Art Prints

Comic Book Art

The very first comic book was born in the United States and is often said to have been officially launched by ‘Famous Funnies' in 1934. What followed was mass production of a wide assortment of comic books that eventually led comic book historians to categorize them according to their birthday. They are either part of the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, or Modern Age.

Today, comic books are still very popular and their acclamation is due, in great part, to the talented comic book artists who create them. The amazing imagery found in the pages of a comic book triggers the reader's imagination, where fantasy worlds exist.

How is a Comic Book Made?

Comic book art is not easy. Much detail is required to create a good comic book that will attract readers, especially in our modern world of movies, DVD's, televisions and computers.

Before any of the characters or imagery can be drawn, the artist must put his or her head together with the writer. The first thing on the agenda is to discuss and develop a story line that will captivate readers. Next, characters are created, situations are devised, and scenery is established, so on, so forth. The writer's script must be meticulously followed by the artist in order to please everyone involved.

The artist proceeds to draw a rough sketch in pencil of each comic book page, and uses these rough drafts as a guideline for his art work. At this stage of development, all the necessary comic book art elements, such as narrative, sound effects, and dialogue balloons, are included in a different shade from the main illustrations so that they are distinguishable.

At the time when the finished pencil art work is presented to the editor, it may be required that the artist make changes to the drawings to further ensure that the imagery matches the script. After the editor's final approval, the drawings are enlarged and sent to the inker, whose role is vital to comic book art.

The inker is responsible for introducing shadows, adding special effects, separating the foreground from the background, and carrying out several other tricky tasks. The final result will show the sound effects, dialogue, and narrative boxes as they should be, in their own unique fonts and style.

When the inker's work is done, the copy of the comic book is sent to the colorist whose job is to find the perfect shade of every color for every character, as well as every detail, in the comic book's imagery. A computer is used in order to save all the color data on file for future comic books of the same series. A proof copy of the finished product is printed and forwarded for final review.

Following approval, the comic book is sent to print. The pages are placed in the correct order, printed, cut, piled, folded, and stapled. Millions of copies can then be shipped out to comic book stores all over the world!

Comic Book Art and Popular Culture

Comic books have definitely made an enormous impact on popular culture in recent years. A significant number of comic book characters have jumped from the page to the big screen. Prominent figures such as the Fantastic Four, X-Men, Transformers, Watchmen, G.I. Joe, Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, and other superheroes, whose mission is to save the world, have delighted movie-lovers, young and old alike.

Many films portraying comic book characters have been incredibly successful at the box office, but it is important to acknowledge the comic book artists who originally created these memorable characters. Without them, the super heroes that people have grown to love would never have existed.

Lucky for us, skillful artists are still hard at work producing new comic book art that will entertain avid readers and movie-goers, who love to escape to an imaginary world.

Donovan Gauvreau

Art Historian, Donovan Gauvreau lectures about art therapy with a focus on creativity development. He believes we can learn from the great masters in art to communicate ideas and feelings through painting. He provides content for www.AaronArtPrints.org to educate and inspire people to take a glimpse into an artist's life to better understand the meaning behind their work.

Budget Artwork - Thinking Outside the Box

The economy may not be in great shape but that should not stop you from sprucing up your home or apartment and making it look like a million bucks.  And, believe it or not, you can do it all on a meager budget. 

When you think of redecorating, your first thought is: expensive.  Well, redecorating on a budget is easy to do and accessible to everyone.  Budget artwork is simple - you take things you already have or things that you find here andthere, and turn them into art.  I will let you in on some great ideas and tips to embellish your home and make it look chic without breaking the bank. 

So while times may be tough, it is time to bring out your inner Martha and start a home mini-makeover that will make family and friends envious. 

First Things First

Before you get started, it is a good idea to pick a style that suits your taste.  Whether you like colonial, contemporary, country, French provincial or traditional, opting for a particular style will make it easier for you to choose colors, subject matter, and frames for your artwork. 

There are many ways to create your personal dcor and make use of your own creativity, and without spending a lot of money.  Remember, you do not have to be a professional decorator to make your home look fabulous! 

Tips on Budget Artwork

So if you're willing to roll up your sleeves and get down to it, here are some ideas and tips to get you started on your search for budget artwork. 

 The first places you will want to check out are garage or yard sales.  Yes, people are getting rid of their stuff but you may find some gems hidden amongst the junk.  A couple of things to look for are dishes and storage-type items.  And, here is what you can do with them.
1. Out of old dishes, you can create a new kitchen or bathroom backsplash.  All you have to do is put the dishes in a thick plastic bag and smash them into various, tile-size pieces with a hammer.  Then, prepare the area for your new backsplash, arrange the newly-formed tiles in the desired pattern, let it dry and apply the grout.  Voil!
2. When you find old trunks, hard-type suitcases, or barrels, bring them home, clean them up and use them as coffee tables, storage spaces for blankets or books, tables potted plants, or even extra seating, depending on the style you have in mind. 

 If garage or yard sales do not appeal to you, head outdoors anyway and take advantage of what Mother Nature has to offer.  Using a frame you had put aside or shadowbox, you can produce a masterpiece.  You can make an arrangement with just about anything you find.  Press some flowers and broad leaves to create a botanical print which can be changed with every season.  Or, display shells that you may have collected on a trip little effort and no cost. 

 One of the easiest options for creating budget artwork is by utilizing photographs; you can either use old family photos, or you can take new pictures of your favorite things and design a beautiful collage.  If you are not comfortable with your photography skills, ask a friend to help.  Depending on the style of dcor you have chosen, you may want the pictures printed in black and white, sepia, or color.  Try experimenting with the different settings on the camera for different effects. 

 Calendars usually have beautiful pictures of nature that can easily be framed and displayed on your wall.  Surely you have some of those hanging around; but if you do not, use old postcards from past trips and showcase your travels. 

 Do not forget the kids room.  Choose a few of their favorite, childrens books (the ones you read over and over again), remove their jackets and frame them.  Another idea is to take a favorite board game and put it in a shadow box.  To create a 2D effect, glue the game pieces and/or cards directly onto the game board.

 Effortless budget artwork includes using stemware, upside down, as the base for a beautiful candle centerpiece that will add height to your table and ambiance to the room.  Another idea is to take a wooden bowl or crystal vase and fill it with apples, lemons, oranges to create a color scheme that matches your decor. 

 Perhaps the simplest change of home scenery is to paint your white walls with color and strategically place bunches of candles here and there to give a cozy and warm feeling to the room
There are countless ways to create budget artwork for your home and it just takes a little time and creativity.

Art Historian, Donovan Gauvreau lectures about art therapy with a focus on creativity development. He believes we can learn from the great masters in art to communicate ideas and feelings through painting. He provides content for Aaron Art Prints to educate and inspire people to take a glimpse into an artist's life to better understand the meaning behind their work.

Investing in Art during a Recession: A Wise Choice?

The downturn in the economy is worrying many investors. Cuts to the workforce are widening. The stock market is suffering as several reliable companies that have been around for centuries are now crumbling. This on-going phenomenon has levelled the playing field for investments. Commodities that were not considered viable stock in the past are slowly gaining attention. People are now starting to look at investing in art during a recession.

Tips on Investing in Art

Colleene Skinner is an appraiser on PBS's Antiques Roadshow, a popular TV program. She looks at more than 10,000 paintings a year, and provides a few tips to those who are considering investing in art during a recession:

·        Educate yourself – discover not only what you like but also art as a whole. Take a course in art history - get to know the famous painters and the various art styles. The more knowledge you have, the better your decisions will be regarding what is popular and what will hold its resale value.

·        Watch for local talent - many skillful artists are studying with fine teachers and producing good work but have not yet made a name for themselves. Regional markets are doing well with paintings.

·        Buy the best you can afford - look for the highest quality and stay away from art work that looks worn and tired. No matter how good the deal is on a piece, pass it up if its in bad condition.

Like other investments, keep in mind when investing in a piece of art, that time is a critical factor. You have to safe-keep it for a certain amount of time in order for its market value to escalate.

Recession is Affecting the Art World

The international financial crisis has undoubtedly affected the field of art. For instance, the annual art fair in Cologne had fewer booths of artists exhibiting their work in 2009. Nevertheless, gallery owner Franz von Salis had a still-life by Max Ernst on sale for 1.3 million euros (US $1.7 million) and said he hopes to find a buyer, in spite of the crisis in the economy. He optimistically states, "I think the art market has a good chance because it's the first time in the history of artwork that it's being thought of as a real investment, like real estate."

Yet, there is a sense of uncertainty when it comes to the sale of paintings this year. Everybody is holding their breath.

Opportunities under Dire Circumstances

Popular pieces of art that have been off the market for years have become available again during this economic downturn. It's like a redistribution of fine art. The shortage of cash in many businesses has caused owners to have to liquidate possessions in order to keep their doors open.

For those willing to do a little detective work, they may find that hard times have squeezed out some valuable art pieces at affordable prices. For example, Arthur Andersen, the accounting firm involved in the Enron scandal, transformed part of their Chicago offices into an art gallery in 2002, and sold more than 2,000 art pieces in five days. In 2006, New York broker Refco Inc., which had filed for bankruptcy protection the previous year, sold 321 photographs for $9.7 million at Christie's auction house in three days.

Stocks or Art?

Art as an investment has withstood the tumultuous economic situation so far. It has been competing with, and sometimes beating, the stock market returns. Stock holdings are being liquidated and used to fight inflation, but somehow art investment has been holding steady. Beautiful Asset Advisors, a firm which specializes in art investments during times of recession, says the level of art buying is on par with the art frenzy of the mid 80's.

Investing in art during a recession should be approached cautiously, without taking anything for granted. You could buy an extremely beautiful art piece to add to your collection, but if it does not appeal to future buyers, it will be a fruitless investment. That is the reason collectors stress the importance of purchasing art for aesthetic purposes first and value second.

About the Author: Art Historian, Donovan Gauvreau lectures about art therapy with a focus on creativity development. He believes we can learn from the great masters in art to communicate ideas and feelings through painting. He provides content for www.AaronArtPrints.org

• Previous Posts:

• Comic Book Art
• Budget Artwork - Thinking Outside the Box
• Investing in Art during a Recession: A Wise Choice?
• The Arrival of Goalie Mask Art
• The Long History of Food in Art
• The Awakening of Environmental Art
• The History and Copyright of Clip Art
• Wall Murals: The New Craze in Wall Decorating

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