The Body As A Canvas: Body Art

The human body is the tool through which somebody experiences life and his surroundings as well as interacts and communicates with others. To some people, however, the body is another piece of canvas through which they could express themselves, their beliefs and their traditions.

Drawing a Picture, Telling a Message

Just as paintings hanging on walls make a room more beautiful, body art can enhance a person’s good physical attributes. Some ladies have a sunflower tattooed on their backs so that they can wear backless dresses that will reveal their flawless skin adorned by the tattooed flower. In this sense, body art is worn the way diamond necklaces are – it is meant to adorn and enhance the wearer’s beauty. However, there are other much more complex reasons for the proliferation and practice of body art. These reasons can be cultural, political, or spiritual.

Body art is extremely common in jails. Tattooing and branding are some of the most common rites of passage for inmates who wish to be part of certain groups. Body art can also be used to declare personal beliefs and political stand. In this case, body art can be compared to graffiti on the wall; it declares what the person wearing the art believes. People in ethnic groups also used tattooing extensively as a form of ornamentation. In some cases, tattoos were used to mark how many people a warrior has killed in battle.

Body Art Types

Widely known types of body art are body painting, tattoos, shaping, scarification, branding and body piercing. Body painting is usually done by painting on the body, usually covering the whole body completely with water-soluble makeup or paints. Body painting is very similar to painting on canvas, however, it can be more difficult to accomplish as the body has contours that makes painting pictures and scenes on the body more complicated.

Tattoos, probably known by all, are permanent decorations on the body applied through the use of an electrically ran needle. Body tattoos usually cover a relatively small portion of the body. Favorite places for body tattoos are the chest, the upper arms, and the back of the shoulders. Body tattoos are relatively permanent, too, as the picture or the letters are etched onto the skin.

Body piercing is accomplished through the use of materials such as beads and precious stones and metals. Ear piercing is probably the most practiced by women and some men for accessorizing. Today, piercing is performed on almost all parts of the body such as the nose, the lips, the tongue, the eyebrows, the bellybutton, the nipples, and others. Shaping, on the other hand, is done to permanently shape the body according to a person’s preference. Methods of this type of body art are foot binding – common among Chinese women.

Scarifications are more unconventional methods of body art. There are religious groups that deliberately scar their body (usually with pointed objects like knives) using a prescribed pattern. Somewhat similar to scarification, branding is another type of body art that involves a whole lot of pain. This was originally done to farm animals (cows and horses) and originally used for identification purposes. This is accomplished through placing an extremely hot piece of metal with a certain design on the body until it burns the skin and leaves a mark that may last forever.

Whatever form of body art is practiced, it is certain to elicit varying reactions. Body art can be beautiful, captivating, or disturbing depending on the beholder’s point of view and set of values.

Wild Animal in The Jungle Oil Painting

Wild Animal in The Jungle Oil Painting

Topart co. Ltd. Is manufacturer and exporter of both oil Paintings on canvas by letterman / board in various styles or subjects in museum quality, high-quality, medium quality and commercial quality at competitive prices. We have a studio and factory. Our company found in 1995, we have more than 3000 artists, who can paint every kind of subject. Our products are widely accepted among European and American markets.

We also have several factories which produce all kinds of art frames. Our prices are most reasonable in this field, while our quality is the best. In the last few years due to a call from the market, we set up our own website which can provide the best service to our customers. All types of sales can be conducted on the internet.

Out Open Windows - Oil on canvas by Jude Gribel

Here is Out Open Windows - Oil Paintings on canvas by letterman ( Jude Gribel )



Out Open Windows
oil on canvas
60 x 48 in.
$4500
available at Bau-Xi, Vancouver

After Visiting - Oil on Canvas Painting by Jude Griebel

Here is After Visiting - Oil on Canvas Painting by Jude Griebel, Oil Paintings on canvas by letterman

After Visiting
oil on canvas
30 x 24 in.
$1900
available at Bau-Xi, Vancouver

Watercolor Masterpieces Painting from the Brooklyn Museum

The recently opened exhibition features 70 stellar watercolors painting artwork from the Brooklyn Museum’s collection, chronicling the rise of the medium in America and shifts in technique over the years. The Brooklyn Museum was the first American art museum to start collecting watercolors,

so it only makes sense that all of the greats are included, and several works from some—Eakins, Sargent, Hassam, Prendergast, Marin, Marsh (and, naturally, Homer and Hopper). Going through the exhibition, you're able to see these artists progressively finding and tuning their creative voices.

Arts of Painting - Exploring the Artist Identity

Art Paintings Process

The painting processes in this research endeavour to study the artist identity of the artist through the exploration of consciousness. The basic components of what; where, when; how and why they take place will be described in the following applications, which form a personal account.

These processes have been chosen instead of other media because of the quality of paint's immediate and fluid response. Despite a background in ceramics, art paintings is where my passion lies.

Processes
What the Art Paintings Will Comprise
In my exploration, six art paintings will be undertaken. These will be abstract art paintings and figurative paintings. I will use alternative surfaces. The paintings will include canvases stretched professionally with concrete underlay (thick black plastic).

The dimensions of each art painting will be uniform: 120 x 70x 5 cm. The media used will include oil paint, enamel, oil sticks, Black Japan stain, shellac, pastel, charcoal and ink. The primary artistic focus in this process will lie in the use of alternative materials in painting and in the use of alternative surfaces. Boundaries may be intentionally pushed through the use of construction materials to create aesthetics on surfaces not intended for this purpose.

When the Painting Will Take Place
The proposed plan involves painting every second Tuesday and every Thursday for a period of six weeks. This art painting will occur at night in two to three hourly timeslots.

Where They Will Take Place
The space will consist of a studio set-up in a lock-up garage. For the purposes of the research, the computer and reference materials will be set up on one side of a garage space, and the work bench with art painting materials on the other. I plan to be able to move quickly and freely between both.

How They Will Occur
The intention is to include a timetable of art painting processes, which will consist of certain times in the following months. Ideas of setting a limit on the painting time have been considered.

Dialogue with Art Paintings
The personal dialogue processes approached in this research combine elements of Heuristic research, but allow for an individual account.

These processes are based on the internal search mechanisms present within the creative-self processes The processes relate to a conversation or dialogue that takes place between the researcher, artist and a higher consciousness of either the self, an artwork or other object studied closely. Many artists and art therapists have utilized these methods in their research and inquiry.

Why the Dialogue Will be Undertaken in This Manner
The dialogue process is intended to provide a different level of consciousness. It is anticipated that I will connect with my art paintings through the processes of dialogue. The dialogue may inform me on levels unavailable to me experientially.

What the Dialogue Will Comprise
This process is intended to encompass a journey into art painting. The aim is to literally enter into the art paintings through passages of different levels of consciousness. In order to make the space available to connect with these other levels of consciousness, the following will be utilized: indwelling; a search of the self through thought; meditation and contemplation. The insights may come through hearing the words in my mind, intuition, or new concepts emerging from or into internal frames of reference.

Where the Dialogue Will Take Place
This process is an internal one, while the external and inter-objective realities in my surroundings may have bearing on the internal mechanisms. The proposed dialogue will occur in the studio space designated for writing this research. The set-up of the computer on one side and the art paintings on the other is intentionally designed towards easy access to writing when dialogue occurs.

When the Dialogue Will Take Place
The method of dialogue within this research will be approached using a lack of structured timetable or schedule. As I have not attempted this process before, I am unsure of whether it will be able to fit into a time-frame. I am unsure of whether I can summon dialogue at will; or whether it will emerge in an indiscriminate manner.

How the Dialogue Will Occur
This is largely unable to be determined at this point in time. There is a commitment to a total immersion in the processes of this inquiry and it is likely that the dialogue will naturally emerge from the art paintings through channels due to the immersion process. It is anticipated that the creation of the unique personal space for communication with my art paintings will reveal and allow for documentation of how the process occurs.

Reflection on Art Paintings
Why the Reflection Will be Undertaken in This Manner
The reflection process formulates the basis for the intimate connectivity of the processes of art paintings and dialogue. It forms the fabric from which the evaluation cloth is cut. The sacred witness will allow the space and time to measure the experience and to dwell on the emergence of new information.

The reflection process aims to draw the art paintings and dialogue processes together and provide the stand-back viewpoint, indispensable to making art paintings and primordial self- inquiry.

What the Reflection Will Comprise
The reflection process in this research will comprise transpersonal processes as a method of self-inquiry. It will evoke notions of the witness. These reflection processes will present a unique witness account of the experience of art painting, the dialogue experience and the overall experiences.

The observations of thoughts, emotions, dreams, dialogue and art painting processes provide the foundation from which to evaluate the personal interior experience.

Where the Reflection Will Take Place
The reflection is anticipated to take place within the transpersonal self -this being wherever the art paintings and dialogue processes are taking place. They may take place in other areas of life, such as times of driving, walking, meditating and working.

When the Reflection Will Take Place
Much like the whereabouts of the reflection processes, the time-frame of this process encompasses all other processes in this research. It is predictable that I will bear witness to my art paintings and my dialogue processes. The witness will be present when I make the connective leaps in consciousness and when the intellectual synapses jump into action. Thus, the internal observer will have to be on duty at all times, knitting the components of my processes together. These observations can then be evaluated into a unified and presentable critique.

How the Reflection Will Occur
The reflection processes aim to transcend the art paintings and dialogue states of consciousness. Reflection is anticipated to occur through the watchful gaze of the transpersonal witness. I will endeavour to consciously manifest the witness during times of art painting and dialogue. This will involve dis-identifying with the art paintings and dialogue processes.

Findings of the Exploration Into the Artist Identity
The basic components of why, what, where, when and how investigated in the art paintings and dialogue and reflection applications can be located in the art paintings themselves and in some of the text and explanation of each of the art paintings on the website.

Oil on Canvas Racing Car Painting Galleries

There are some Oil on Canvas Racing Car Painting Galleries that maybe painted by famous artist or letterman, look at this oil paintings

"Olivier's Twist"
Oliver Panis and the Toyata 2003 challenger showed shades of brillance at times and at other it was down right dismal, but it proved to be beautiful to look at. The future is bright for this 2nd year team. Limted Edition Print of original oil painting on canvas. Limited to 300 pieces. Each comes hand signed and numbered by artist.

“Marco”
“Marco” Werner / JJ Letho / Emanuele Pirro started 6th in the 2004 24 hours of Le Mans, but managed to move up to 3rd.
Limited to 368 pieces the number of laps completed in 2004 24hr of Le Mans. Each comes hand signed and numbered by artist.

“The Lion”
“The Lion” is my tribute to the fan favorite Nigel Mansell. Limited to 187 peices the number of F1 races he competed in. Limited Edition Print of original oil painting on canvas. Limited to 187 pieces. Each comes hand signed and numbered by artist .

"Jacques"
The 2005 Sauber C24 Chassis wasnt the best of show, but in the hands of Jacques it was fast. Limited Edition Print of original oil painting on canvas. Limited to 100 pieces. Each comes hand signed and numbered by artist .

Buy Online Direct From the Artists - Affordable Art Paintings and Prints

How to buy a piece of art painting for your home or work but think you can't afford it as art is way too expensive? Save money purchase art online, direct from the artists, at an affordable price to suit your budget.

There are many self-representing artists who sell original paintings, limited edition prints,

photographs & all fine art including sculpture, pottery & handmade jewellery on the net, artists recognise that many art buyers cannot afford to spend £500 - £1000 on a painting, when buying direct you can find art that is affordably priced at around £250 or even less.

Another good reason for buying art direct from the artist is that you could discover the next Picasso or Turner! You may get to chat with the creators themselves, by purchasing art from an emerging artist you could buy art that has a good chance of being an investment if the artist reaches greater heights in their artistic career, or just choose your art because you like it and it compliments the interior of your home or office space.

Online art galleries represent all artists, from amateurs to new or emerging and full time professionals, who exhibit a wide variety of art in all styles and mediums, including abstract paintings, landscapes, seascapes, figurative art, still life, flowers, wildlife paintings, and more, in oils, acrylic, watercolour and other mediums, each artist has their own pages on these art sites where they exhibit a portfolio of their art, you can send enquiries or leave feedback when you have made a purchase, some galleries charge their artists an annual fee but take no commission, some work on a commission basis where artists pay a percentage usually 25 - 50% on each artwork sold.

You can buy some stunning art online, or you could also do a search in your local area, find an artist and visit them in their studio where they will have paintings on display for you to see before you buy.

If you are looking for a painting or print to complete the look of your home or office, buy art direct from the artist, save money and help support and encourage talented artists.

Black and White Art on The Wall - Adds Drama and Sophistication

The dining room had walls the color of terracotta pots and a classic Greek keystone pattern ran around the bottom of glossy black crown molding. The wall had at least a dozen black and white photos of architectural details. Obviously I was impressed. Any moment Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall could have walked through the door!

You might not be ready for something this dramatic. However the look of black and white art on a wall can make a highly sophisticated statement. When you are shopping for black and white images, keep in mind the main elements that viewers notice are line and mass.

Many images will have grey tones throughout and this helps soften the overall look or you can select highly distinctive pieces with bold lines and large shapes.

The size of the image will determine the level of intrigue that the viewer experiences. For example, a series of small images will invite closer inspection and a single large image will increase the power of the subject.

A few suggestions for finishing your black and white artwork:

Suggestions:

• Look for mats in subtle shades from beige to rose.
• Try double mats with a narrow liner of a bright color such as scarlet.
• Try mats with colored edges that are less expensive than double mats.
• Matt black frames won’t overpower the image as would a gloss finish or gold frame.
• A white frame can create a totally different look for the image
• Remember that you are about to invite drama into your home – If you see Bogie or Bacall don’t be surprised.

Mystical Abstract Art - Paintings

The world of art and the environment of the mystical go back a long way together with many facets in common with one another - one being that they both seek to look into a deep unknown - and then seek to manifest it into this physical world by one means or another.

However, as an artist who has acquired (and lives by) a little understanding of certain spiritual aspects, here are my offerings of what I believe happens when a viewer comes across a mystical abstract painting.

The Spirit

One of the Spirit's major intentions is to bring spiritual understanding into the physical realm. One way to do that is to enter time and manifest a potential opportunity for a receptive body. That receptive body can either be the person being offered the opportunity - or the messenger of it.

If they are the messenger then there are many ways in which that message can be put across ... and one of them is by producing a provocative illustration or allegory in the form of an abstract painting.

The Messenger

Or Artist in this case, Or more specifically an artist who is prone to take note of their own inner enigmatic visuals. Once inspired the artist then sets about translating these visions into a personal style of depiction. I think it is quite probable that many an artist will be unconscious of what exactly they are putting down upon the canvas ... all they might know is that there is an urgent compulsion to work with particular colours, or in a specific style.

The Art

A personalized manifestation of the inner visuals ... portrayed on board or canvas - or any other handy appropriate medium at the time. The artist lets the visual take shape in their mind and allows for interpretation into the physical world ... which results in an artwork of surreal allegory, or be-riddled story, or just a simple abstract presentation of specific colours or shapes. Each element of the art will include (or be) a potential key ready to allow the appropriate viewer entrance into its intriguing yet creative environment.

The Viewer

A receptive observer viewing the art may initially have an indefinable affinity with it. They are perhaps first emotionally drawn to the image before them. And as their thoughts begin to trigger other thoughts, gradual realizations start to become apparent ... gaining strength until they acquire a personal creative understanding seen only by themselves but which may eventually involve others who come into contact with them.

The Gift

The originally unknown vision now begins to unfold its truth within the receptive viewer. This can be in many guises, a simple affirmation, a personal revelation , a specific spiritual, mental, or inner encouragement, an energizing edification for a hungry or floundering soul, offering a sense of contentment within a challenging situation, This gift can be as simple or as complicated as is required for the viewer. Its influence can be timeless - remaining relevant over a period of days, weeks, months, or years.

So the next time you seek to produce a piece of art or decide to visit a gallery do not hesitate or dwell upon any lack within you, rather open your eyes (after all they are supposed to be the windows of the body) and prepare yourself to either see in order to create - or see in order to receive.