At each venue, view all the artworks displayed. If something particularly catches your eye go back to it at the end for a more critical appraisal. Think about where you will display it and from what distance you will be viewing it – does it still look as good? Remember that you should only buy a piece of art if you LOVE it. Don’t rush into buying a piece – take down the artist’s details and contact them later when you have had time to think it over. But also remember to trust your instincts.

As long as the main reason for buying a piece is that you love it then don’t worry what others think, have confidence in your own opinion and judgement. There has been a resurgence of interest in painting in the past few years and there is no denying that people generally want to own paintings rather than, say, sculpture or ceramics. Paintings generally fit more easily into our homes or offices. But the style of painting is really a matter of personal choice: whether the medium is oil, acrylic, mixed media or watercolour or the style abstract, semi-abstract, figurative etc. Choose what appeals to your visual and inner senses and that will be good art.

Art students are very keen to sell their work but also want to know that you are as passionate about a piece as they are. So spend some time talking to the artists about what exactly attracted you to a particular piece. They are more likely to sell to you for a good price if they know their art is going to a good home.

An artist will have put lots of time, energy and passion into their work so don’t make an insulting offer. Most artists will have been given guidance by their tutors on what their artworks are worth – use this as a guide but there is always room for negotiation. Whatever you pay will still be substantially less than from a gallery or fair and, if you have chosen well, the potential increase in value over time could be substantial if the artist becomes well known.

If you still don’t trust your own judgement to buy from an art student but can’t afford an original from a gallery then look out for Contemporary Limited Edition Art Prints. The Style Cube Online Contemporary Art Gallery specialises in Limited Edition Art from British Artists. These Limited Editions are much higher-quality than regular prints. Art publishers like Style Cube only produce Limited Editions of their most popular artists – these can increase in value because of their rarity combined with their popularity.

Tips & Warnings

Don’t buy the first artwork that catches your eye
Only buy something you LOVE
The more artworks you view the more discerning and selective you will become.
Persevere with your search because the thrill of finding that first perfect piece will be worth it.
Avoid animals and portraits if you are looking for an increase on your investment.

Painting Title: Tree

 Artist: He Kongde

Painting size: 82*122cm

Media: Fabric, Oil painting

Creation Time: 1984

Close price: RMB 27,500 Yuan

Artist He Kongde adhered to the creative method of realism, stick by the object while remaining personal style. He consider only use art techniques and artistic language people easy to understand can bring out communications between thoughts and emotions, and make people share the beauty feelings comes from the object, and attain to the purpose of the beautification and purification of minds.

During 40 years, He Kongde created and published artworks themed with major events China has experienced, and has caused great attention of Government and people. In addition to social themes and large-scale painting projects, He Kongde has painted a large number of portraits, landscapes, still life oil paintings and other original oil painting works which were not taken seriously. And the artist has devoted much more efforts in this area and also has gain more creative freedom, as well as more real enjoyment of art, and therefore he is like them more.

About Artist He Kongde:

He Kunde (1925.4-2003), came from Xicong city, Sichuan province, China.

In 1943, entered into National Chongqing Institute and study at the Fine Arts department;
In 1946, transferred to Sichuan Academy of Arts and study at the printing and dyeing department;
In 1946, joined the People’s Liberation Army and worked in the Cultural Troupe of the No. 12 army crops.
In 1951 joined the Voluntary army, and went to North Korea to engaged in fine arts advocacy efforts.
In 1955 was admitted to the Central Academy of Fine Arts and studied in the training course of Soviet expert Maksimov’s painting;
In 1957, acted as a fine art staff at the creation studio of the General Political Ministry of Culture.
In 1962, was transferred to the Chinese People’s Revolution Military Museum to engaged in creating of Fine Arts.
In1980, He Kongde assumed the office of the deputy director of creation studio of the Military Museum and retired in 1987

Mr. He Kongde died in 2003, before death he was one of members and managing directors of Chinese Artists Association, as well as vice chairman of the Oil Painting Art Committee and national first grade artist.

Artist He Kongde is good at oil painting and watercolor painting. Oil Painting “Before the Attack” is collected by the China Art Gallery, oil painting “Military Commission Plenary Meeting” created with the cooperation of Gao Hong was awarded by the second prize on the 5th National Art Exhibition, and He Kongde had taken participated in the creation of half-landscape oil painting “Lukouchiao Fight”

Publications: “He Kongde Oil Paintings Selection”, ” He Kongde Paintings Selection”

ps: Welcome to take some time to read my latest article on my oil painting blog(http://www.oil-painting-online.com): Contemporary Chinese Artist He Kongde Oil Painting Art Appreciation – ree, and i’d also like to introduce featured Chinese things such as China handicrafts, Chinese food, traditional food & handicrafts to you…

This major event on the world tennis calendar has a total prize pool of $24 million and attracts a total of 480 singles and doubles players.

Melbourne, Australia’s second biggest city, is ranked as Australia’s sporting capital.  It also hosts The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Championships.

Every year, the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground is the venue for the Boxing Day cricket test, a contest between Australia and another cricketing nation.

But there is more to Melbourne than sporting events. It is also Australia’s fashion and cultural capital and attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy its scenery and vibrant atmosphere.

According to the latest Roy Morgan poll, Melbourne is Australia’s most desirable holiday destination, especially for shopping, theatre and fine dining.

I am a regular visitor to the city called “The Paris of the South” and always enjoy making new discoveries.

Here are 10 suggestions to help you get the most from your visit.

1.Go to the Tourist Centre in Flinders St, near Federation Square  to enquire about free public transport and special events.

2. Walk along the Yarra River from the Rod Laver Tennis Centre, enjoy the views of the city and continue through Southbank for a meal or to just enjoy the atmosphere.

3. Visit the 2 major art galleries in Federation Square and St Kilda Road. They contain the paintings of Australia’s top artists.

4. Take a river cruise either up river or towards the ocean at Williamstown.

5. Walk along St Kilda Rd to the Shrine of Remembrance and return to the city through parklands to the Tennis Centre.

6. Visit Lygon St Carlton for an authentic Italian meal. Don’t forget to bargain! Another fine dining experience is in the Chinatown district. The world’s largest food and wine festival takes place in Melbourne from 12-23 March.

7. Visit the Victoria Markets for a cheap meal, to pick up a souvenir and enjoy the atmosphere.

8. Take a tram to the bayside suburb of St Kilda for a swim, meal or walk along the waterfront promenade. The very popular St Kilda Festival takes place from 6-14 February and attracts the cream of Australia’s musical talent.

9. Discover Melbourne’s proud sporting heritage with a guided tour of Australia’s top sporting venue, the Melboune Cricket Ground.

10. Visit Docklands for a meal and spectacular city views. The view of the Westgate Bridge at night is particularly impressive.

Revealed at last! The truth about the real Australia. You can save time and money on your Australian holiday and discover the secrets of the savvy vacationers at: http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com  Special new bonus for 2010. Claim your 3 FREE reports. They provide valuable up-to-the-minute information to help you with your planning. The eBook is downloaded instantly and your introductory investment is just $19.97!

Keep up to date with special deals, tips and fresh new articles on Australia at http://traveltipsaustralia/travelblog/

View or buy my paintings here: members.shaw.ca Here I continue working on the painting of an abstract female nude in acrylic on canvas that I started in my first video, I am inventing the image as I create it, completely from my imagination – I don’t use models. Join my fan page on Facebook: www.facebook.com . . .

Painters can either learn how to stretch their own canvas or buy them ready made. The advantage of buying pre-stretched and mounted canvas is that it saves time. The disadvantages include higher cost, it takes up a lot more room while transporting and storing and you have to settle for the standard sizes. This article will provide simple instructions and tips for stretching your own canvas.

The Materials Needed

The most common canvas materials are cotton (called Cotton Duck) or linen. Cotton is generally less expensive than linen and has a rougher surface. Cotton is also more inclined to warp from moisture which can ruin a painting by causing the paint to chip and crack. Linen, however, has stronger threads that resist pulling apart after being stretched on a frame. This makes it more suitable for long term archiving. Both materials are commonly available at most local art supply stores. Heavy unbleached calico from a fabric store will often do the trick and for less money.

The frame is usually made out of wood and comes from the factory with the four sides separated. The ends of the frame pieces are cut into a kind of tongue and groove fashion so that they fit together solidly by friction instead of with nails or staples.

Frames come in two basic strengths. Thinner, narrower sides are the least expensive and are suitable for paintings that have their longest side no longer than 25”. For larger projects, wider and thicker wood sides are available and recommended.

The Instructions

1. Gather the following tools; staple gun, staples, scissors or exacto knife to cut the canvas, canvas pliers (optional) and a rubber hammer (optional). If you don’t wish to purchase a soft rubber hammer just make sure that while assembling the frame that you do not pound directly on the wood with a regular nail hammer without something to buffer the blows.

2. Assemble the frame. This is really straight forward in that the ends fit together with friction. Resting the pieces on a carpeted floor and using a rubber hammer to pound the corners together will prevent gouging the wood. Some artists prefer to add a few drops of white wood working glue into the corners before fitting. This provides a more solid connection for the long haul. However, if you are using the frame only temporarily while painting and intent to remove the canvas and disassemble then do not glue.

3. Cut the canvas to fit the frame. Lay the assembled frame flat and measure the length and width. Each of these dimensions should include enough extra length for the canvas to wrap around to the back of the frame for stapling. Cut the canvas to these dimensions using heavy duty scissors or an exacto knife.

4. Staple and stretch the canvas over the frame. Start by wrapping the top of the cut canvas around the top of the assembled frame. Put about three staples through the canvas in the middle of the back of the top frame piece. The staples should be about 2” apart. Always work from the center of the frame sides out when stapling. Next, stretch the canvas to the bottom of the frame and staple in the middle of that frame side. Repeat on the left and right sides. At this point the canvas should have three staples in the center of each frame side.

Next stretch one side from the middle staples to one corner and staple. Move across to the opposing frame side and stretch from the middle to the diagonally opposite corner and staple. Repeat this until all parts of all frame pieces have been stretched. Finally fold the loose material at each corner neatly and staple in place.

The final step is to prime to canvas before painting. This neutralizes the natural canvas color, creates a smoother texture and prevents the paint from soaking into the material. However, this topic is too involved to address in detail in this article.

Even if you have the resources to buy ready made canvas it is wise at first to develop an understanding of this process and how it can impact the final painting by learning how to stretch your own canvas.

The Australian designer Hans B’s. inspiration came from the Silence of the Lambs, no, not the movie but the silence of a flock of sheep he saw on a recent trip to the outback of Australia. They were all lined up, they were all looking at him so the idea of the Bah-B-Q was born.

However, I almost did not get away with it. The Six Teen Sheep were keen to put a few facts right as they said and I had to promise them to present “their case” on the internet and to do that I was graciously permitted to keep the profits from the sale of the t shirts to cover the cost of internet promotion. You’ll find the Australian Bah-B-Q tshirt by clicking here.

And here is the start of their story;

Our first impression of the bloke who stopped by one day outside our paddock was that here was a serious artist that wanted to paint us for posterity. We were quite happy to “pose” for him and he departed on good terms. He did not mention the fact that he intended to use the drawing on a tshirt. We have since agreed to that. Whilst we are not entirely happy with his choice of website name, www.bahbah4u.toctopus.com we have accepted that and are moving forward.

“Our  version”

The sheep says: Yes, we are all in on this, all 16 of us. We live down Cunnamulla way where we grass on a big property.

A while ago this car drove up and parked just in front of the fence. Out came a gentleman with a drawing board. He actually talked to us but none of understood what he was saying but we sort of nodded so I presume he took that for a yes and proceeded to draw us.

As we were all standing in a line we had to look over each others shoulders to catch a glimpse of his work and we were rather pleased when he attempted to show us the result but at the same time, silly as we are sometimes, we all ran away and, by the time we stopped and turned around he was gone! Just like that! Anyway,we were all in agreement that we wanted to be in on the drawing so hopefully we will see the result some time soon. Our little group of 16, (we call ourselves Six Teen Sheep) shall keep a look-out for passing tourists in case they are wearing “our” T-shirt. 

Remember Tennessee Ernie Ford and his signature song; Sixteen Tons ?

Here is “our” version.

 We were born one morning when the sun didn’t shine,

We stood up on shakylegs  and yes, felt fine.

We are  Six Teen Sheep and  happy as few

And we love our mother, the big fat yew !

.Of course, let’s be fair and let Mr. Sander give his view as well;  As you can see he was driven by a commercial interest whilst we want “to make history”