http://www.articledatabase.info/ Articles at Article Database en-us http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/enron.-lucy-prebbles-play-enron-continues-to-become-a-bigger-and-bigger-hit.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/enron.-lucy-prebbles-play-enron-continues-to-become-a-bigger-and-bigger-hit.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:30:51 -0500
It is wonderful to see a new play, unafraid to take on potentially difficult subject matter and directed in a very imaginative way by Rupert Goold, being such a huge success. The play tells the true story of the American company Enron, which became the biggest corporate failure in history when it went bankrupt.

The company was riddled with fraudulent practices which had been allowed to happen by the legal advisers and accountants who were paid millions of dollars a year. In fact as a virtually direct result of Enron's collapse, the once largest accountancy firm in the world, Arthur Andersen has now disappeared.

The subject matter may not seem the obvious basis for what has become one of the hottest theatre tickets in the West End. However, the play uses wonderfully theatrical images to explain what went wrong. It is also a wonderful study of the executives who were central to what happened.

Samuel West is outstanding as Jeffrey Skilling, the number two man at Enron who ultimately took the blame (and the prison sentence) for what happened. He has already been nominated for a number of awards and it will be a very difficult task for the actor who takes on this role. Tim Pigott-Smith as the company's father figure Ken Lay offers superb support. At Concierge Desk we offer cheap London theatre tickets. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/the-art-of-wall-mural-paintings.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/the-art-of-wall-mural-paintings.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:43:41 -0500
Murals, by definition, are large-scale paintings or scenes applied directly to a wall, ceiling, or other seemingly flat surfaces. Their primary purpose is to enhance the look, feel, and, sometimes, the spaciousness of a room or space. Wall mural paintings have the ability to create an illusion, making small rooms look bigger, provide a magical view or showcase of a favorite person, place, thing, or event.

Wall mural paintings create visual effects that can be exciting, awe-inspiring, tranquil, and enticing. They are considered by most muralists as a highly cost-effective way to brighten a room while making the space unique and quite personal. A mural can represent your personality, interests, visual likes, and inevitably extend a little bit of yourself on the wall. A wall mural painting is a creative and authentic personal touch to any room or space.

A wall mural painting will add value to your home or office while transporting your room, heart, soul, and mind to a different place and time. A wall mural painting will become much more to you than just a painting, they end up being adored and appreciate by all that view them, not to mention an excellent conversation starter for any company.

What would your wall mural painting be? A favorite view? A famous person? A fantasy or sci-fi scene? Once you have your idea or vision for a mural, you are ready to paint it yourself or speak with a professional muralist about your project.

Leigh Watson is an Austin muralist that creates beautiful mural art for residences and commercial spaces all over Texas. Her artwork can be seen in homes, daycares, hospitals, schools and churches and it ranges from dinosaurs, safari jungles and sports stadiums to fairy-tale castles, underwater themes and your favorite storybook characters (Dr. Seuss, Where the Wild Things Are and Beatrix Potter, etc.). Wall mural paintings, baby nursery murals and office murals make rooms come to life under her creative, skillful hands. She has also mastered the art of trompe l’oeil and can turn any blank wall into your favorite scenic get-a-way or rustic wine cellar. Visit her at www.leightwatson.com to set up an appointment today! ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/are-you-expecting-a-nursery-mural-in-the-spring.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/are-you-expecting-a-nursery-mural-in-the-spring.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:40:54 -0500
Many expecting parents around the country prepare for their warm weather newborn over the holidays, and many couples also discover the gender of their child. This crucial news plays an important part not only in satisfying an immense curiosity, but also in preparing clothing and other supplies over the holidays. Gender-neutral decisions can go only so far, as many parents can’t sustain the excitement of finding out if they are about to have a girl or boy.

The gender of a child will have a strong influence on decorating decisions of the nursery. Should the walls be pink or blue? Do you go with a football or animals theme? It may seem like a small detail, but you would be surprised how divided a couple can get over a nursery decorating decision. While painted walls set a tone or mood for the baby, nursery murals are great for creating loving and nurturing environments that newborns and parents will both love.

Some expecting parents shy away from nursery murals because they are intimidated by their lack of painting chops. And most don’t pursue the possibilities that a professional muralist can provide. While preparing for a newborn can be very expensive, finding a skilled nursery muralist is very affordable. Experienced nursery muralists can personalize a nursery beyond the limits of your imagination, from full wall scenes to realistic pictorials of history, and work within the scope of your limited budget. If you are expecting in the spring or summer, now is the time to find a skilled muralist for your nursery.

Leigh Watson creates beautiful mural art for residences and commercial spaces all over Texas, as well as large-scale projects outside of the state. Her artwork can be seen in homes, daycares, hospitals, schools, and churches and it ranges from dinosaurs, safari jungles and sports stadiums to fairy-tale castles, underwater themes, and your favorite storybook characters (Dr. Seuss, Where the Wild Things Are and Beatrix Potter, etc.). Baby nursery murals and children’s murals make rooms come to life under her creative, skillful hands. She has also mastered the art of trompe l’oeil and can turn any blank wall into your favorite scenic get-a-way or rustic wine cellar.

Murals and decorative painting transform your space into a customized environment that reflects your personal style and desired mood. Leigh understands this and has mastered the application of design and color to create an environment that is all your own. From simple, accent elements that complement your existing decor to a full, four-wall mural that transports its viewer to another world, Leigh Watson can create the perfect artwork specifically for you in your home or business. Visit her website today at http://www.leighwatson.com for more details on how to make your nursery the most beautiful room in your home. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/the-wonderment-of-trompe-la%80%99oeil.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/the-wonderment-of-trompe-la%80%99oeil.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:37:51 -0500
The technique itself dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, but the phrase, trompe l’oeil, wasn’t coined until in the Baroque period. During this time, a superior understanding of perspective drawing was achieved and artists began painting illusionistic ceiling paintings. These paintings were generally fresco and employed perspective and techniques such as foreshortening in order to give the impression of greater space to the viewer below.

Trompe l’oeil is still very popular today and can be employed in many different variants. One such form is matte painting, a technique used in filmmaking where parts of a complicated set are painted on glass panels, which are mounted in front of the camera during the shooting of the scene. This was used in the original Star Wars trilogy. Fictional trompe l’oeil is also featured in many Looney Tunes, such as the road runner cartoons, where Wile E. Coyote paints a tunnel on the rock wall, and the road runner races through the tunnel. This gag was also used in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Trompe l’oeil is also used in contemporary interior design, where illusionary paintings experienced a renaissance since 1980, and body painting, which has recently exploded in popularity due, in part, by Joanne Gair.

Trompe l’oeil are generally designed to fit in with its surrounding environment. Their images share an affection of double wonderment. First, to make the viewer wonder “Is it real?” and second, to make us wonder at the artist’s virtuosity in provoking such a question in the first place. A trompe l’oeil mural will add drama, life, perspective, and depth to any room in the house with cabinets, cupboards, windows, bookshelves, drapes, curtains, headboards, people, animals, food, and fun. If you want a realistic and raving trompe l’oeil mural in your home or business, it is important that you use an experienced trompe l’oeil artist that can make your vision a reality.

Leigh Watson has mastered the art of trompe l’oeil and can turn any blank wall into your favorite scenic get-a-way or rustic wine cellar. Murals and decorative painting transform your space into a customized environment that reflects your personal style and desired mood. Leigh understands this and has mastered the application of design and color to create an environment that is all your own. From simple, accent elements that complement your existing decor to a full, 4-wall mural that transports its viewer to another world, Leigh Watson can create the perfect artwork specifically for you in your home or business. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/the-art-of-faux.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/the-art-of-faux.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:34:06 -0500
Faux finishing and decorative painting add beauty and value to your home. There are many different types of faux finishes and techniques that create a mood or an illusion of texture on a plain wall; Whether you are considering a faux finish project yourself or hiring a professional, it is important to understand the differences between techniques and finishes, and decide what you want for your home.

There two types of techniques: glaze and plaster. Glaze technique involves using a translucent mixture of paint and glaze applied with a brush, roller, rag, or sponge, and often mimics textures. It is always smooth to the touch. Plaster work is typically done with tinted plasters and applied with a trowel or spatula. The result can be either flat to the touch or textured.

Once you’ve decided what technique you would like to use, it is time to decide on the finish.

Marbleizing

Also known as faux marbling, marbleizing is used to make walls and furniture appear to be made of real marble. This can be done using either plaster or glaze techniques.

Graining

Also known as wood graining or faux bois (French for “fake wood” it is often used to imitate exotic, hard-to-find, or very expensive wood varieties.

Trompe l’oeil

Meaning “trick of the eye” in French, this finish is a realistic technique often used in murals, and to create architectural details.
Venetian Plaster

This finish is smooth and often shiny. It appears textured but is smooth to the touch. This is one of the most popular and traditional plaster decorations.

Color Wash

This is a free-form finish that creates subtle variations of color utilizing multiple hues of glaze blended with a paint brush.

Strie

Strie derives from the French word meaning “stripe” or “streak”, and is a glazing technique that creates soft thin streaks of color using a paint brush. This technique is popular for simulating fabrics such as linen and denim.

Rag Painting

Also known as ragging, this glazing technique uses twisted or bunched up rags to create a textual pattern.

If you desire to create a pleasing environment for the rest of your house, faux painting is an old-world technique that adds a level of visual texture to walls, bringing a very updated and subtle look for any room. If you are in need of a professional faux painter or decorator, Austin muralist Leigh Watson of Watson Design is a master of her craft and excels at all things faux. Watson Design will meet you with in your subject space to determine size, color, design and layout. There is no charge for the initial consultation and preliminary sketches. Once design and quote price are agreed upon, a deposit will be requested for additional supplies and start date will be scheduled. Leigh will work patiently with you to create your ideal room or piece of personalized artwork. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/the-art-of-faux.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/the-art-of-faux.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:34:06 -0500
Faux finishing and decorative painting add beauty and value to your home. There are many different types of faux finishes and techniques that create a mood or an illusion of texture on a plain wall; Whether you are considering a faux finish project yourself or hiring a professional, it is important to understand the differences between techniques and finishes, and decide what you want for your home.

There two types of techniques: glaze and plaster. Glaze technique involves using a translucent mixture of paint and glaze applied with a brush, roller, rag, or sponge, and often mimics textures. It is always smooth to the touch. Plaster work is typically done with tinted plasters and applied with a trowel or spatula. The result can be either flat to the touch or textured.

Once you’ve decided what technique you would like to use, it is time to decide on the finish.

Marbleizing

Also known as faux marbling, marbleizing is used to make walls and furniture appear to be made of real marble. This can be done using either plaster or glaze techniques.

Graining

Also known as wood graining or faux bois (French for “fake wood” it is often used to imitate exotic, hard-to-find, or very expensive wood varieties.

Trompe l’oeil

Meaning “trick of the eye” in French, this finish is a realistic technique often used in murals, and to create architectural details.
Venetian Plaster

This finish is smooth and often shiny. It appears textured but is smooth to the touch. This is one of the most popular and traditional plaster decorations.

Color Wash

This is a free-form finish that creates subtle variations of color utilizing multiple hues of glaze blended with a paint brush.

Strie

Strie derives from the French word meaning “stripe” or “streak”, and is a glazing technique that creates soft thin streaks of color using a paint brush. This technique is popular for simulating fabrics such as linen and denim.

Rag Painting

Also known as ragging, this glazing technique uses twisted or bunched up rags to create a textual pattern.

If you desire to create a pleasing environment for the rest of your house, faux painting is an old-world technique that adds a level of visual texture to walls, bringing a very updated and subtle look for any room. If you are in need of a professional faux painter or decorator, Austin muralist Leigh Watson of Watson Design is a master of her craft and excels at all things faux. Watson Design will meet you with in your subject space to determine size, color, design and layout. There is no charge for the initial consultation and preliminary sketches. Once design and quote price are agreed upon, a deposit will be requested for additional supplies and start date will be scheduled. Leigh will work patiently with you to create your ideal room or piece of personalized artwork. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/personalize-your-space-with-an-experienced-muralist.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/personalize-your-space-with-an-experienced-muralist.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:31:40 -0500
Dining rooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and, especially, children’s rooms can be transformed into a world of fantasy and imagination; brought to life with a realistic, abstract, or illuminating mural. Nursery murals are perfect for decorating loving spaces for newborns, infants, or toddlers. Any bathroom in the house can be brought to life with a tropical or exotic theme. Entertain guests with dinner parties in dining rooms decorated with scenes from ancient Roman murals or favorite international scenes. The possibilities are as endless as the passion and imagination of the homeowner and the muralist.

A hand-painted mural in your business transforms any office or lobby into a customized space to be enjoyed by all who enter. Murals and decorative painting transform your office space into a customized environment that reflects your business’ style and desired mood. From simple, accent elements that complement your existing decor to a full, 4-wall mural that transports its viewer to another world, an Austin muralist can create the perfect artwork specifically for you and your business.

Maybe you are looking for something more subtle? Trompe l’oeil is a very popular art technique involving extremely realistic imagery in order to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects appear in three dimensions. This old world technique adds a level of visual texture to walls, bringing a very updated and subtle look to any room. It is said that George Washington was once fooled by a trompe l’oeil painting of a man descending a staircase, by bowing to the man before realizing he was a painting.

Having a hard time finding the right mural design or muralist for your office space, home or baby nursery? Leigh Watson is an Austin muralist that creates beautiful mural art for residences and commercial spaces all over Texas. Her artwork can be seen in homes, daycares, hospitals, schools and churches and it ranges from dinosaurs, safari jungles and sports stadiums to fairy-tale castles, underwater themes and your favorite storybook characters (Dr. Seuss, Where the Wild Things Are and Beatrix Potter, etc. ). Baby nursery murals and children’s murals make rooms come to life under her creative, skillful hands. She has also mastered the art of trompe l’oeil and can turn any blank wall into your favorite scenic get-a-way or rustic wine cellar. ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/how-to-choose-a-decorative-painter-or-muralist.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/how-to-choose-a-decorative-painter-or-muralist.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:27:07 -0500
Before you begin this exciting adventure in decorating, there are a few things you might want to consider first. Most likely, this is a room you will be spending significant amounts of time. What kind of mood do you want to create? Solitary and peaceful? Positive and inspiring? Is it a place for dreams and adventure? The room’s possibilities stretch to the boundaries of your own imagination. The room is a blank canvas and you are the artist. Whether it be a basic design or a mural, whatever you decide, it should always bring a smile to your face. This is the perfect opportunity to let your imagination go.

Some people’s imaginations can be either a bit scary or in need of a muse. If you don’t feel completely confident about decorating the room yourself, don’t worry, help is available. There is an abundance of amazing designers available who can assist you for an hourly rate or per job fee. Some designers will even be happy to help you with all the necessary purchases, adding a percentage to the price in order to cover their time and energy. Contact the American Society of Interior Designers for more information at www.asid.org. You may also want to employ a decorative painter. But before you make a decision, there are a few things any wise home owner should consider in finding the right person for your job.

1. Certification

What certifications does the decorative painter have? A Fine Arts degree? Professional membership with an accredited society, such as the International Decorative Artisans League? Credentials are clues that your painter is experienced and serious about the craft. Ask to see a portfolio or, if they are a muralist, locations of their work. Most professional artists will have something online or a book to bring by to show you. If you are on a tight budget and are leaning towards the help of a friend or neighbor, be sure you are confident with their skill set. Many have made the mistake of gaining cheap or free help by those who fancy themselves on par with the professionals, when, in fact, they are nowhere near.

2. Skill Set

Keep in mind that most people don’t see color accurately, and some don’t even realize they are, to some degree, color-blind. This applies to artists as well. Make sure that you like the artist’s sense of composition, their use of color and, most importantly, make sure that you like their other work. You may already have your color palette and style already chosen, be sure that the artist has the talent to do the style you want. Many decorative artists may be very skilled at various wall treatments, like sponging or rag rolling, but lack the drawing gusto to render people, animals, trees and other shapes necessary for your design.

3. Reputation

You will be collaborating with this person on an artistic project, there needs to be a certain level of synergy between the two of your. Check out the artist’s reputation. What is their personality like? Are they trustworthy and honest? Dependable? Respectful? Will they listen to your ideas and be flexible with your creativity? Communication is very important, as with most other things in life, and must be open and honest.

Decorating a room is a big project that can take a lot of time, effort and creative juice. If and when you employ the services of a decorative painter or muralist, be sure to keep these prerequisites in mind so that the final product exceeds your expectations. There is nothing more rewarding than living with a fantastically decorated room for the rest of your life.
http://www.leighwatson.com ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/how-to-choose-a-decorative-painter-or-muralist.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/how-to-choose-a-decorative-painter-or-muralist.html Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:27:07 -0500
Before you begin this exciting adventure in decorating, there are a few things you might want to consider first. Most likely, this is a room you will be spending significant amounts of time. What kind of mood do you want to create? Solitary and peaceful? Positive and inspiring? Is it a place for dreams and adventure? The room’s possibilities stretch to the boundaries of your own imagination. The room is a blank canvas and you are the artist. Whether it be a basic design or a mural, whatever you decide, it should always bring a smile to your face. This is the perfect opportunity to let your imagination go.

Some people’s imaginations can be either a bit scary or in need of a muse. If you don’t feel completely confident about decorating the room yourself, don’t worry, help is available. There is an abundance of amazing designers available who can assist you for an hourly rate or per job fee. Some designers will even be happy to help you with all the necessary purchases, adding a percentage to the price in order to cover their time and energy. Contact the American Society of Interior Designers for more information at www.asid.org. You may also want to employ a decorative painter. But before you make a decision, there are a few things any wise home owner should consider in finding the right person for your job.

1. Certification

What certifications does the decorative painter have? A Fine Arts degree? Professional membership with an accredited society, such as the International Decorative Artisans League? Credentials are clues that your painter is experienced and serious about the craft. Ask to see a portfolio or, if they are a muralist, locations of their work. Most professional artists will have something online or a book to bring by to show you. If you are on a tight budget and are leaning towards the help of a friend or neighbor, be sure you are confident with their skill set. Many have made the mistake of gaining cheap or free help by those who fancy themselves on par with the professionals, when, in fact, they are nowhere near.

2. Skill Set

Keep in mind that most people don’t see color accurately, and some don’t even realize they are, to some degree, color-blind. This applies to artists as well. Make sure that you like the artist’s sense of composition, their use of color and, most importantly, make sure that you like their other work. You may already have your color palette and style already chosen, be sure that the artist has the talent to do the style you want. Many decorative artists may be very skilled at various wall treatments, like sponging or rag rolling, but lack the drawing gusto to render people, animals, trees and other shapes necessary for your design.

3. Reputation

You will be collaborating with this person on an artistic project, there needs to be a certain level of synergy between the two of your. Check out the artist’s reputation. What is their personality like? Are they trustworthy and honest? Dependable? Respectful? Will they listen to your ideas and be flexible with your creativity? Communication is very important, as with most other things in life, and must be open and honest.

Decorating a room is a big project that can take a lot of time, effort and creative juice. If and when you employ the services of a decorative painter or muralist, be sure to keep these prerequisites in mind so that the final product exceeds your expectations. There is nothing more rewarding than living with a fantastically decorated room for the rest of your life.
http://www.leighwatson.com ]]> http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/imax.html http://www.articledatabase.info/arts-and-entertainment/imax.html Sun, 18 Apr 2010 09:32:52 -0500
Imax is the most extensively used system for distinguished-venue film presentations. Until December 2009, there were more than 400 Imax theatres spanning 40 countries. Imax corporation has issued four projectors types that use its 15- splits, 70 mm film format namely, SR (Small Rotor), GT 3D (dual rotor), GT (Grand Theatre), and MPX, which was designed to be fitted in existing multiplexes. In July 2008, Imax Corporation introduces a digital projection system built for multiplex theatres with screen size not wider than 70 ft (21.3 m). This projection system does not have a brand or distinctive name. All Imax projectors can project 3D images, except the standard GT system. Most Imax theatres have rectangular, flat screens, however Imax Dome theatres (earlier branded as Omnimax) uses a GT projector with a fish-eye lens to project an image on an inclined hemispheric dome screen. Imax also has an extraordinary technique in which the viewer is placed (virtually) in the movie, using seat movement or vibration at particular points in the film.

Imax 3D
The Imax 3D process two-camera lenses to represent the right and left eyes, to create the illusion of 3-dimensional effect. The two lenses divided by a distance of 2.5 inches (64 mm), approximately the average distance between a human's eyes. By recording on two isolate rolls of film for the right and left eyes, and then projecting them at the same time, viewers experience seeing a 3-dimensional image on a 2-dimesional screen. The Imax 3-dimensional camera is heavy, weighing more than 250 lbs (113 kg), and makes it problematic to film on-location documentaries. There are two processes for 3-dimensional illusion in theatres. The first one involves polarization, in which, during projection, the right and left eye images are linearly polarized when they are projected onto the Imax screen. The second one involves the use of LCD shutter glasses.
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