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Well known from the film ‘Batman’ are the words, “Who you are is determined by what you do”. It is indeed true that one’s thoughts are reflected in one’s speech and actions. In the same way, one’s act of acquiring possessions has a lot to say about one’s personality. They showcase one’s interest. Hence the art work present in one’s home reveals his personality. It draws attention to his taste and reveals to the visitor the kind of person he is. Is he a bold adventurer charting new courses or is he a conservative, staying on the well beaten track? Is he inclusive in his thinking or strictly principled? Such details are revealed by the stuff lying around one’s house and the artworks on the walls of the house reveal more.

Decorative iron wall art is currently in vogue. From artists and cine stars to the average income family of today, there is a demand for fashionable wall accessories to enhance the room. These pieces are best suited for the contemporary-styled home but also fit very appropriately into the classic, ancestral home. However, the degree to which it blends in with the atmosphere of the place depends upon the art work. Often bold in design, decorative iron wall art creates a focal point for any room.

What is decorative iron wall art made of?

Decorative iron wall art can be made from copper or brass, but the most popular and cheapest artwork is made from ‘wrought iron’. Unfortunately, due to the high costs involved in acquiring and working this metal, most pieces are no longer made in the traditional way where the iron is ‘wrought’ or ‘worked’ into the desired shape. Instead they are made of steel or cast iron, moulded, painted and given the look of wrought iron. The difference between these two types are visible only to the expert’s eye and hence these days one can find mimics of decorative iron wall art flooding the shelves of any home accessories shop.

Decorative iron wall art – functional or decorative?

The choice is one’s own. Decorative iron wall art and decor can be both. Any functional object can be transformed into a work of art with a few attractively done enhancements. For example, a wrought-iron coat rail can be embellished with decorative scrolls or rosettes to transform a functional item into a decorative delight. A beautifully designed metal quilt rack will augment the look of any wall hanging. But that doesn’t stop one from acquiring beautiful decorative iron wall art purely for its artistic splendour. It would add spatiality and texture to the wall art and decor, creating a look that is completely different from a painting or print.

Ideas for decorative iron wall art

One only has to haul out the wall art and decor books and get inspired. One must remember that metal wall art is neutral and mixes with any contemporary decor style like wall sconces which are a favourite being both functional and decorative. Mirrors with ornate edges are also popular. Likewise, there are many ideas for decorative iron wall art.

Want to know more about wall art and decor? Click here if you really want your home to look good.

When talking about arts, the 20th century British era has a lot of contribution. Many 20th century British painters become famous and contributed a lot of works in today’s art history. There are great painters and there are also those controversial painters. Here are some famous 20th century British paintings and painters.

British Painters- Their Stories and Paintings

- Francis Bacon

One famous British painter on the 20th century is Francis Bacon. He is known for his contemporary paintings that express terror, brutality, power and other intense emotions. He painted “self-portrait”, “Head” and a lot more. He was born on Ireland. His early paintings are mostly based on the work and images of other artists. He will just distort it in a way. Due to his chronic asthma, Francis Bacon developed a respiratory disease. He died on April 1992 because of cardiac arrest. It is said the Francis Bacon destroyed his early paintings that is why only few are left.

- Robert Oscar Lenkiewicz

Robert Lenkiewicz is a painter that is known for handling a lot of projects. Some of the projects he handled are “Vagrancy”, Love and Romance”, “Suicide” and a lot more. Under these projects are different kinds of paintings. For example, his famous “Cockney Jim Waiting for Miss Lesley Miller on the Barbican” is under his “Love and Romance Collection”. He is considered one of the infamous painters of the 20th century because of his artworks that are mostly based on secret communities and different controversial social issues.

- Roy Petley

Roy Petley is a famous contemporary painter of the 20th century, He created the known “In the Open Air” or also called “En Plein Air”. He is also known as a great oil impressionist painter. Roy Petley’s artworks are incorporated with different shadow and light techniques. Also, it is said that his artworks mirror his environment. He hosted a lot of exhibits and he made a lot of painting collections.

- John Egerton Christmas Piper

John Piper is also a famous painter. He is also a great printmaker. He started learning at Epsom College and he continued studying at Richmond School of Art. This is the educational backround of this famous English painter. John Piper is known for creating different abstract paintings. He also created different stained glass in different churches. One of his famous paintings is “Middle Mill, Pembrokeshire.”

These are just some of the famous 20th century British paintings and painters. The 20th century is really an era filled with a lot of artworks. This is why when looking back in the art history, the 20th century is considered one of the golden periods. The art is rich and blossoming these times. Many present artworks are inspired by the paintings and artworks made by the known 20th century painters.

If you want to know more, you could always read different books and articles about the art of the 20th century. You could also visit the Internet to find different interesting things and information about the Art history.

20th Centaury British Paintings Victorian Paintings Art Gallery Northumberland

You could reuse your old floppy disks by making pen cases out of them. To get this done, you should acquire the components and also tools required, punch holes into 4 floppy discs, drill 2 holes in the one remaining floppy disk, position the very first four discs in a row, connect the discs utilising the zip ties, create a box simply by folding the edges, and fix the base.

Classic floppy disks may be a hassle to dispose of. Fortunately, there are lots of recycling projects that make use of your own outdated floppy discs and one of them could be to produce floppy disk holders for your pens. This unique task is pretty very easy to create and it is beneficial to people who really enjoy personal computers and recycling. The pen holder may even help you organise your writing instruments. Keep in mind these basic steps to create your personal pencil case from old floppy discs:

Get the components and tools required

You must acquire the following devices as well as supplies necessary for the project: five floppy disks which are 3 1/2 by 5 inches in size, sixteen zip ties, a piece of classic scrap wood, a drill that has a size 5/32 drill bit, and also a set of scissors.

Punch slots into four floppy discs

Choose four floppy disks and drill several holes into each disc. Be sure to position the old piece of wood on your own worktop or perhaps table to ensure you will not damage it during the drilling process. The leading two holes have to be on the top part of the discs on either side of the steel sliders about one inch under the dent. The bottom slots need to be drilled on the edges about a half-inch from the bottom of the compact disk.

Drill two holes on the remaining floppy disc

Regarding the fifth and last floppy disk, punch openings on each of the side of the disc. This particular disk will function as the bottom of the pen case. Do not perform something to this particular floppy disk until it’s time to affix the base.

Arrange the first 4 discs in a row

Take the 4 discs you formerly drilled and arrange them alongside to form a row. The steel sliders should be set towards the top for all 4 disks.

Hook up the disks utilising the zip ties

You will now have to slip the zip ties to the holes and place the 4 disks together. This part may lead to a straight line consisting of the 4 disks. Make sure you pull the zip ties closely so that they will be organised together safely.

Form a box through folding the sides

Now you may create a box through folding the ends around. The last 2 ends need to be hooked up together utilizing zip ties. Pull firmly to help keep them in place.

Connect the bottom

Once you have made a box, turn it inverted. The area with the metal sliders will now be on the table. The 5th floppy disk is now able to connected. Install it on the bottom of the box then connect it to the edges using the zip ties stowed via the slots. Use the scissors to cut off the edges of the zip ties.

In addition to finding uses for old items that you would otherwise discard, recycling projects can be your own way of preserving the environment.

Written by Douglas R. Williams. You’ll be able to obtain floppy disk holders at http://www.everydayplastics.com/FloppyDiskHolders.php

Understanding the psyche of the female sex is a much needed tool to get back a girlfriend. However, irrespective of your lack of knowledge about them and their psychology it is still you who knows her more intimately than the others. Her best pals can be helpful to you in this matter however; if you have to deal with her to resolve your problem with your girlfriend then it has to be done very tactfully. Make sure your girlfriend does not take you in the wrong sense when you consult her best pal as this will only aggravate the situation. The first step to get back a girlfriend involves in finding out whether you are still the one for her.

The biggest problem with boys is that they make mountain out of a small minor thing rather than keeping them under control. The second way to get back a girlfriend is that you should always pave the way for a simple thinking. Boys tend to make things complicated even at the slightest provocation without thinking twice only to regret it later. A logical approach should be maintained to get back a girlfriend.

The third way to get back a girlfriend is to be sure about your feelings for her. Girls are sensitive by nature and at the slightest hindrance on your part they will head for a break up. So wake up before it’s too late. If your girlfriend has spent ample time with you, remember, it is with a reason. Love may be already brewing up so you need to be alert to recognise it at the beginning. Keep a watchful eye for the rekindling of your relationship.

The final step to get back a girlfriend involves calming down your disturbed state of mind. Yes, now that things are not running smooth you will definitely feel all messed up. But, spare some time and employ the above mentioned processes; you will definitely get back your girlfriend. This process may sound difficult because it requires some controle over your emotional state of mind. Rest assured, calming down can take some time, but it’s not as difficult as you may think.

To get back a girlfriend you need to be sincere, caring, understanding, honest and true as this really counts a lot in a relationship. Feel free to share or voice your opinion and open up with her as much as possible. She will appreciate your sensitivity and this not only helps to get back a girlfriend but, also to bring you closer to her. However, your attitude towards her should remain the same throughout your relationship with her and not be something that is fleeting.

Maintaining a relationship is indeed an uphill task. Each individual has their own ways and methods to make their relationship happen. However it is worth the effort to take part in this love race as love is a beautiful feeling and so is the relationship between a man and a woman. Enjoy the journey, and remember what you’ve learned here.

Alec Jameson is a tattoo expert. For more great information on japanese tattoo design, visit http://www.tattooswiki.com

For many of us, the word “tiki” brings up mental pictures of grass skirts, flowered necklaces, and wooden statues with large heads. The tiki theme is all about the South Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands, which tends to accentuate the wilderness and relaxation. You don’t have to go to an expensive tiki themed night club or restaurant to enjoy this type of tranquil atmosphere. In fact, you can enjoy your very own indoor or outdoor tiki garden, depending on where you live. If you have the benefit of living in a warmer climate, you could turn your backyard into a lush, tropical escape. If you live in the cool northern regions, a sun room could be just the ticket to creating your own island retreat.

You might be wondering how to get started growing a tiki garden. There are a few things you will need to focus on in order to capture the true feel of the tiki theme. Tiki statues or carvings, running water, and tropical plants are the basics, though your tiki garden can certainly become much more elaborate, if you wish.

Outdoor Tiki Garden

If your region can provide the warmth to support tropical plant life, then it is highly recommended that you create an outdoor tiki garden. Southern areas such as California, Florida, Arizona, and even southern Georgia and Louisiana are good examples of areas that could produce a terrific tiki garden. Your backyard has a lot to offer as far as options go, especially when it comes to creating a realistic island atmosphere. The first item on the list is tiki statues. What would a tiki garden be without at least one tiki statue? Because these areas of the U.S. aren’t typically known as hotbeds of tiki culture, look online for the widest selection. You don’t have to litter your garden with tiki statues. Simply collect a few that you really like. Tiki garden statues range greatly in size, and your chosen statues should complement the space you have to work with.

For the true tiki garden, you might want to consider putting together a waterfall or fountain. The sound of trickling water can be a wonderful miniature impersonation of the ocean and is sure to add to the relaxing air of your tiki garden. Bamboo or rattan furniture can also keep your tiki garden looking authentic and inviting.

Indoor Tiki Garden

Don’t feel discouraged if you live in a cooler climate. You can still have your tiki retreat indoors! A sun room is the perfect place to create a tiki atmosphere. Many tropical plants do quite well in pots provided they are kept in a nice sunny location. With the benefit of a ceiling you can also use hanging plants to encourage an exotic feel to the room. Small tabletop waterfalls can be used to add a bit of serenity to your tiki garden. With a bit of creativity you can easily turn your tiki garden into a relaxing sanctuary as well as a hot spot for tiki themed parties.

Royal Tiki’s beautiful range of Tiki Totems are hand-carved on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. Also check for current specials on a Tiki statue for your Tiki bar

There is something timeless about glass. It can compliment both traditional homes and also ultra-modern spaces. Glass antique lamps can bring a real sense of style and luxury to any interior design. Antique lamps can be functional, eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing. They can brighten up any room in your home and are available in a wide range of different styles and designs.

Tiffany glass Antique Lamps -:

When most people think of glass antique lamps they think of Tiffany. Louis Comfort Tiffany was a premier glass designer who set up a company creating handmade glass items (known as favrile) in the 1890′s. Tiffany experimented with many different glass designs but he is most famous for his iconic stained glass antique lamps.

These lamps are renowned for their quality and beauty and are still highly collectible to this day. Some of the rarer designs are extremely valuable and are only to be found in museums or specialist private collections. Tiffany antique lamps regularly sell for thousands at auction and some of the rarest pieces can achieve million dollar price tags.

However the Tiffany factory manufactured a vast amount of lamps during the height of its production and there are plenty of more affordable options still out there to buy. You can pick up some genuine Tiffany glass antique lamps for a few hundred dollars and also some very good replicas at even more affordable prices.

Wright Glass Antique Lamps -:

Another collectible antique glass designer is Frank Lloyd Wright. He is associated with the ‘Prairie’ and ‘Mission’ architecture and design schools. This is part of the Arts and Crafts movement and has become very collectible in recent years. Wright glass antique lamps tend to have a solid look with distinctive geometric patterns and lines. Typically the bases are fashioned from wood, metal or ceramic and the colours are subdued. Be prepared to spend big money on a Frank Lloyd Wright designed lamp.

Reverse Painted Lamps -:

During the early 1900′s reverse painted glass lamps were popular. This was a method that involved painting a design by hand onto the inside of a blank glass shade. Typically these designs featured popular landscapes. The shade was then fired in an oven which set the paint into the glass. Top reverse painted lamp manufacturers from this time include Handel, Jefferson, Pittsburgh and Moe Bridges.

The most collectible examples of reverse painted antique lamps are those known as ‘puffy’ styles. These were created by the manufacturer Pairpoint and have distinctive moulded glass designs (symbolised flowers in most cases) that seem to puff outward.

Slag Glass Lamps -:

This is another collectable glass lamp from the early 1900′s. These lamps were very popular among the middle classes and were commonly sold by gas and electric companies. Slag glass lamps are crafted by first designing ribbed metal frames. Glass panels are then fitted into the frames using both clipping and slotting methods. In many cases the metal frame is designed to overlay the glass and create style highlights.

Typically slag glass lamps were crafted from amber or caramel coloured glass but there are also some fine examples in soft blues, pinks and greens. Top manufacturers from the early 19th century include Handel, Bradley and Hubbard, Edward Miller & Co and Empire Lamp & Brass Mfg .Co.

Glass Antique Lamp Buying Tips -:

When you are buying any antique lamps it is important to do your research and know what to look out for. Always get a second opinion if you are unsure about the authenticity of a piece. Use a reputable dealer who is happy to help you with any questions you may have. Here are a few essential tips to help you buy glass antique lamps for your home:-

- You cannot rely just on one piece of evidence when looking for authenticity. Many designs such as original slag glass lamps will not feature a maker’s mark and those that do such as Tiffany antique lamps can easily be forged. You will need to research the type of antique lamps you want to buy and be able to use several identifying factors to help you judge authenticity.

- Think carefully about whether you want to display your antique lamps as purely decorative pieces or as functional items as well. Some coloured glass antique lamps may not be that effective at lighting so you may need to consider using them more for decorative pieces and finding other lighting solutions for your rooms. If you want the lamp as a functional piece then double check it is in full working order before you buy.

- The base and shade may not both be original. It is common for the base to be replaced because of damage or personal preference over the years. Check to see what type of base was originally produced with the type of antique lamps you are interested in. Look out for possible indications of a swap such as if the lamp shade looks a little too large/small for the base or one item looks newer/older than the other.

- Check the glass work very carefully for any cracks, chips or replaced parts/panels. This can devalue antique lamps and can be expensive to repair.

There are some very beautiful glass antique lamps available on the market. These can brighten up your interior designs and create stunning features in your rooms. The great thing about antique lamps is that they can be practical and functions items as well as being highly decorative.

Maurice Robertson, of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co, has had a lifetime’s association with antique porcelain and pottery. He has extended his ceramics expertise into the quality table lamps seen on the company’s site. He is well known to interior designers and has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister. Lamps are shipped ready wired for the U.S, the U.K and Australia. You are invited to visit visit their web site at -: http://www.antiquelampshop.com © The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co 2011

Ever captured a photograph that you really love and think might work well as a postcard or greeting card? If you’re keen enough and want to take things to the next level here’s how to do it using one of numerous online printers available.



Before you do, a quick tip: Some of the professional (commercial) online digital printers will only let you print in quantities of 50 cards and up. So if you’re just after a few ‘one-off’ postcards or greeting cards try the more consumer-orientated printers such as CafePress or SnapFish.



Here’s the steps to take:



1. Prepare Your Photography. Make sure your photo is clean and photo-shopped (edited) if necessary. Also make sure the resolution is large enough for the image to look good when printed card size or poster size depending on your needs. (Usually this is about 200-300 DPI, or PPI).

2. Find A Suitable Online Printer and sign up. The consumer printers mentioned above (there’s plenty more out there!) are free to sign up to and, after you’ve purchased, will snail mail the greeting card or postcard to you within 24 hours or so.



3. Choose Your Product And Size. With an abundance of options available for photo customisation – everything from greeting cards and holiday photo cards to custom stickers and journals, it’s easy to get really creative. Choose the particular product style and size you’re after.



Sidenote: Normally you can expect your product to be printed in full colour and shipped to your door. You may also find it’s easier to order your postcard or chosen product in packs of 8, 10 or 20.



4. Upload Your Image/s. This is where you get to design your product. Look for a template you can use to position your photo into horizontal or vertical formats, and generally make sure it looks like a groovy postcard or greeting card someone would enjoy receiving!



5. Design Your Product. This is where you add any text you want on your cards. You could add a short description of your photo, your name, website and date you took the photo for example. At this point too you can precisely position the photo onto your card. Run it full to the edge or allow for a white border to bring out your image.



6. Review And Order Your Product. More choices here in the shopping cart – extra additional tweaks such as a glossy or matte finish on your cards, and the quantity of cards you want to order. Also options for shipping (delivery) such as economy shipping, etc.



7. Send The Cards To Yourself (Or A Friend). You need somewhere to send your cards to, right? Send them to your own address or to friends – or even send as a gift order. (The gift order option lets you add a gift message and excludes any prices from the shipping invoice).



Although the steps I’ve laid out here sound complex it’s actually quite an easy process. As long as you have your own photo/s ready beforehand you can fly through this whole process in minutes and be ready to receive your postcard and greeting cards in the mail within 24-48 hours from now!

Martin has been writing articles for over 3 years. He’s passionate about postcard marketing. Please visit http://www.postcardmarketingidea.com to discover the magic of postcards and find inexpensive ways to get your postcard printing done quickly and easily!

How often have you seen a child running to a window and peering out at the falling snow with a big smile and a pumpkin like face. Most children love snow, and the more the better. I know when I was a child I certainly loved the snow, and for two reasons, if often kept me home from School that day, and it made for a very fun day playing in it. As we grow from children into adults we often stop playing in the snow and having such fun, especially if were males, since we have to act the tough and rugged way instead of showing emotions like a child’s joy. Those that are lucky enough to have a playful spouse or children, know that this is a bunch of crap. Joy and having fun, is something we all need to experience, a world without laughter and fun would not be a very nice place for anyone.

On them cold winter days if your an adult and you find yourself alone, or with empty time on your hands, why not learn quilting. My Daughter made a really nice quilt a couple years back during the winter months. A quilt or quilting as it’s called it usually made from pieces of scrap clothing items you no longer want or need, for instance a shirt that has a rip, could be used to cut into a few quilt squares.

Quilt squares or blocks can be whatever size you want, although most folks seem to cut their old clothing or other quilt material into 6×6 or 7×7 inch squares. The squares are then sewed together with other pieces or squares, then when the front of your quilt is complete, which is normally blanket size or larger, you can use what is called quilt bedding for inside filler. Bedding comes in large rolls, and it’s like thick rolled up cotton. Once you have the bedding positioned, you can start sewing the back of the quilt onto the completed front piece that you made from the squares, most folks also sew across the main body a few times in different spots to help hold the bedding in place.

The above guide is for the absolute easiest type of quilt, that a beginner should generally start learning quilting with. Quilting can be very simple to extremely intricate and difficult, depending upon the size of your squares, and whatever shapes or designs you wish to make. The backing of the quilt is usually made from large pieces of fabric that is chosen for the color schemes or patterns.

If you want to get started with quilting, you should browse the internet to get familiar with all the different designs and some ideas for your first project. Most women say that if you can sew, you can do quilting, and if you have never sewn, you can always learn. The next time you find yourself alone or with nothing to do during the cold months, try your hand at quilting, it’s a great way to make use of them old clothes that are not used anymore, and it’s a great hobby to help fight the winter blues.

There is a website that describes numerous activities and other methods to help eliminate the Winter Blues, this website is called: Winter Activities – and it may be found at this url: http://www.winter-activities.com

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Luzerna Solon, has worked in the field of depression and other aspects involving the Winter Blues for a number of years. She has counseled thousands over the years, and has helped them remove the winter blues from their life with simple activities. Winter Activities http://www.winter-activities.com

If you want to maintain and take good care of your photos, make sure to manage and label your photos using the appropriate equipment, manage them sparingly and in the appropriate way, be extra careful with old photographs, use the proper storage equipment, and prevent the pictures against damaging factors.

Images are among the best ways to preserve personal experiences. But wait , how are how certain that an image stays intact as well as in good shape for years to come? It is a great way to invest in high quality protective equipment including plastic sleeves, but even that might not be adequate. Here are some ways you can follow to maintain and take care of your own images:

Arrange and make effort to label your images using the proper materials

To assist in arranging your own pictures, you need to label the back portion of the photograph. It is specifically critical that you select the right writing material to label the photos. Ballpoint pens aren’t recommended as the ink on these types of instruments may easily leak into the surface or even the point could potentially cause dents on the surface of the paper. You need to select a long lasting marker instead but ensure that you wait until the ink on the paper has dried before you begin putting the photos. Compose a description containing who’s in the photograph, the date and place it was captured, what was occurring when it was taken and all other specifics you believe might help those who might be watching at the photograph in the future.

Deal with these items moderately and also in the correct manner

You will need to manage your own photos sparingly. When you manage them, be sure that you do not touch the graphic area. Fingertips may leave oil behind and this in turn might cause mold spores and dirt to accumulate. Try on some mild cotton safety gloves when you make use of your own pics to ensure you avoid direct exposure to the images.

You should be very watchful with old pictures

You have to be especially careful when looking old, heavy pics as these could easily break. All photographs may become structurally fragile over the years especially with unequal support. To avoid damaging older images, it is advisable to provide them with enough support when you take them out.

Use the correct storage materials

You should be careful in deciding on what type of storage devices you use for your personal pictures. Most of the people opt for magnetic picture albums, but these are in fact harmful for images. The card board used for fabricating this type of album and the adhesive on the pages are both acidic and therefore harmful. Widely used things like staples, rubber bands, paper clips, tape and glue may damage, stain and also dent the photograph paper therefore these should also be prevented. If you utilize wood items for your own photos, ensure that they’re properly labeled as acid-free. An excellent option for storage space is plastic material sleeves that are totally free of Pvc material. You might use air-tight sandwich bags as a more affordable option.

Avoid exposing the photographs to harmful elements

The three things which are generally most damaging to photographic supplies are humidity, light, and temperature. Store the pictures in a an area which you yourself find comfy. Avoid basements, storage ares, or spaces where the humidity and temperature change constantly.

Even though preserving and taking care of pics can seem like a tedious task, you will eventually recognize that going that extra mile is worth it.

Written by Douglas R. Williams. Should you be looking for plastic sleeves used to protect your treasured beautiful photos, visit http://www.everydayplastics.com/

Is it a paint? Or is it a crayon? It’s tricky to say with pastels because they have qualities of both. One thing is for sure; the finished product when working with pastels can be every bit as impressive as an oil paint, with a mixture of brush blending and fine, intricate drawing giving the work a range of textures and tones that any artist could wish for.

It’s actually quite difficult to define what a pastel is because it shares characteristics with several other media, but it is generally accepted that the pastel is dry when applied, even though it can sometimes resemble a very thick (almost solid) liquid. Pastels were actually known to Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, so if they haven’t been specifically defined after half a millennium, it’s fair to assume they never will be.

Like solid paints, pastels are simply a pigment and something to gel it all together, known as a binder. The binder itself is neutral in colour to give purity to the hue. When you’re buying pastels from an art supplies store, make sure you know which type you want, and there is a wide range of materials, hardnesses and physical constructions.

The most common type of pastel comes in a stick form. It looks rather like a stick of chalk or a crayon, wrapped in paper which you tear away as the pastel stick is used up. They are also available encased in wood like a pencil, and indeed they are used just like pencils.

Also like pencil leads, pastels can be hard, soft or somewhere in between. Hard pastels are good for drawing fine detail and outlines but the colour is less vivid than that of soft pastels as the ratio of binder to pigment is higher. Soft pastels have less binder in them and so the pigments come through more, making richer tones. The softness makes the drawing seem powdery, too. This has advantages (it’s easier to blend and mix, and can produce pleasant graded finishes) and disadvantages (it’s easy to smear accidentally and the dust can be messy, and extensive inhalation should be avoided). It’s therefore important to choose the correct type for the job. You’ll probably find yourself using both types anyway, even on one picture.

Finally there’s the material the pastel is made from. The traditional form is oil-based. They are soft to the touch and have a smooth, shiny, slightly tacky surface. Blending takes a fair amount of skill with oil-based pastels, but it can be learnt. The other type is water soluble. After applying to the paper, a water wash can spread the pigment thinly and create an effect like a watercolour painting.

Painters in pastel might not get the recognition of their paint-spattered contemporaries, but there are plenty of notable pastel artists throughout history whose work any aspiring pastel painter should make themselves familiar with. Maurice Quentin de la Tour (1704-1788) was a hugely adept portrait artist who worked mainly in pastels. Other influential pastel artists include Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901), Edgar Degas (1834-1917), Edouard Manet (1832-1883) and Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1844-1926).

When Sally paints or creates other art works she likes to use every material possible, not all at the same time of course. She favours watercolours and pastels, particularly oil pastels but also has a fondness for pencils and acrylic paint.