries like the International Poster Gallery in Boston, USA.

Conclusion
Most famous in the US, Street Poster Art has also gained sufficient momentum in Australia and Japan. France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Brunei, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and Iran too are the lead contributors to the genre.

Source : Ezinearticles

Monday, May 3, 2010

Fashion Models and Fashion Photography is Everywhere

We see it on billboards and in magazines the world over. So, what exactly does it take to be behind the camera? Aside from an interest in shooting the human form, you will also need to be prepared to forgo modesty in the pursuit of the best shot. Many fashion photographers are subject to nudity and awkward poses, thus the need to forgo modesty. If you're passionate about the possibility of becoming a fashion photographer, the following advice may help to get you on your way.

It is very unlikely that a self-taught photographer will be picked up in the world of high-end fashion. While he or she may get the occasional freelance job, the chance of becoming employed with a magazine or particular designer is slim. The executives in this fast paced world are seeking photographers who have been educated in photography and are experts in beautifying a subject on film. Fashion photography takes a great deal of precision and the photographer is required to understand color schemes. Fashion photography also requires an understanding that, most of the time, you're job is to sell something (typically clothing) and in order to succeed you must know how to bring your given product alive on film.

Photographers the world over have varying styles and ideas when it comes to composition and lighting. In the world of fashion photography, these two factors must be very specific. To succeed as a fashion photographer you must know how to both light and compose a photograph that totally flatters the subject while bringing forth the product of the day. In other words, you will have to make sure that the product you're trying to push looks just as good as the model wearing it. Unfortunately, that's not an easy task given the fact that most models are breathtaking and that tweed overcoat, or whatever, will pale in comparison.

Fashion photographers must also be prepared to both give direction and take criticism. Most models will require at least some direction as you shoot. And, since you're the expert on composition, you will be equipped to verbally direct their movements and poses in real time. On the flipside, fashion photographers take criticism from clients and models on a steady basis. This is the reason they take so many frames of a single subject in varying poses, et cetera. If you are not verbal, or you cannot take criticism, the world of fashion will be tough for you.

Another key component to becoming a fashion photographer will be the development of your portfolio. You should strive to compose a quality portfolio of photographs designed to promote fashion. Practice composing, directing, and shooting a variety of subjects and do your very best to compile your best photos in the production of a "hire me now" portfolio. Your portfolio is like your resume. The best of the best stand out and the rest get ignored.



Source : Ezinearticles

Photography Information - Your Photography Business

A lot of people that are trying to sell their photography seem to think that they need to have all the high priced fancy photography equipment. Really what they need is photography information that will show them different techniques and skills.

First of all you will need to learn all that you can about the equipment that you all ready have. A lot of people buy a camera and never even learn what all the different functions of the camera are. They put the camera on auto and that is as far as they go.

Even after people learn all that they can, far too many still will not take action. You have to take what you know and develop a plan of action. This is what will make a difference in your life. Make sure that your plan is well organized because you have to make the most of the hard work and long hours that you invest into your photography business.

A lot of the photography information that you will need to know will be dealing with the marketing and selling of your work. To pick up on the info that you need to know can be gain by looking at what other successful photographers are doing. You can find out what they are selling, who they are selling their work to and also how much the photography is selling for.

I'm not saying that you need to copy everything that these photographers are doing but you can get a lot of ideals of what you want or may not want for your photography business. By studying these people and what they are doing is a great place to start.

Now of coarse to have for any type of business and more so with a photography business you have to have clients and these clients have to be able to trust you. There is no way around it if your clients do not believe in you, you photography business will not have a chance.

Today there are many ways to attract clients and one of the top ways is to have a website on the internet. You will be able to get plenty of photography information about the type of website you will need on the internet. There are all types of photography websites, just find a few that you like and determine what will be best for your style of photography.

Source : Ezinearticles

Digital Camera - Produce High Quality Photos With Ease

A camera has always been a source of happiness for us. It helps us to preserve our happy memories for a very long time. The Camera has come a long way right from the day of its conception. But its focus has remained the same-to present us with the pictures of our loved ones. At its inception camera had to be mounted on a tripod stand, a large black cloth was required to cover the camera and the cameraman lifted the cloth a little bit, put his head underneath the cloth and clicked the camera. It was a time taking and cumbersome process but nevertheless, people wanted their pictures taken to preserve the memories. At that time, pictures were taken at very rare occasions because it was quite costly. The camera changed its form and became handy; now everybody could use them. But it was not that easy because if you could not focus on the subject properly then your effort would be wasted. You had no way of knowing whether the snaps you had shot were alright or not. But now we have stepped into the era of digital camera.

The digital camera has brought a whole new meaning to the term photography. It is not only handy but also extremely convenient for the users. To use a digital camera you do not need to be an expert in photography. A digital camera has many electrical circuits inside it to make it user friendly. It has inbuilt zooming facilities also that enables you to zoom on to your subject without using any other attachments like a lens.

Digital cameras are packed with many features. You can either shoot still photos or make short time videos. Videos take up more space of the memory card or stick than still photos. But the camera has expandable memory so that you can use memory cards of greater gigabytes.

These kinds of cameras have inbuilt flash and if you want to take pictures in auto-mode, then the flash will work on its own. It will not work if it's a sunny day; the flash will turn on automatically on a cloudy day or at night. Those who are adept at taking photos they can use the manual mode. Then there is the video mode; there are other options like scenery, portrait etc. They are essential if you are shooting a natural scenario or a person from a very close range. With digital camera the options are infinite and the manual provided with the camera is very useful. Besides, the slender form of the camera is very serviceable for you can carry it everywhere.

There are some photos that are not good and can cause you embarrassment. You can delete those pictures because the album inside the camera enables you to the pictures instantly. With a digital camera you can preserve the happy memories as long as you want. Upload the pictures in your computer, make CDs or print pictures-the choice is yours. Happy shooting!

Source : Ezinearticles