Custom Motorhome Interior Design

When it comes to creating a custom interior design for your home on wheels the possibilities are endless! When considering a home remodel or renovation the first step is to talk to a contractor who understands buildings codes and local regulation. Likewise, when you decide it's time to give your motorhome or RV a new face, the best option is to contact someone with years of experience in custom RV renovation.

Time to Renovate:

Now that you've made the big decision to keep the RV that's taken you on so many great trips and created so many amazing memories, you'll need to make a plan of action for remodeling. Three of the biggest components to any remodel are floors, cabinets, and furniture. By updating any or all of these items you will drastically alter the appearance of your RV.

RV's can be fitted with beautiful wood flooring that will look just as good in your RV as it does in your kitchen at home. For those who prefer tile, that's no problem at all! All types and patterns of tile can be installed whether it be sleek modern look or a floor fit for a king, you decide how grand the appearance.

Next on the list to be remodeled are cabinets and furniture. Undoubtedly technology has changed substantially over the past few years. This means that there is a good chance that your RV is sporting a TV that isn't quite up to par with today's standards. By remodeling your cabinets you will not only be able to fit a new flat screen TV, but will simultaneously create more cabinet space! There are just as many options for furniture. You can choose to reupholster your existing furniture, or outfit your RV with all brand new seats to match your new floors and cabinets!

By Cinda Nelson

A Guide to Buying a Used Audi A4

Throughout the years, the line of Audi A4 cars has exemplified a good reputation in the world of luxury cars. The Audi A4 competed with BMW 3 series, Ford Mondeo, Mercedes C Class, Lexus IS, and Volkswagen Passat, amongst others.

The generation of A4 cars also features A4 Avant, which is a station wagon, and A4 Cabriolet, which is a convertible. Eventually, it added two performance cars in its line of luxurious collection, namely, the Audi S4 and Audi RS4. What is good about the Audi A4 is that entails both the workability of an estate car and the performance of a sports car.

If you are considering purchasing a used A4 car, you may conduct a number of inspection and evaluation on the car's features, which include the engine, brake pedals, wiring, control, handling, lights, gearboxes, and so on. Aside from the lower price tag, other advantages that come with purchasing a used Audi include the car's outstanding build quality, excellent exterior and interior, great driving and handling, attractive and stylish design, and the Audi badge that refers to the car's upkeep of its value.

There is a variety of diesel and petrol engines available for an Audi A4 car, which is why it will not be difficult for you to replace its engine if ever the used car that you are planning to buy has an inoperative engine. Moreover, it uses a cost-effective 1.9-litre TDI diesel engine, and its 4-wheel drive grip comes with different Quattro models.

However, the Audi A4 has a few drawbacks in comparison to its rival cars. One is its rear legroom, which is less spacious compared to BMW 3 series cars and Mercedes C Class. Moreover, a used A4's 1.9-litre TDI diesels are occasionally noisy, and some of the car's parts are not as fully equipped as a new one, which is why you need to ensure that you have checked the primary parts of a used A4 before you purchase it.

The Audi A4 is ideal for couples and families, for its attractive and high-quality estate models can be widely utilized by most families who often travel. It is also highly practical when it comes to fuel costs, for its three 1.9 liter TDI diesel engines, which are offered in 100bhp type, can certainly cover approximately 50 miles per gallon. Lastly, you might consider the fact that Audi A4 is one of the fastest cars present, and it can be used in both long and short distances.

By John Alvar

Top 5 Classic Commerical Vans

The van: Functional in purpose; typically white, containing an uncultured slob of a driver. At least, that's the stereotypical view which many people have formed. There are thousands, if not millions, of vans on Britain's roads every day and for many people they are a nuisance, whereas for others they provide a living. Down the years, some vans have obtained a more treasured status, be it through their design, longevity or performance. Here's a top five:

Ford Model T

The Ford Model T was one of the earliest classic cars and included variants of van from about 1912 onwards. With over 15 million vehicles of all types being produced by the time production ceased in 1927, the Model T has been recognised as the most influential car ever produced. Commercial vehicles included pickup trucks and closed vans as the functional practicalities of road transportation were properly realised for the first time.

Morris Minor Van

Nowadays, the Morris Minor in all forms is considered a classic vehicle and the van is no different. Beginning as part of the Series II in 1953 and continuing with the Morris Minor 1000, the van was just one of many variants of the "Moggie". With a burgeoning enthusiasts market in the UK, the popularity of this classic vehicle is set to endure.

Bedford CA

The Bedford CA was in production from 1952 until 1969. In the years before the Ford Transit was launched the CA was perhaps the foremost light commercial vehicle available in Britain. Used by many corporations, including British Rail who maintained a fleet of their own delivery vehicles, the CA was very common indeed. In later years, many of the CA chassis were rebuilt to form mobile homes, ice cream vans and various other vehicles. Nowadays they are rare and can be hard to track down for classic vehicle enthusiasts.

Ford Transit

The Ford Transit, the self-proclaimed "backbone of Britain" has become ubiquitous since its introduction in 1965. With more than six million vehicles having been produced since then, and in a huge variety of designs, the original models are fondly remembered and sought after. Indeed, so widespread has the name become that for many "Transit" is used universally for any type of van!

Reliant Regal

Made famous by Only Fools and Horses, the Reliant Regal was first introduced in 1953. By the time it was enshrined in British popular culture by the Trotters, the Regal had actually been out of production for some years, having been replaced by the Reliant in 1973.

By John Ryman 

Parrot Hands Free Kit

A Parrot hands-free kit? What, you may ask, is a Parrot hands-free kit? Simply put, it is a Bluetooth-capable kit that can be installed in your vehicle to allow for hands-free telephone communication while driving. Because of the number of car accidents caused each year due to distracted driving involving mobile phones; it is now against the law in the United Kingdom to use your mobile phone whilst driving.

However, the benefit of this kit is that it is literally installed into your vehicle and automatically connects with your mobile phone upon starting the engine. It connects via Bluetooth capabilities in a way that avoids messing with a headset or a long, overly obnoxious, microphone wire hanging from an earpiece that you usually end up having to hold with one hand anyways so that the other party can hear you when you talk. I never understood how that could be considered hands-free when you're using the same number of hands you would be using if you were holding the phone itself.

As I was browsing the web and checking my options, I noticed that the Parrot hands-free kit comes in a wide variety of different models. For the average, everyday user, there's just a plain old run-of-the-mill standard kit made solely for telephone calls. It is compact and I really like the small design because I imagine it would probably compliment just about any vehicle interior. Of course, let's not forget the fact that it has a voice recognition feature to truly make your phone a hands-free device. You speak a name and tell it to call and, Voila!, instant phone call. It doesn't get much simpler than that now does it?

Another option I'm pretty impressed with in regards to the different models is the Parrot hands-free kits that are compatible with iPods and iPhones (although they will work with any MP3 player, SDMMC or USB device as well). The main difference with these models, obviously, would be the music. Select the music you want to hear and it's played through your vehicle's speaker system for maximum quality.

Another great feature about this system is that upon receiving phone calls, it will drown out background and interior vehicle noise, including the music, this gives you optimal phone call quality. Not to mention that the phone calls also play over the vehicle's speaker system. I'm thinking I could definitely find a use for one of these kits!

By Daniel A Baker

In Car Camera Systems Should Help to Lower Your Insurance Premimum

According to the Automobile Association (the AA), average car insurance premiums have increased by over 30% in 2011 with insurance for 17-22 year olds increasing by 47% on average. The sharp increase in vehicle insurance premiums means that many drivers simply can't afford to drive or own a vehicle.

One key reason for insurance premium increases is the rise in 'cash for crash' fraudulent claims. Some drivers are now unlawfully benefiting from staging accidents or purposely causing accidents. These fraudulent drivers then benefit from insurance payouts, which in turn drive up the cost of insurance premiums for honest and law abiding citizens.

In light of this fraud there is now a new technology available to honest drivers, which are commonly known as in car camera systems. These small cameras are fitted to the windscreen of the vehicle and record the road ahead, inside the car or even out of the rear of the vehicle and provide the driver with vital evidence should they become involved in an accident. Some systems even record the vehicle speed, GPS location and G-forces of the vehicle with an accelerometer to display the exact forces of the vehicle before, during and after a crash. What's more these devices can be bought for as little as £190.

The benefit of such technology is that a driver can quickly submit the evidence of an accident claim to their insurance company. Without this vital evidence it can take up to six weeks or more to assign fault when two drivers are arguing over the accident.

The main costs caused when investigating and deciding fault are:

• Hire cars for the duration of the decision before fault is decided
• Further cost of hire vehicles once fault is decided
• Vehicles off the road with potential loss of earnings for both parties

Many drivers who have been caught out in a 'cash for crash' accident suffer even more severe losses. In these circumstances the drivers are often forced to directly suffer insurance loss, and can lose their no claims. Once the time comes to renew their policy these 'crash for cash' victims are then forced to pay higher insurance premiums and are at risk of not being able to get insured again.

Insurance companies have known about these 'black box' type of systems for many years (since 2002) now with Aviva launching their 'Pay as you Drive' scheme based on these types of systems.

What shocks the every day driver is that insurance companies don't openly offer any saving to drivers using in car cameras. This is surprising as there are clear benefits of using the in car camera systems

If a CCTV system can help to lower buildings insurance, why can't a camera in a car do the same?? More action is needed from insurance companies.

If they offer savings to drivers, more drivers will use these devices, which will help to enhance road safety, will prevent dishonest drivers from abusing their insurance policies and which will in turn help to lower car and vehicle insurance premiums once again.

By Joe Louis Williams 

Luxury Car Truly Luxurious

As items that formerly made a car or 4WD luxurious begin to filter down to cheaper models, luxury car manufacturers have to continually up their game. This means more extravagant features, more complicated technology, and more comfort. The frontier of the features that put the luxury in luxury car is one of the fastest-evolving terrains in today's consumer landscape. Here are some key features that make today's luxury cars truly luxurious.

Automatic Climate Control:
But even the highest-tech single-zone climate control systems are often not good enough for the luxury landscape of today. Many cutting-edge luxury vehicles are now offering dual-zone climate control systems that can provide temperatures differing as much as ten degrees for the driver and the front passenger.

Steering Wheel Controls:
The cruise and audio system controls are often built directly into the steering wheel in many of today's luxury cars. This allows drivers to keep their full focus on the task of driving while making adjustments to their audio or cruise controls.

Moonroof:
Moonroofs are sunroofs that feature not just a metal panel but a glass panel that can allow sunshine or moonlight into the car, compact SUV, or four wheel drive even when the roof is closed as well as a fabric-covered panel that can regulate the degree of light let into the car. The glass panels featured in moonroofs are usually tinted and can usually be tilted to regulate airflow.

Luxury Upholstery:
Although genuine leather may cost extra even in a luxury car, the upholstery will usually be made from at least a leather substitute or another form of expensive, comfortable fabric. You can expect the seating in a luxury vehicle to be more comfortable than the seating in a regular vehicle.

Adjustable Driver's Seat:
The driver's seat in a luxury car can usually be adjusted in a minimum of six directions with only the slightest effort. Cushion height can be regulated, fore and aft travel can be adjusted, and the angle of recline can be set to within a fraction of an inch.

Adaptive Cruise Control:
This feature uses a laser or a radar system to adapt the cruise control speed to the speed of the vehicles surrounding the car when necessary. Light braking is automatic and the driver will receive an alert if a nearby vehicle begins to brake hard.

By Hugh McInnes

Safety of SUVs

When SUVs first entered the scene, their tendency to rollover during accidents created a stigma; no one wants to drive a car that tends to fatally injure occupants in a crash. In the years since, technology has improved SUV safety to the point of involving less driver deaths than cars of similar weight. In fact, from 2005 through 2008, there were 28 driver deaths per million registered SUVs in the U.S. versus 56 driver deaths per million for cars. Pickup trucks had 52 driver deaths per million for the same time period. Looking at these numbers, you could say that SUVs are even safer than cars. So how did such a turnaround happen?

First, let's look at the physics. SUVs typically weigh more and ride higher than cars. This is both a good thing and a bad thing; good because this offers more protection in a crash, and bad because the higher center of gravity causes the vehicle to roll onto its roof more easily. These rollover accidents are a major source of severe injuries to passengers.

To combat this problem, car manufacturers developed new technologies and implemented new designs to decrease the chances of a rollover, as well as reduce injuries should a rollover occur anyway.

Electronic stability system. This prevents conditions that could cause a rollover. If you lose control, the system will limit acceleration and apply antilock brakes to keep the vehicle on course. It can't prevent a rollover entirely, but it can prevent the circumstances that generally lead to a rollover. This feature has been so effective that most automakers have made it standard on SUVs, and the NHTSA now requires it for 2012. Some advanced models can even detect an occurring rollover and take action to stop the motion.

Improved body design. Automakers have lowered the overall center of gravity, making SUVs more stable naturally. How did they do this? By building the SUV on a car frame, creating the now-popular crossover.

Side curtain airbags. In a rollover or side impact accident, these deploy from the ceiling to cover the side windows. They stay inflated long enough for several rolls to protect occupants and keep them in the car. Flying out of the car is a main cause of death in rollover accidents, so this feature has greatly reduced the mortality rate of rollover accidents.

All of these advances are wonderful at keeping passengers safe, but what about occupants of the other car in a crash? In recent years, automakers have lowered SUV frames so that in an accident, the powerful SUV frame will engage a car's crumple zones rather than the cabin. This change alone has reduced fatalities among the other car's drivers by 21 percent in head-on impacts and by almost 50 percent in a side-impact crashes.

In addition, SUVs typically have large blind spots. To overcome this problem, many SUVs now offer a sonar-based "park assist" system to indicate proximity to an obstacle or person. Or, a rear backup camera automatically offers a wide-angle view behind the vehicle when the transmission is shifted to Reverse.

By David Lacrisse

At a Glance Ford Focus Electric

BEV Focus offers an electrified difference

The Ford Focus Electric will be going on sale in late 2011, the latest and perhaps the most intriguing model in the compact Focus model range. Powered by a permanent magnetic electric traction motor developed by LG Chem, this lithium-ion battery pack achieves 123 horsepower and 181 foot-pounds of torque. The electrified 5-door hatchback is being built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.
Although not yet available for sale, there are some things about the Focus Electric we already know. For one, the Escort EV is expected to get a better mile per gallon range than the Chevrolet Volt. It will be able to recharge in 3 to 4 hours, which is half the time of the Nissan LEAF, with its 240-volt charge station. Top speed is 84 miles per hour and pure electric range should beat the LEAF's projected 90 miles.
MyFord Touch
New features and technologies will be introduced by the Focus EV including a customized version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system, designed especially for electric vehicles, an innovative value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a tech-pleasing smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles from a distance.
Ford has placed five-way buttons on the Focus' steering wheel, which allows the driver to customize a pair of 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster screens showing battery charge status, distance to the next charging station and other operating and technical features. This information enables the driver to keep track of how he drives, ideal for the person who want to maximize range and efficiency by changing driving behavior accordingly.
Suspension & Braking
The BEV Focus incorporates a front independent MacPherson strut suspension and rear control blade multilink independent system. Electric power assisted steering, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock braking system, disc brakes and regenerative braking are some of the important features found in the electric Focus.
The electric Focus sits on a 104.3 inch wheelbase and has a length of 171.7 inches. This vehicle is 72.4 inches wide and 58.9 inches tall. Seating five passengers, this Focus offers a 60/40 split rear bench seat, 15-spoke 17-inch wheels, push button start and a voice activated navigation system.
Additional Features
Sirius Satellite Radio is standard with the EV Focus and includes a six-month trial subscription. Owners will have access to more than 130 radio stations playing commercial-free music, offering talk, entertainment and sports options.
One of the most innovative features of the battery electric Focus is its illuminated charging port, which leaves no question whether your Focus is ready to go or not. When owners plug their connector cord into the Focus Electric charge port, which is located between the driver's door and front wheel well, it activates light rings around the port to show that it's connected. Your charge is still in progress when the rings are flashing. Your charge has been completed when the rings are solidly lit.

By Matthew Keegan

2009 Ferrari California Overview

California is known for many things: the governator, UCLA, and Hollywood, but amongst its many connotations, the name California is so rarely bestowed upon something of beauty, magnificence and sheer power. Until 2008, when Ferrari made the decision to manufacture a 2+2 front engine, Grand Tourer coupe cabriolet known as the California. Revived from the 1950s Ferrari 250 GT name, the California was announced by Ferrari at the 2008 Paris Motor Show as an entirely new model line for Ferrari. Although often times confused as the successor to the 575 Maranello, or as the similar Grand Tourer, the 599 GTB Fiorano, the California is differentiated primarily as a front engine V8 Grand Tourer versus the Maranello and 599 GTB Fiorano which house V12s.

The introduction of the Ferrari California introduced a number of firsts for Ferrari. It would be the first Ferrari to feature a front-engine V8, a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, a folding metal convertible roof, multi-link rear suspension and direct fuel injection. These combinations of firsts make the California a very interesting car, especially once you start getting into the specifications and begin to understand that the California is more than just a Grand Tourer.

So, without further delay, let's get into the details. The California is powered by a 4.3 liter V8 that puts out 453 horsepower at 7,750 RPM and 357 ft-lb of torque at 5,000 RPM, yielding an impressive 108 horsepower per liter, one of the highest ratios for a naturally aspirated V8. The 2012 Ford Mustang GT features a 5.0 liter V8 that produces 412 horsepower, yielding 82 horsepower per liter and the 2006 Corvette Z06 7.0 Liter LS3 engine produces 505 horsepower, yielding 72 horsepower per liter. Not even a supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 engine from the Corvette ZR1 beats the California's horsepower per liter, with 638 horsepower, the ZR1 yields 103 horsepower per liter.

Although the per liter horsepower is extremely high, the overall output would be considered fairly low when comparing to other performance vehicles so one would assume that it cannot be that much faster. But it is. Thanks to being the first Ferrari with a 7-speed dual clutch automatic, the California can go from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds[validate], the same time as a Ferrari F430, despite weighing 180 kilograms (400lbs) more and having 30 horsepower less. The Ferrari California can then be pushed to a top speed of 193 MPH, thanks to over 1,000 hours of testing in wind tunnels to help perfect the aerodynamics into a beautifully shaped and drag efficient car, which is certainly an understatement.

The design of the car must have first been dreamed by a kid with limitless imagination, and then taken by an artist who knows how to portray power with legs, where, finally the Ferrari engineers spent countless hours perfecting the unique blend of V8 performance, with Grand Tourer cruising with the finesse of an Italian exotic.

In 2008 Ferrari announced plans to produce nearly 5,000 Californias in the first two years of production, pushing total Ferrari production up by 50%. Despite the unusually high production numbers for Ferrari, all California's have been sold up to 2011 for a refreshingly cool $192,000. In 2011, Ferrari announced a refresh for the 2012 California, to feature lighter aluminum alloys yielding a lower weight of 3,758 and an increased power output of 30 additional horses due to a remapped ECU.

By Ivan Rudnitsky 

Hot Rods In Film

American Grafitti

One of the top all-time movies featuring this type of car is American Grafitti. This 1973 film was directed by George Lucas and is still a favorite movie of many people. Although this movie, which was set in 1962 features a number of sub-plots, the classic cars, including several awesome hot rods that are featured, almost steal the show. Among the incredible autos in American Grafitti are a radical yellow deuce coupe, a 1956 Ford Thunderbird and a 1958 Chevrolet Impala.

Smokey and the Bandit

Smokey and the Bandit, released in 1977, starred Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed and Jackie Gleason. Burt Reynolds drove a hot rod black Pontiac Trans Am in this film. With Jerry Reed driving a tractor trailer filled with contraband beer, Reynolds uses this Trans Am as a distraction and lookout vehicle. Excellent stunt-driving and lots of tire squealing are offered in this classic car movie.

The Lively Set

Another great example is the 1964 movie The Lively Set, which starred James Darren, Doug McClure and Pamela Tiffin. Centering on a road race from Los Angeles, California to Las Vegas, Nevada, this film features a turbine-powered hot rod and several other excellent cars. This great film also includes a great surf and pop music soundtrack.

Viva Las Vegas

A classic Elvis Presley film, Viva Las Vegas revolves around a Grand Prix race being held in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this movie, Elvis drives a beautifully stylish British Elva automobile. Elvas were produced for only a few years in the 1950's and they are highly valued by automobile enthusiasts and collectors everywhere.

An array of race cars and rods, including Ford Cobras and Ferarris are featured in this 1964 film. The soundtrack to this film is also excellent.

Hot Rod

The title of this 1950 movie about street racing really popularized the term 'hot rod'. This movie is still considered one of the best examples of this type of ride in film. This film starred Art Baker, Jimmy Lydon, Gloria Winters and Gil Stratton. A 1932 roadster hot rod is the real star of the show in this seminal movie.

By Jan Harvey

Volkswagen Car Care An Overview

There are different ways on how you can take proper care of your Volkswagen, as well as a number of services that car dealers and auto repair shops offer in enhancing the overall working condition of your car. On the other hand, if you merely familiarize yourself with the basic details of car care, you will realize that you can save a significant amount of money through examining the entirety of your car and its parts every now and then.

Unbeknownst to many car owners, the cooling system of a Volkswagen is one of the most essential parts that keep it functioning in an effectual manner. Your car is depended on the cooling system's function of regulating the engine's temperature by means of the coolant's circulation. Through this, the engine releases the heat it has absorbed and emits it through the radiator, where the heat wanes into a lower temperature.

The cooling system of Volkswagen cars mainly consists of three parts, namely, the (1) water pump, (2) hoses, and the (3) radiator, sensors, and thermostat. Firstly, the water pump functions as the regulator of the cooling system of your vehicle, and controls the movement of the coolant mixture. It is essential that you regularly inspect your Volkswagen's water pump, and promptly replace it if you have distinguished any damage.

Hoses, on the other hand, is located in the cooling system, and is comprised of the control valves, the heater core, the radiator hose, and the expansion tank. For the primary reason that these parts are frequently utilized and subjected to heated coolant, there is a greater probability for it to worsen easily and require replacement.

Aside from the water pump, the hoses are also essential in keeping your car's system working properly. In a general sense, you should inspect all the hoses of your car's cooling system at least twice a year, and ensure that there are no scrape, leakage, or cracks. If such damages are found, you should communicate with a Volkswagen professional in order to assess the overall condition of the hoses and determine which ones should be replaced.

Lastly, the cooling fan, fan clutch, temperature sensors, thermostat, and expansion tank cap control the temperature of the cooling system. Each of these parts works individually, but they all regulate the engine cooling through transmitting control signals to the electronic systems of your Volkswagen. What is good about these cooling system sensors is that it only needs maintenance through internal and external cleaning, which is why you should regularly clean these parts in order to spare the cooling system of your car from any eventual damage.

By John Alvar

The Golden Age of Chinese Art

The 1930s were not a time most people would think to be a Golden Age. The images of this period in America are not particularly inspiring due to the Great Depression and every thing that went with its economic woes. However, the art of China did experience a sharp rise in demand during this very time period. It seems hard to believe today. Interest in Chinese art had been growing at a steady pace for some time by the 1930s. At the noteworthy Freer Gallery of Art the arrival of Chinese works was the culmination of C.T. Loo's unique business. The size and quality of the gallery's Chinese collection grew in number at this same time. It is a fact that the acquisitions made during this difficult economic era were higher in value than those of the decade before or after. The "Golden Age" for Chinese art had come upon the American and international scene!

Back in the 1930s the Freer Gallery of Art concentrated on metal works (23 pieces in all). It also acquired jade (49 pieces) and paintings (23 pieces). The gallery spent more than $249,950 on Chinese acquisitions specifically. As the decade progressed the gallery's Chinese artworks reached three new heights: $249,950 in 1930, $176,850 in 1935, and $160,550 in 1939. In addition to these purchases, Chinese art research at the gallery was increased. Structurally speaking, the gallery's installation changes gave the eastern wing of the gallery building over to the exclusive exhibition of the art from China.

In the mid to late 1930s, the growth of the Chinese art related activity at the Freer was simply a part of a much larger picture. It is true that in the United States interest in Chinese artworks was spreading to regional and newly established museums. Some of these places included the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Nelson Museum of Art, the Seattle Art Museum, and the City Art Museum of St. Louis. During this time, the study of Chinese art and its civilization became more widespread than ever before. The consideration of the culture of China had become a subject for deeper, academic contemplation. In fact, a new generation of American scholars and curators had emerged to give China a closer look. One such person was Archibald G. Wenley (1898-1962). He was the first American curator seriously trained in the Chinese language and its culture.

A short review of the new activity back in China also seems to be necessary. In China at this time, the antique business continued to prosper. In the mid thirties the antique trades of Shanghai reached their pinnacle of success. Interesting to note is the fact that there were about 210 antique shops in the community along the Guangdong Road. The government of China had begun to devote more attention to the cultural heritage of the nation. One event which bloomed from the antique business was the government sponsored excavation at Anyang. The excavation continued until the year 1937. This excavation yielded some of the most incredible findings. Therefore, to promote the glory which rightfully belonged to China and its civilization the government sent a great number of art and archeological pieces to London. These pieces became a part of the International Exhibition of Chinese Art at the famous Royal Academy in 1935 and 1936. This landmark exhibition included more than three thousand artworks from some two hundred lenders all over the world. So the evidence for the international fever over Chinese art was very transparent.

Such a shift toward Chinese art at a time as unlikely as the 1930s does seem hard to comprehend today as one looks back on history. The seeds of interest were indeed sown across the United State prior to this decade. The timing of their bloom might appear to be odd. Even so, the thoughtful student of this period should be reminded that such trends are often the result of several cultural and economic forces in play at the same time. Chinese culture, along with the influx of Chinese people to America, had been going on for quite some time. There was a definite shift in the thinking of academics toward the Middle Kingdom already taking place. Chinese art in America had simply of age. In truth, there was no stopping these events by the time this Golden Age arrived.

By Harlan Urwiler

3D Character Animation Bringing Motion and Emotion to the Arts

When an animator is asked what drives the passion in their work the most, the answer is always 'bringing the characters to life'. What other medium allows the artist to not only design and flesh out their own creations, but have them move and interact with a world of their own? Or give them the chance to add fantastic creatures to real footage, as if they were real themselves? With possibilities stretching out endlessly in front of the aspiring creator, the only restriction is his own ability to bring that creation to life.

The first obstacle of the process is how the motion will match the design and detail of the cast. If the leading male has limbs shaped like elbow macaroni, and eyes that take up half his face, then movement will look best when exaggerated and goofy. If he had been modeled realistically, right down to creased knuckles and dilating pupils, then the motions will naturally look better subdued and straight-laced. The average audience member has come to expect certain visual consistencies, so experimenting with these principles should only be done if confusion is the desired effect.

After the style of motion has been pinpointed, the actual 3D character animation work may begin. Now, care must be taken to not only keep to the style, but to keep in mind the limits of the medium as well. When drawing out an animation frame by frame, the pictures have a tendency to vary at least slightly, but this at least adds motion to even the stillest of shots. When a 3D animation project is first set up, the basic scene consists of static objects and environments, and thus has nothing but the motions put into it. If an animator forgets to add motion to the eyebrows when portraying a very expressive character, something is going to be noticeably off to the viewer. Even the most experienced artists go through their work after completion, to make sure that nothing was missed.

Of course, just emulating emotion and expressions is not enough to spark interest in the average viewer. Even if they are not aware of it, the little secondary motions will be what keep their eyes on the screen, and their mind on the shot. Add a lingering swish to a woman's skirt as she turns around, or that flow of motion from shoulder to fingertip as a walking man swings his arms, and the shot will seem that much more natural. Little pieces of realism like that will even help the audience accept more abstract plots, because they will have something concrete to attach the concept to.

This ability of 3D character creators to adapt more difficult concepts into a simpler format has earned the industry quite a bit of professional respect in recent years. After all, it is a lot easier to explain a complicated process through an instructional video than a lengthy, text heavy document. Whether it's converting an employee handbook, or explaining a complex medical procedure, the use of relatable 3D characters interacting with the information further cements the ideas, and drives the concept home on a much deeper level than words alone can deliver. Animation simply presents the vehicle to make this magic possible.

By Daniel W Dani

The Top 5 Disney Villains

Throughout the history of fairy-tale storytelling, every hero and heroine has had an antagonist, nemesis or arch-rival. A strong willed and good natured character that saves the day has to have an opponent which embodies all the negative traits that divide them.

Whether this divide is in the form of pure evil versus good or simply two characters with different goals, Disney know how to bring the epic struggle between good and bad to life. After all, it is the villains which make the heroes and without them the stories just wouldn't be as entertaining.

We'll be taking a look at the Disney villains which stuck in our mind the most, right through our childhood to present day.

5. Mother Gothel

The latest Disney villain to enter the fray, Mother Gothel was a selfish and vain woman who was obsessed with her youthful looks. After finding and hording the power of a magical flower which restored health and living for hundreds of years.

When Mother Gothel discovers that the nearby kingdom had taken the magical plant to save their dying Queen who was about to give birth, she vows to get it back for her own selfish gains.

The flower is used to save the Queen, who subsequently gives birth to a baby with long golden hair, Rapunzel. Little did the King and Queen know that their baby's hair held magical powers, even on the night that Rapunzel was kidnapped by Mother Gothel.

Now, it's bad enough to steal the baby of the King and Queen in order to live forever, but Mother Gothel was so selfish that she raised Rapunzel as her own daughter in a hidden tower so that she could horde the magical power of her hair.

For 18 years Mother Gothel held Rapunzel captive denying her the knowledge that she was the rightful princess to the Kingdom.

4. Cinderella's Stepmother

Cinderella's stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her stepsisters held Cinderella as their personal servant after her father died when she was still young. Having to wake up early in the morning to toil away all day at the whim of this evil trio all through Cinderella's teens is a strong nomination for the top spot.

Even when Cinderella finishes all her tasks and creates her own ball gown, Lady Tremaine denies her the freedom and destroys the dress.

Even when the glass slipper is being fitted to identify the mysterious girl from the ball, aka Cinderella, Lady Tremaine traps her in the attic and hides away the key. Her pursuit of social advancement and the prospect of having daughters as potential princesses blind her to the fact that she will never achieve her goal. However, she is so determined to follow her delusions that she is even willing to destroy the glass slipper.

3. Cruella De Ville

Cruella de Ville's name says it all; cruel devil. Everyone loves puppies, but Cruella loves them for a very different reason. She is hell bent on kidnapping the cute Dalmatians to use their fur for a new coat, all in the name of fashion. As a spoilt London heiress, Cruella is used to getting her own way and if someone doesn't comply to her wishes, she will calculate and plan their demise.

Of course she won't get her hands dirty, so instead, she has her loyal yet somewhat dim-witted henchmen to carry out her evil wishes.

The imagery of Cruella De Ville is notorious and is the subject of many Halloween fancy dress parties. Her stick thin figure sports a black dress and a huge fur coat displaying all the characteristics of a slave to fashion. Never seen without her cigarette holder and her signature monochrome hair-cut, the Dalmatian puppies were her last obsession before being bested.

2. Maleficent

Another villains name which sounds as evil as the person it embodies, Maleficent was portrayed as pure evil with no room for remorse or mercy.

When the King and Queen hold a party in the castle to celebrate Aurora, the baby princesses christening, Maleficent materialises and curses the family for not being invited. This curse would see to it that Princess Aurora would prick her finger on a spindle before her sixteenth birthday and requires the three fairy god mothers to help thwart Maleficent's evil plan.

With powerful magic at her disposal, Maleficent is a force not to be reckoned with, shapeshifting at a whim and even turning into a huge dragon when things really start to get serious. Maleficent is so evil that she was ranked number 1 in the official top 30 Disney Villains countdown.

By Richard T Skidmore

3D Modeling Start Your Epic Creation

It may seem scary and complex at first, but to let you in on a little secret you are already a 3D model master! Everyone has created a 3D model before, most likely as a youngster; remember Play-Dough, Model Magic? You were an expert 3D modeler at the age of five and didn't even know it!

So why develop a 3D model? These graphics are used everywhere and for many different purposes. The medical field uses 3D models as an alternative way to view organs. The movie industry uses it to create masterpieces such as Toy Story and Cars. They are also used in video games as well as the architect industry. That is just to name a few. Essentially 3D modeling is used everywhere and it adds a realistic view of an object without it necessarily being real.

What to know about Meshing? Meshing is another term for 3D modeling. These models can be created automatically or manually. The manual process would be more along the lines of sculpting by hand, while the automatic is with devices such as a 3D scanner. Meshing can be categorized into two subjects; solid or shell/boundary. Solid models are a realistic image that shows the figures volume. These models can be more difficult to build and mostly used for CAD systems for the medical and engineering fields. Shell/boundary models show the surface of the image and the boundary of the object. Nearly all visual games and movie models are categorized into shell/boundary.

What is the process of Meshing? There are three popular ways to construct a model; Polygonal, Curve, and Digital Sculpting. These stages consist of shaping the object and the start of bringing it to life. So what representation is best to use for your model? It really all depends on what you are trying to build. Here are a few modeling techniques as well; constructive solid geometry, implicit surfaces, and subdivision surfaces.

What are some programs to uses to get started? There are many different programs that can be purchased to help you build your masterpiece; some of which include, form•Z, Maya, 3DS Max, Blender, Lightwave, Modo. Or an application component can be used such as Shaper, and Lofter in 3DS Max.

Feeling like you need some help getting started? 3CT (3D Catalog Technology) offers 3D model libraries with no expense for people using various CAD programs. TurboSquid is an additional avenue for artists. It is an online market that allows creators to sell their creations.

Remember, you already have what it takes to make a 3D model because you've had the skills since you were a kid, now go create a masterpiece.

By Michael VK

HP Iron on Transfer Paper for Dark T-Shirts

ron on transfers is trending nowadays since every one wants to be unique in how they express their style. This fact doesn't seem surprising at all because of this craft is actually very simple and easy to do. Moreover, it enables us to make a wide assortment of designs with shirts, be it plain, white, bright colored or dark colored. Doing iron on transfers require familiarization of the basic steps. The very first step is find the right iron on transfer paper that can accommodate the design you desire.

The first step in designing a t-shirt using transfers is to first check what printer you have at home and then you can match it with the type of paper you are using. If you have inkjet printer at home, then find the paper that works with inkjet printer. If you have a laser printer and the paper is not compatible with it, the paper can get damaged or stuck during printing. Certain conditions and compatibility have to be considered so you do not just purchased any transfer paper. In line with this, not all iron on papers are created equal, some will give you a lot of trouble and some can be done hassle-free. They say it is such an enjoyable, exciting, and creative experience to design a t-shirt. The excitement of customizing your shirts is truly fun but if you started with poor quality product, the whole process can be a disaster.

So if you want to start right, we recommend the HP iron on papers as having the best quality transfers. In making this project, the choice of iron on paper is substantial. The clarity, sharpness, brilliance of color of the images depends on the material used. It is thus important to know that HP iron on transfer papers are intended for particular type of fabric color. For dark colored fabrics there are specified papers. Transfer papers for dark fabrics or dark colored shirts suits both cotton and poly blend cloths. They are specially made to provide clear, vivid, whole image transfer on the fabric. An exceptional and unique formulation is imbued on the said paper to effectively print the graphics on the fabric. The same rule applies with texts.

As for light colored shirts or fabrics, choosing the right transfer paper is not difficult at all. In fact, most transfers are intended for white and other light colored shirts or fabrics. In making iron on transfers, some papers prefer cool-peel. This means that you would have to wait for the image to cool after ironing. This manner is more advisable so that the entire image will be transferred well on the fabric. Premature peeling may damage the image, which may just scorch on your fingers.

In making iron on transfers, not all printers are compatible with the HP papers. Make sure that the right paper matches with the right printer, it is usually indicated in the instructions. The transfer paper cannot most of the instance sustain the heat from if the wrong types of printer is used. Resultantly, the heat may cause the paper to melt. Also do away with printers with heat dry process. Otherwise, the same thing may happen. There can be more fun in making transfers that are hassle free and without wasting much fabric and paper transfers. This can only be done when you opt for the appropriate HP iron on transfer paper. This can also help in making the graphics or texts appear vibrant, clear, and bold.

By Marie Kaplan

Movie Review Jack and Jill 2011 PG

How Exactly Does Sandler's Mind Work?

How exactly does Adam Sandler's mind work? Has he deluded himself into believing his ideas are actually funny? I'm forced to ask these questions given the disastrous results of most of his recent creative projects. These would include The House Bunny, Grown Ups, Just Go with It, Zookeeper, Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star, and now Jack and Jill, in which Sandler is not only the co-writer and co-producer but also does double duty as the title characters, who are fraternal twins. Imagine the work that must go into making this; Sandler had to be put into makeup for the female role, do all scenes with that character, then do all of the scenes with the male character, and then both versions of himself had to be digitally composited into the shots. In both instances, he had to react to a person who wasn't actually there.

But what does all this effort count for in something this unendurably bad? If you can visualize the experience of listening to fingernails on a chalkboard, that's pretty much what watching this movie is like. It's a grating, strained, hopelessly unfunny comedy. It's being geared towards families, and yet every scene shows no indication that it was geared for any potential audience - with the possible exception of diehard Sandler fans, who are truly devoted if they think seeing this will be worth the time and money. Its basically sound premise is ruined by the decision to have Sandler play both lead roles; as a woman, he could not be less convincing even if he had a neon sign over his head rhythmically blinking, "I'm really a man!" His proportions are all wrong. He looks grotesque.

The Jill character is shrill, offensive, and annoying. This is exactly why Jack, a successfully Los Angeles commercial producer, dreads having her visit every year for Thanksgiving. She typically stays for just one weekend, which Jack has learned to grin and bear. But this year is different; since their mother died, Jill has no family left in the Bronx, and she now wants to stay with her brother and his family all the way through Hanukah, perhaps even through New Years. Jack is, of course, vehemently opposed to this idea. The same cannot be said of his wife, a perpetual go-between named Erin (Katie Holmes), and their children, Gary and Sofia (Rohan Chand and Elodie Tougne). They like Jill so much, you can't help but wonder if all three of them are either in denial or insane. Perhaps it's a little bit of both. Take Gary, the adopted Indian boy; he has a strange compulsion to tape things to his body, including salt shakers, cooked lobsters, and living birds.

In a jaw-dropping subplot, Jack seeks out Al Pacino in the hope that he will endorse a new line of Dunkin' Donuts coffee products. Yes, he finds the Oscar-winning actor, who plays a caricature of himself, but that isn't the joke; Pacino falls head-over-heels in love with Jill, and spends the rest of the film trying to woo her. All eventually leads to him performing a rap solo and dance number. Let me reiterate that this movie features Al Pacino. You know, the Godfather trilogy? Dog Day Afternoon? Scarface? Scent of a Woman? Serpico? ...And Justice for All? Author, Author? The astounding reality that he accepted the offer to be in this movie is second only to the considerable work he puts into his role. My God, he actually took this seriously.

Apart from Pacino, we're treated to a host of other cameo appearances. Some are understandable, like Dana Carvey, Norm MacDonald, The Sham-Wow Guy, and David Spade (who, incidentally, also appears in drag). Others are just as unbelievable as Pacino. These would include Regis Philbin, Shaquille O'Neal, and Drew Carrey. Topping the list is Johnny Depp. Yes, Johnny Depp appears in this movie, too. At this point, he no longer has to be ashamed by his years on 21 Jump Street. Even though his screen time adds up to less than two minutes, this will be a hard one to live down.

The film is bookended by testimonials given by real life identical twins, who bounce biting remarks off each other before professing their love for one another. Did the filmmakers conveniently forget that the main characters are not identical twins, but fraternal, since one is male and the other is female? Never mind. It's more than amazing to me that movies like Jack and Jill get made. It's actually kind of disturbing. Movies like this are comedic dead zones that play to the lowest common denominator in a desperate attempt for laughs. In the course of this movie, Jill will do all manner of broad slapstick routines, including crushing a horse, getting into a barroom brawl with a rival woman (played by a man), and repeatedly whack an elderly Mexican woman (again, played by a man) in the head. And yes, she will inevitably go to the bathroom with the runs, and we will have to listen as the sounds of explosive diarrhea fill the theater.

Although Chris never officially studied film, film theory, or even journalism in college, his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Creative Writing has taught him to appreciate story, character, and the imagination - all aspects that apply to the movies, and if there's anything his years of living in Los Angeles has guaranteed him, exposure to movies would be at the top of the list. He has always appreciated the art of filmmaking, but it wasn't until 2006 that he began writing reviews on various websites for new releases. Still residing in L.A., his reviews can be read at his website.

By Chris Pandolfi

Movie Review Melancholia 2011 R

An Apocalyptic Depression

If Melancholia is indeed a science fiction film, as Wikipedia tells us it is, it's one that only Lars von Trier could have made. Its depiction of a rogue planet on a collision course with Earth is joined at the hip with the story of two sisters, one of whom is deeply depressed. Trier, widely known within film circles for his bouts of severe depression, claims the idea came to him during one of his therapy sessions, in which he was told that, because they've conditioned themselves to see the bad side of every situation, depressives tend to act more calmly than others when under pressure. The depressed woman is resigned not only to her fate but also the fate of everyone on the planet. The same cannot be said for her sister, in the throes of panic and despair. The irony, of course, is that their behavioral roles have been reversed.

The film is not a disaster movie in the Hollywood sense, in which audiences gawk helplessly at cities being reduced to rubble. Rather than typical death and destruction, it's a psychological drama, a story about how we as human beings cope with impending disaster. Some are able to stay level-headed. Others will emotionally self destruct. In the end, it makes no difference; we're all in the same boat, which is to say that for everything we do, it all amounts to nothing. I resist nihilism as a rule, simply because I find that belief system very unpleasant. In this particular case, however, I recognized what Trier was trying to convey. In the inky depths of depression, absolutely nothing matters - not your loved ones, not your professional or personal life, and certainly not an inevitable apocalypse. It's a void, like a black hole.

The depressed sister is Justine (Kirsten Dunst), the subject of the film's first chapter. At the start, we see a woman that's all smiles. It's her wedding day, and she has just married a wonderful man named Michael (Alexander Skarsgård). She even has a promising career in advertising. They arrive for their reception at the palatial home of her sister, Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), and her wealthy husband, John (Kiefer Sutherland), and that's when the cracks begin to show. She has an eccentric father (John Hurt), who insists on calling every young woman he meets Betty, and a deeply bitter and cynical mother (Charlotte Rampling), who thinks nothing of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. She has a boss (Stellan Skarsgård, Alexander's father) who's only interested in power and money and will not stop pestering her for a new slogan. As the night goes on - during which she notices an unusually bright star in the sky - she becomes less and less engaged with the party. Eventually, even Michael is forced to concede that it has all been a lie.

Claire is the subject of the second chapter, which takes place after the disastrous wedding reception. Justine has moved in and is in a depression so severe that she can't even walk without assistance. Claire is willing to nurture her sister. John, on the other hand, is distracted by the discovery of a heretofore unknown planet dubbed Melancholia, which has eclipsed several stars and is scheduled to pass Earth. He believes the scientists who say that the two planets will not collide. Claire isn't as optimistic. As the days pass and Melancholia draws near, she visits numerous websites and worries that it will not be a flyby event but a deadly slingshot orbit. Soon enough, her fears get the better of her. She thinks of her young son, Leo (Cameron Spurr), who may not have the chance to grow up. Justine, despite being certain of Earth's impending doom, inches closer towards once again being a functional adult.

In Trier's previous film, Antichrist, Gainsbourg played a woman who, following the death of her son and the questionable therapeutic techniques of her husband, came to believe that women are inherently evil. (Incidentally, Trier was in a depression of his own when he made the film.) Now in Melancholia, Trier's cinematic misogyny expands to full-blown misanthropy; Dunst's character is convinced that all life on Earth is evil, and that no one will miss our planet when it's gone. She says she knows that we're all alone in the universe - not a trace of life anywhere else in the infinite vastness of the cosmos. There's no explaining it. She just knows. I would not say this comforts her, although she certainly is prepared to accept it.

When the film premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Trier attracted attention for making contentious statements during a press conference and for getting banned as a result. Most inflammatory were his jokes about Jews, Nazis, his own German heritage, and his affiliation with the Nazi party and admiration for Adolf Hitler. He later declared - wisely, I believe - that he would never again make public statements and decline future interview requests. I wonder: Will this draw people to Melancholia? It cannot be denied that controversy generates interest, and yet I'm concerned that certain audiences will see it for all the wrong reasons. In my opinion, Trier's immature and objectionable behavior should have no bearing on the film's strong character development, compelling performances, and striking visuals.

By Chris Pandolfi

How Sexy Is the Cherry Blossom Tattoo Design and What Is Its Symbolism

Recently I have been doing a lot of research about tattoo designs and their symbolism. The cherry blossom tattoo design is one I find tremendously sexy and the great thing about this is that this flower really has truly interesting Asian symbolism that can personally have a great deal of meaning. Although this beautifully flowered tattoo is visually appealing, that alone should not persuade you into getting one. We are going to explore a little cultural significance today regarding the cherry blossom and if perhaps this style tattoo design might have some meaning in your life. Obviously, you wouldn't want to get inked without knowing the symbolism prior to turning your body into an artist's canvas.

The cherry blossom truly is a very sexy, feminine tattoo design, that when inked properly by a talented artist is really very remarkable to look at and admire. You can guarantee that the folks admiring your artwork will initially only see it as sexy artwork, but when you explain its symbolism, the tattoo becomes even that more sexy and attractive and makes you a more interesting individual.

•Japanese Symbolism

In Japanese Cultural traditions, the cherry blossom is deeply rooted in symbolism. The brief lifespan of the blossoms have been, and currently are associated with human mortality and its relatively brief existence. For the Japanese, the period of flowering and the subsequent loss in a brief period of time symbolizes the fragility of human existence, and its relatively short lifespan. That is why in many of these designs you will see the petals falling off the tree branch. This association with mortality has been used in traditional Japanese art as well the more recent art forms manga or anime.

What it all is basically saying is that the cherry blossom tattoo design represents the appreciation for the life we have been given, how frail it is, and is symbolic of making the most of your brief time on this Earth. Some people may not want this type of symbolism tattooed on their skin as it is a reminder of our mortality, but if taken in a positive and reflective perspective, it is a celebration of life and a reminder that the hard times we face will not last forever.

•Chinese Symbolism

For the Chinese, the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represents feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea of power or feminine dominance. If you are a strong-willed woman who celebrates your individuality, the cherry blossom tattoo design might be a perfect choice for you. In Chinese cultural lore the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.

•Is A Sexy Cherry Blossom Tattoo Design For You?

Recently, and what I mean by recently is the acceptance to the norm for body art in today's society, which has struggled through from the mid 20th century to today. More often than not recently, the cherry blossom tattoo design is an accompanying design as opposed to standing alone on its own symbolism. This is truly regrettable in that as beautiful, sexy, and symbolic as the cherry blossom design is, it seems a shame to overwhelm it with more powerful pieces such as sleeves and large back pieces.

I find the cherry blossom tattoo design very sexy and attractive when properly inked. The tattoo conforms very nicely to the natural curves of the female form. If you have decided to get a cherry blossom design it is very important to find a tattoo artist who is experienced in this type of art and who understands the symbolism in the Asian culture.

By Chris Orr

Artists Gain Traffic With Articles and Links to Website Exhibition and Selling of Art

Artists must show their work to collectors and potential buyers in order to get sales, status and continued exposure. Artists of the past had to rely on galleries, auctions and art fairs to get this kind of exposure. Today any artist can show images of their work and provide information to many interested viewers with an internet website.

The value of a website is that for minimal cost an artist can exhibit work and provide information 24/7 around the world. Getting visitors to your website is another matter. Of course there are many people who will read the website address on your business card and take a tour of your website. And this website has saved you the cost of designing, printing and updating a full-color brochure as well as postage and the time it takes for any artist to get these brochures into the right hands.

Galleries have websites now for these reasons and many more - it makes very good business sense. Galleries and artists have also learned the value of getting traffic to their websites. Getting this traffic can be accomplished in many ways besides your business card and expensive brochures. The most effective ways to increase traffic to your website is to have your website address appear in artist directories, to have links from other websites to your website, to have interesting articles appear in related websites of the art community. Collectors and gallerists increasingly use these convenient methods to locate interesting art and artists.

Internet search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN and Bing are another important way to bring viewers to your art images. When your website appears on report page of a search engine you are receiving free advertising. The person searching for "oil landscape paintings" will find page after page of listings, each showing a webpage with articles and images of oil landscapes. If you are a ceramic sculptor working in figure studies you can make sure your work appears in these search reports. This is done with "links", "keywords" in searched articles, and your name.

One example of important keywords can be illustrated by a water color or pastel artist who does sketches of nature - still life and landscapes. The keywords needed to bring such an artist to the search report pages of Google or Yahoo could include any or all of the following: "art", "pastel", "watercolor", "artist", "sell", "the artist's name". And there are many more keywords that can be used to sell the art on search pages.

An artist can benefit greatly from articles and interviews that announce the value of their work, explain the artist's original style, give reasons that the art is worth seeing and buying. Getting the artist's name out into the public is only one value of these articles. The other main value is providing the links in the article directly to the artist's website. Then a reader can see many of the artist's works, read more information and find out how and where to buy the art.

By Arthur L Browning