La semaine dernières, les médias annonçaient en grande pompe l’introduction prochaine en bourse de  Facebook. Avec une valeur de la compagnie estimée approximativement à 100 milliards de dollars, Facebook espèrae lever 5 nouveaux milliards de cash. Voilà une étape importante pour une entreprise qui a à peine 8ans d’existence. N’étant pourtant pas si pressée que ça d’ouvrir ses capitaux au public et préférant l’actionnariat salarié, Facebook dans cette opération va tout de même rendre quelques personnes très riches. On estime d’ailleurs qu’elle pourrait rendre plus de 1000 personnes millionaires, dont un tiers seraient des employés de la compagnie.

En tout cas, voici les dix plus gros actionnaires de Facebook qui vont s’en mettre plein les poches après l’opération.

Mark Zuckerberg, 26ans – 28.4% – 28.4 Milliards

Tout le monde connait Mark Zuckerberg, le fameux fondateur, et CEO de Facebook, et encore plus célèbre depuis la sortie du film   »The Social Network » qui raconte les débuts tumultueux de Facebook.Sa fortune s’est accrue année après année, et d’après le dossier d’introduction en bourse lisible en intégralité ici, ils possède actuellement 28.4% du capital de Facebook, qui si les estimations actuelles sont correctes, vaudrait  28.4 Milliards de dollars. Facebook a généré l’année précédent 1 milliard de dollars de profits sur un chiffre d’affaire de 3.7 milliards. Pas étonant que la fortune de Mark ait explosé.

Autre fait intéréssant à propos de facebook. En 2011, Zynga, l’entreprise derrière les célèbres jeux sociaux tels que Farmville, était à l’origine d’environs 12% des revenus de Facebook. Ce qui est énorme! Voici d’ailleurs un extrait du document publié par Facebook à ce sujet :

 » Nous générons actuellement des revenus significatifs grace à notre relation avec Zynga, et si nous ne parvenons pas à maintenir cette relation, nos résultats financiers pourraient en être sérieusement affectés.

en 2011, Zynga comptait pour approximativement 12% de nos revenus, constitués des frais de gestion de paiement liés aux ventes de biens virtuels dans les jeux Zynga, et de la pub directe achetée par Zynga. De plus, les applications de Zynga génèrent un nombre significatif de pages vues sur lesquelles nous affichons de la publicité d’autres annonceurs. Si l’utilisation des jeux Zynga sur notre plateforme décline, si Zynga lance ou migre ses jeux sur une autre plateforme, ou si nous échouons à maintenir de bonnes relations avec Zynga, nous pourrions perdre Zynga en tant que plateforme de développement significative, et nous résultats financiers pourraient en patir. »

Cela signifie que les utilisateurs de Facebook ont dépensé sur les jeux Zynga 308 millions rien que l’année dernière; ce qui est absolument ridicule quand on considère combien ils ont gagné sur la même période.

Avec les parts de Mark, vous pouvez acheter…

• 558 jets privés Gulfstream G550, à raison de 50 millions chacun.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde, 28 fois.

Jim Breyer, 49ans & Accel Partners – 11.4% – 11.4 Milliards

Pour ceux d’entre vous qui ne le connaissent pas, Jim Breyer est un investisseur et capital-risqueur américain, à la tête du fonds d’investissement Accel Partners, qui possède actuellement un joli  11.4% de parts dans Facebook. Ce qui pour ceux qui seraent fachés avec les maths, représente 11.4 milliards de dollars. En Aout 2010, le Magazine Fortune désignait Breyer comme un des 10 plus doués dans le milieu technologique, et vous comprenez aisément pourquoi. C’est son pari audacieux et son investissement avisé dans un startup comme Facebook qui a fait exploser sa richesse au cours des dernières années. Ses précédents succès au financement d’autres startups lui ont garanti suffisament d’argent pour investir dans la bonne compagnie. Son cabinet Accel Partners possède des parts dans Facebook, et il est largement à l’origine du succès de la compagnie.

Avec les parts de Jim dans Facebook, vous pouvez acheter…

• 228 jets privés Gulfstream G550 private jets.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde, 11 fois et quelques.

Dustin Moskovitz, 26ans – 7.6% – 7.6 Milliards

Dustin est plus jeune que Mark Zuckerberg de 8 jours seulement, ce qui fait de lui le véritable plus jeune milliardaire au monde. Dustin a co-fondé le site avec Mark losqu’ils étaient encore tous les deux étudiants à harvard, et possède aujourd’hui 7.6% des parts de la compagnie. Ce qui avec la valorisation actuelle équivaut à 7.6 milliards de dollars. Il a cependant quitté Facebook en 2008 pour se consacrer à ses propres projets, comme ce site de partage de photos sur mobiles appelé Path (dont vous avez peut-être entendu parler). Il a d’ailleurs déjà refusé une offre de rachat de Path part Google qui proposait 100 millions de dollars. Aussi bien que semble grandir l’entreprise, ce n’est rien comparé aux likes de Facebook qui a connu un succès fulgurant en seulement 8ans.

Avec la fortune de Dustin provenant de Facebook, vous pouvez acquérir…

• 152 Jets privés Gulfstream G550.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde, 7 fois et demi.

Yuri Milner, 50ans & Digital Sky Technologies – 5.4% – 5.4 Milliards

Digita Sky Technology, en abrégé DST, est une société d’investissement fondée par le russe Yuri Milner, et qui s’est spécialisée uniquement sur secteur des entreprises du web.  Il a investi dans Facebook, Zynga, et Groupon, pour ne citer que les plus connus. DST a investit 200 millions dans Facebook en mai 2009, à l’époque où Facebook était évalué à 10 milliards. Plus tard, ils ont déboursé un autre 100 millions pour racheter les parts détenues par certains employés de Facebook. En janvier 2011, ils ont co-investit avec la banque d’affaire Goldman Sachs encore 500 millions de dollars, en se basant sur une valorisation de Facebook à 50 milliards. Cette opération a fait d’eux un des plus grands actionnaires de Facebook. Et leurs participation dans Zynga également signifie qu’ils se font du fric à tous les niveaux, puisque les utilisateurs de Facebook ont dépensé plus de 300 millions sur Zynga l’année dernière.

Avec l’argent de Yuri provenant de Facebook, vous pouvez acquérir…

• 108 jets privés Gulfstream G550.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde 5 fois, et mettre quelques belles voitures au garage avec l’argent restant.

Eduardo Saverin, 28ans – 5% – 5 Milliards

Ce nom vous sera peut-être familier si vous avez vu le film « The Social Network », parce que Eduardo a joué un role capital dans le financement de la compagnie à ses débuts, à l’époque de Harvard où il était le colocataire  et meilleur ami de Mark Zuckerberg. C’est en effet lui qui avait le premier utilisé l’argent de ses parents pour acheter les premiers serveurs pour héberger le site. Et si vous avez vu le film, vous savez que leur relation s’est tendue, et que Eduardo possédait au début un tiers de la compagnie, puis, 30% quand Dustin Moskovitz est arrivé. Après de nombreux désaccords entre Mark et Eduardo sur la façon dont l’entreprise devait évoluer, et même si Eduardo allait rester membre de la team Facebook, il fut poussé vers la sortie lorsqu’un groupe d’investisseurs (incluant Peter Shiel de Paypal) est arrivé au conseil d’administration. Après une série de plaintes et de poursuites légales, Eduardo a finalement récupéré 5% des parts de l’entreprise. Ce qui même pour une si petite part, représente un beau paquet d’argent. Il se sont peut être brouillés, mais moi, je ne cracherais pas sur 5 milliards de dollars.

Avec l’argent d’Eduardo, vous pouvez acheter…

• 100 jets privés Gulfstream G550.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde cinq fois.

Sean Parker, 31ans – 4% – 4 Milliards

Sean parker est un nom qui est familier à ceux d’entre vous qui s’intéressent tant soit peu au milieu du web, car c’est le mec qui fut derrière Napster, le premier site de partage de fichier MP3 pirates. Le site a connu le même sort que Thepiratebay ou Megaupload, c’est à dire fermé grace à l’action des maisons de production. Et même s’il a été poursuivi en justice par ces derniers, il s’en est bien sorti avec une excellente réputation et tout un tas de connections dans le milieu du web. Mark Zuckerberg a contacté Sean qu’il admirait pour demander son aide, et ce dernier s’est impliqué dans Facebook quand le site avait seulement 5 mois d’existence, devenant son premier président. C’est lui ai a aidé Mark à penser et voir les choses en grand. Il a présenté à Mark celui qui allait devenir le 1er gros investisseur de Facebook, en la personne de Peter Shiel (Co-fondateur de Paypal). Il a également implémenté des fonctionnalités essentielles dans Facebook telles que la fonction de partage de photos. Selon les propres mots de Mark, « L’aide de Sean fut cruciale dans la transformation de Facebook d’un projet d’étudiant en une véritable compagnie. »

Sean a d’autres cordes à son arc. Il a récemment investi 15 millions dans Spotify; qui ressemble de près ou de loin à une version de Napster. Mais là n’est pas le sujet de ce post. Avec 4% du capital d’une des entreprises les plus grosses et les plus profitables du web, in fait partie de quelque chose de spécial.

Avec les parts de Sean dans Facebook, vous pouvez acquérir…

• 80 jets privés Gulfstream G550.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde 4 fois.

Peter Thiel, 43ans – 2.5% – 2.5 Milliards

Comme vous l’avez lu plus haut, Peter Shiel est l’un des vétérants du web avec Paypal qu’il a fondé et vendu à Ebay en 2002 pour 1.5 milliards de dollars. Il est devenu le premier vrai investisseur dans Facebook en 2004, avec un investissement de 500 000$ en échange de 10% de parts dans la société. Sa part a bien sur été diluée avec le temps, au fur et à mesure que de nouveaux investisseurs sont rentrés au capital de Facebook.

Avec les parts de Peter dans Facebook, vous pouvez acheter…

• 50 jets privés Gulfstream G550.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde deux fois et demi.

Bill Gates & Microsoft - 1.3% – 1.3 Milliards

Microsoft a investi dans Facebook approximativement au même moment que Li Ka-shing ci-dessous, déboursant 240 millions de dollars pour 1,6% du capital de Facebook. Cette part est également diluée aujourd’hui, ce qui fait qu’elle ne représente que 1.3 milliards seulement, soit juste 1 milliards de bénéfices. Les pauvres! Blague à part, Microsoft avait de l’argent, ils ont vu une opportunité et un potentiel, et ils y ont investi. En 2008, à l’époque où ils rentraient au capital de Facebook, l’entreprise n’avait que la moitié de son age actuel et les gens commençaient à peine à quitter en masse les autres réseaux sociaux pour s’inscrire sur Facebook. C’était un période intéréssante pour la boite.

Je me souviens qu’à l’époque, on découvrait à peine Facebook. j’avais moi aussi encore mon compte sur Hi5 et Reseaucampus. ce n’est qu’à partir de 2008 quand la plupart de mes camarades d’école commençaient à dire bye bye à Myspace et consort que j’y ai ouvert moi aussi mon compte. L’investissement de Microsoft  arrivait à cette période signifiait oùl’entreprise avait déjà une solide base, mais avec encore une marge de progression énorme. Ce qui est en fait un des moments idéaux pour un investisseur avisé. Si quelqu’un peut trouver quelle part exacte du capital de Microsoft Bill Gates détiens, je serias intéréssé de savoir, pour calculer combien il possède dans Facebook.

Avec l’argent de Microsoft dans Facebook, vous pouvez acquérir…

• 26 Jets Gulfstream G550 private jets.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde et avec un peu de réserves pour la déco.

Chris Hughes, 27ans – 1% – 1 Milliard

Chris Hughes est le quatrième colocataire de Mark, Eduardo et Dustin, depuis l’époque où ils étudiaient à Harvard et c’est ainsi qu’il fut impliqué dans Facebook. Egalement co-fondateur de Facebook, Chris fut aussi en charge de la campagne sur le web de Barack Obama pour la présidentielle. Il a fait la couverture du Magazine Fast Cover Company, sous le titre : « Le gamin qui a fait Obama président : Comment le co-fondateur de Facebook Chris Hughes a mobilité le web pour Barack, et a changé la politique et le marketing pour toujours ». Chris a en effet joué un role important dans la promotion de Barack Obama sur internet, notamment grace à sa maitrise des réseaux sociaux. Je ne sais pas pour vous mais je devais embaucher quelqu’un pour faire ma promo sur le net, j’aimerais bien avoir un des co-fondateurs de Facebook aussi.

Avec les parts de Chris dans Facebook, vous pouvez acquérir…

• 20 jets privés Gulfstream G550 private jets.
• Antilla, la maison la plus chère au monde.

Li Ka-shing, 82ans – 0.8% – 800 Millions

Le milliardaire originaire de Hong Kong Li Ka-shing, a investit dans Facebook en 2008 quand la société était valorisée autour de 15 milliards, en payant ses 0,8% de parts juste 120 millions. ça parait ridicule de dire « seulement » en parlant d’une somme pareille et d’un si petit pourcentage; mais ce petit pourcentage vaut aujourd’hui 800 millions, soit 7 fois sa valeur initiale. Je vous vois d’ici vous demander ce qui se serait passé si vous aviez eu à investir à l’époque comme lui. Sachez que même en 2008, il y avait de nombreux investisseurs qui avaient déjà l’impression d’avoir déjà raté l’opportunité d’investir dans Facebook, alors qu’en fait l’entreprise n’était qu’en phase de décollage vers sa position de géant internet.

Avec les parts de Li dans Facebook, vous pouvez acquérir…

• 16 jets privés Gulfstream G550.

Voilà donc les dix individus qui ont profité le plus du succès de Facebook! Comme quoi c’est encore la preuve (s’il en fallait une) que pour réussir par le travail, il faut agir soit entrepreneur, soit investisseur, et surtout ne pas avoir peur de « partager ».

Bon, à part ça, qui veut prendre des participations dans ma prochaine entreprise? 

Si tu traverses l’enfer, ne t’arrête pas. Continue d’avancer

Islamic Calligraphy has arguably become the most reverenced form of Islamic art. It provides a link between the languages of the Muslims with the religion of Islam. The Muslim calligraphists have great contributions in taking this Islamic art to this zenith. The holy book of Islam, Al-Quran, has played an important role in the development and evolution of the Arabic language, and by extension, calligraphy in the Arabic alphabet. The famous Islamic artists have created Arabic calligraphy of supreme quality. Till today, The chief sources for Islamic calligraphy are the proverbs and complete passages from the Holy Quran. In modern times, the supply of Islamic calligraphy has also become a flourishing Islamic art business.

Islamic calligraphy is a visible expression of the highest art of all for the muslim. It is the art of the spiritual world. Calligraphy literally means writing beautifully and ornamentally. Islamic calligraphy is the art of writing, and by extension, of bookmaking. This art has most often employed the Arabic script, throughout many languages. Since Arabic calligraphy was the primary means for the preservation of the Quran, Calligraphy is especially revered among Islamic arts. The work of the famous muslim calligraphers were collected and greatly appreciated throughout Islamic history. Consideration of figurative art as idolatrous led to calligraphy and abstract figures becoming the main methods of artistic expression in Islamic cultures. Contemporary muslim calligraphers are also producing the Islamic calligraphy of high artistic quality.

Calligraphic scripts

1. The Kufic script is the first of those calligraphic scripts to gain popularit.
2. It was angular, made of square and short horizontal strokes, long verticals, and bold, compact circles.
3. For three centuries, this script had been mainly used to copy the Quran.
4. The cursive Naskh script was more often used for casual writing.
5. This script had rounder letters and thin lines.
6. It would come to be preferred to Kufic for copying the Quran as techniques for writing in this style were refined.
7. Almost all printed material in Arabic is in Naskh.
8. The Thuluth would take on the ornamental role formerly associated with the Kufic script in the 13th century.
9. Thuluth is usually written in ample curves as it has a strong cursive aspect.
10. The Persians took to using Arabic script for their own language, Persian after their conversion to Islam.
11. The Taliq and Nastaliq styles were contributed to Arabic calligraphy by the Persians.
12. Nastaliq style is extremely cursive, with exaggeratedly long horizontal strokes.
13. The Diwani script is a cursive style of Arabic calligraphy.
14. It was developed during the reign of the early Ottoman Turks (16th and early 17th centuries).
15. This outstanding Diwani script was both decorative and communicative.
16. Finally, Riqa is the most commonly used script for everyday use.
17. It is simple and easy to write.
18. Its movements are small.
19. In China, a calligraphic form called Sini has been developed.
20. This form has evident influences from Chinese calligraphy.
21. Hajji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang is a famous modern calligrapher in this tradition.

Calligrams

The most Islamic of arts in the Muslim world, has also its figurative sides. The muslim calligraphers have produced wonderful anthropomorphic figures by interweaving written words, made from an « Allah » , a « Muhammad » , a « Bismillah » , etc., or using micrography. These include , (Ali, the Ideal Human of mystics, a praying man, a face), (Duldul, horse of Ali, horse (Alis Duldul), fish, stork or other bird (the quranic Hudhud) and unanimated representations (a sword (Dhu al-Fiqar) and a mosque. Calligrams are related to Muslim mysticism and popular with many leading calligraphers in Turkey, Persia and India from the 17th century onward.

Pakistani Islamic Calligraphy

Pakistan has produced Islamic calligraphist of international recognition. Sadeqain is on of these international fame Islamic calligraphist. He was an untraditional and self-made, self-taught painter and calligrapher. He did a lot of work on Quranic calligraphy. Many other contemporary Pakistani calligraphists like Gul Gee have created great contemporary Islamic calligraphy. These days, Islamic calligraphies of Tufail and Uzma Tufail are getting very much popular both in Pakistan and all over the world.

Islamic Calligrahpy as an Islamic Gift

The Muslims love to adore their homes, offices and places of their work with the Islamic calligraphy. The Islamic calligraphies especially the verses from the Holy Quran and the verses from the sayings of the Holy Prophet are considered to be very sacred to muslims. Islamic calligraphy indeed make the perfect gift for a muslim for any special occasion. A muslim can send an Islamic gift of Islamic calligraphy to congratulate his relative or friend on his new home or new office or on his birthday or wedding ceremony or on Eid Festival.

It is great news for the muslims living all over the world to get the Islamic paintings and Islamic calligraphy of their own choice. Please visit our website at www.paintingsgifts4u.com and click the section of the Islamic paintings. You can get Islamic Calligraphy of your choice just by selecting the Item number of the Islamic Painting or by sending the Holy verse of your choice. We also supply Islamic paintings and Islamic Calligraphy from Pakistan on wholesale basis at very best prices. We are supplying cheap Islamic paintings and cheap Islamic calligraphies with high quality.

In 2006 the Turner Prize gained its first ever female winner. The artist who achieved this feat hails from Germany and is called is Tomma Abts. In order to carry off the Turner Prize – in the final, Tomma had to overcome three notable artists .

In no particular order of importance these were – sculptress Rebecca Warren who was the fancied hot favourite with many bookies, « billboard artist » Mark Titchner – and finally film maker Phil Collins…(No not him of Genesis fame!).

When the judges cast their votes however it was Tomma Abts who came out on top. She won twenty five thousand british pounds and of course the Turner Prize itself. I am sure the money will come in handy – however its the exposure that Tomma will get from winning thats the really important thing here.

What does Tomma Abts do? Well she actually paints abstract art; usually in oils or acrylics. – something of a novelty for the Turner Prize – some would say! Tomma Abts was originally selected for her solo art exhibitions at Kunsthalle Basel, Switzerland, and Greengrassi, London.

1. Tomma Abts has been praised by no less than the Tate Gallery who describes her canvases as « intimate » and « compelling » .
2. They also comment on Tommas « consistent » and even « rigorous » method of painting.
3. In addition the Tate states that Tomma Abts « enriches the language of abstract art » .
4. With such praise heaped upon her head its no surprise to me that she won the prize.
5. However I actually feel that Tommas abstract artwork isnt « knock out » but it definitely is OK.

The images or paintings of Tomma Abts are created by the repetiton of various geometrical shapes on a base of rich colour. Personally – I dont think that Tommas approach to painting is particularly original. However I have to admit that while not being « knock out » I find some of Tommas images pretty compelling and touching. I have to say that this does surprise me.

48 x 38 cms – exactly. These are the dimensions of every Tomma Abts painting. Im not sure quite why Tomma selected these dimensions. Obviously she finds them appealing and I suppose they make for a very compact painting.

When creating titles for her paintings apparently Tomma simply plucks one from a dictionary of German first names! Titles like « Veeke » for example were created in this way. In my view this is surely only slightly more interesting than numbering each picture!

All in all I think that Tomma Abts creates abstract art that is pretty accessible to the public at large. This is something that perhaps could not be said about the artwork of previous Turner Prize winners! I base my opinion of course on Tommas prize winning paintings. I would go further and state that I cannot conceive of a Tomma Abts creation offending anyone – even slightly.

In the end its just my personal opinion but I do believe that its entirely posible that Tomma Abts will go on to become a household name – within her own lifetime…Of course she could also disappear without trace from the media – and our minds in the blink of an eye, for precisely the same reasons.

While the world pays respectful tribute to Rembrandt Van Ryn the artist, it has been compelled to wait until comparatively recent years for some small measure of reliable information concerning Rembrandt Van Ryn the man. Rembrandt Van Ryn was born in the pleasant city of Leyden, but it is not easy to name the precise year. Somewhere between 1604 and 1607 he started his troubled journey through life, and of his childhood the records are scanty. Doubtless, his youthful imagination was stirred by the sights of the city, the barges moving slowly along the canals, the windmills that were never at rest, the changing chiaroscuro of the flooded, dyke-seamed land. Perhaps he saw these things with the large eye of the artist, for he could not have turned to any point of the compass without finding a picture lying ready for treatment.

His family soon knew that he had the makings of an artist and, in 1620, when he could hardly have been more than sixteen, and may have been considerably less, he left Leyden University for the studio of a second-rate painter called Jan van Swanenburch. We have no authentic record of his progress in the studio, but it must have been rapid. He must have made friends, painted pictures, and attracted attention. At the end of three years he went to Lastmans studio in Amsterdam, returning thence to Leyden, where he took Gerard Dou as a pupil. A several years later, it is not easy to settle these dates on a satisfactory basis, he went to Amsterdam, and established himself there, because the Dutch capital was very wealthy and held many patrons of the arts, in spite of the seemingly endless war that Holland was waging with Spain.

His art remained true and sincere, he declined to make the smallest concession to what silly sitters called their taste, but he did not really know what to do with the money and commissions that flowed in upon him so freely. The best use he made of changing circumstances was to become engaged to Saskia van Uylenborch, the cousin of his great friend Hendrick van Uylenborch, the art dealer of Amsterdam. Saskia, who was destined to live for centuries, through the genius of her husband, seems to have been born in 1612, and to have become engaged to Rembrandt Van Ryn when she was twenty. The engagement followed very closely upon the patronage of Rembrandt Van Ryn by Prince Frederic Henry, the Stadtholder, who instructed the artist to paint three pictures.

1. Saskia is enshrined in many pictures.
2. She is seen first as a young girl, then as a woman.
3. As a bride, in the picture now at Dresden, she sits upon her husbands knee, while he raises a big glass with his outstretched arm.
4. Her expression here is rather shy, as if she deprecated the situation and realised that it might be misconstrued.
5. This picture gave offence to Rembrandt Van Ryns critics, but some portraits of Saskia remained to be painted.
6. She would seem to have aged rapidly, for after marriage her days were not long in the land.
7. She was only thirty when she died, and looked much older.

In 1638 we find Rembrandt Van Ryn taking an action against one Albert van Loo, who had dared to call Saskia extravagant. It was, of course, still more extravagant of Rembrandt Van Ryn to waste his money on lawyers on account of a case he could not hope to win, but this thought does not seem to have troubled him. He did not reflect that it would set the gossips talking more cruelly than ever. Still full of enthusiasm for life and art, he was equally full of affection for Saskia, whose hope of raising children seemed doomed to disappointment, for in addition to losing the little Rombertus, two daughters, each named Cornelia, had died soon after birth. In 1640 Rembrandt Van Ryns mother died. Her picture remains on record with that of her husband, painted ten years before, and even the biographers of the artist do not suggest that Rembrandt Van Ryn was anything but a good son. A year later the well-beloved Saskia gave birth to the one child who survived the early years, the boy Titus. Then her health failed, and in 1642 she died, after eight years of married life that would seem to have been happy. In this year Rembrandt Van Ryn painted the famous « Night Watch, » a picture representing the company of Francis Banning Cocq, and incidentally a day scene in spite of its popular name. The work succeeded in arousing a storm of indignation, for every sitter wanted to have equal prominence in the canvas.

It may be said that after Saskias death, and the exhibition of this fine work, Rembrandt Van Ryns pleasant years came to an end. He was then somewhere between thirty-six and thirty-eight years old, he had made his mark, and enjoyed a very large measure of recognition, but henceforward, his career was destined to be a very troubled one, full of disappointment, pain, and care. Perhaps it would have been no bad thing for him if he could have gone with Saskia into the outer darkness. The world would have been poorer, but the man himself would have been spared many years that may be even the devoted labours of his studio could not redeem.

Between 1642, when Saskia died, and 1649, it is not easy to follow the progress of his life; we can only state with certainty that his difficulties increased almost as quickly as his work ripened. His connection with Hendrickje Stoffels would seem to have started about 1649, and this woman with whom he lived until her death some thirteen years later, has been abused by many biographers because she was the painters mistress.

He has left to the world some 500 or 600 pictures that are admitted to be genuine, together with the etchings and drawings to which reference has been made. He is to be seen in many galleries in the Old World and the New, for he painted his own portrait more than a score of times. So Rembrandt Van Ryn has been raised in our days to the pinnacle of fame which is his by right; the festival of his tercentenary was acknowledged by the whole civilised world as the natural utterance of joy and pride of our small country in being able to count among its children the great Rembrandt Van Ryn.

Contemporary paintings are an exquisite style of paintings. Contemporary art paintings are the true representatives of the modern art. Contemporary artists are creating the contemporary oil paintings of the high quality. A great number of contemporary oil paintings are available in the contemporary art gallery. Contemporary art is of great artistic importance. Contemporary abstract paintings make the most of contemporary art. Still life Contemporary paintings are also very much appreciated.

There are many museums of modern paintings all over the world. The modern paintings of the modern artists are exhibited in these museums. These museums of modern art have been successful in flourishing the contemporary art. Modern artists exhibit their modern paintings creations in the museum of contemporary art. Museum of modern art New york, Contemporary art museum Houston, museum of modern art paris, art museum of Fort worth are the famous museums of contemporary art. Contemporary art work can be seen in these modern art museums.These museums exhibit the popular contemporary paintings of the famous modern artists.

Modern Abstract Art

1. There are great number of painters of modern life.
2. They have created the modern abstract art on modern themes.
3. Modern artists paint colours in an artistic way.
4. Their contemporary oil paintings are pure form of fine arts.
5. History of modern art is full of great contemporary paintings from famous modern artists.
6. 19th century paintings and 20th century paintings are worth seeing.
7. Modern art movements have been in progress in recent times.
8. There are many contemporary art centers.
9. Contemporary art center Cincinnati and Contemporary art center of Virginia are the famous modern art center.
10. St.Louis contemporary art has been very much appreciated. Contemporary Christian artists

Modern art is also available for sale. Modern and contemporary art can be purchased from the modern art gallery. These contemporary art galleries offer the Original modern paintings of the famous contemporary artist. The reproductions of the famous contemporary paintings can also be purchased from these modern art galleries. These galleries also offer cheap price modern oil paintings.

Good News for lovers of modern art ! You can get Contemporary and Modern Oil Paintings of your own choice just by selecting the Model number of the Landscape Oil Painting or by sending the Photo of your required image. Our highly skilled modern artists can reproduce the contemporary paintings as per your given photo. Just click the Link of Contemporary paintings on our website (www.paintingsgifts4u.com) . For more details, Please contact us at : info@paintingsgifts4u.com.

]]> http://actumix.net/blog/contemporary-paintings/1134/feed/ 0 http://actumix.net/blog/how-to-select-art-for-your-home/1132/ http://actumix.net/blog/how-to-select-art-for-your-home/1132/#comments Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:04:46 +0000 admin http://actumix.net/blog/how-to-select-art-for-your-home/1132/

Selecting art for your home can be an exciting adventure and a source of enjoyment for years to come. Keys to success are figuring out what kind of art you like, how it will fit in with the rest of your interior design plans, and how to exhibit the art to the best effect in [...]]]>


Selecting art for your home can be an exciting adventure and a source of enjoyment for years to come. Keys to success are figuring out what kind of art you like, how it will fit in with the rest of your interior design plans, and how to exhibit the art to the best effect in your home.

What kind of art do you like?

There are many opportunities to browse art within your community at local exhibitions, art fairs and galleries. Even small towns usually have a not-for-profit gallery space, or cafes and restaurant that exhibit local artists. In larger cities, galleries often get together for monthly or periodic « gallery nights » where all the galleries hold open house receptions on the same evening. Its a great way to see a lot of art in a short time.

Today the internet provides the largest variety and depth of fine art available worldwide. You can visit museum websites and see master works from ages past, check out online galleries for group shows, and visit hundreds of individual artists websites. One advantage of using the internet is that you can search for the specific kind of art you are interested in, whether its photography, impressionism, bronze sculpture, or abstract painting. And when you find one art site, youll usually find links to many, many more.

Should the art fit the room or the room fit the art?

If you feel strongly about a particular work of art, you should buy the art you love and then find a place to put it. But you may find that when you get the art home and place it on a wall or pedestal, it doesnt work with its surroundings. By not « working, » I mean the art looks out of place in the room. Placing art in the wrong surroundings takes away from its beauty and impact.

What should you do if you bring a painting home and it clashes with its environment? First, hang the painting in various places in your home, trying it out on different walls. It may look great in a place you hadnt planned on hanging it. If you cant find a place where the art looks its best, you may need to make some changes in the room, such as moving furniture or taking down patterned wallpaper and repainting in a neutral color. The changes will be worth making in order to enjoy the art you love.

Sometimes the right lighting is the key to showing art at its best. You may find that placing a picture light above a painting or directing track lighting on it is all the art needs to exhibit its brilliance. If you place a work of art in direct sunlight, however, be sure it wont be affected by the ultraviolet light. Pigments such as watercolor, pencil and pastel are especially prone to fading. Be sure to frame delicate art under UV protected glass or acrylic.

How to pick art to fit the room.

Size and color are the two major criteria for selecting art to fit its surroundings. For any particular space, art that is too large will overwhelm, and art that is too small will be lost and look out of proportion. The bolder the art, the more room it needs to breathe.

As a rule, paintings should be hung so that the center of the painting is at eye level. Sculpture may sit on the floor, a table, or pedestal, depending on the design. Rules should be considered guidelines only, however, so feel free to experiment.

When selecting a painting to match color, select one or two of the boldest colors in your room and look for art that has those colors in it. Youre not looking for an exact match here. Picking up one or two of the same colors will send a message that the painting belongs in this environment.

Another possibility for dealing with color is to choose art with muted colors, black-and-white art, or art that is framed in a way that mutes its color impact in the room. A wide light-colored mat and neutral frame create a protected environment for the art within.

Style is another consideration when selecting art to fit a room. If your house is filled with antiques, for example, youll want to use antique-style frames on the paintings you hang there. If you have contemporary furniture in large rooms with high ceilings, youll want to hang large contemporary paintings.

How to create an art-friendly room.

Think about it. When you walk into a gallery or museum, what do they all have in common? White walls and lots of light. If a wall is wall-papered or painted a color other than white, it limits the choices for hanging art that will look good on it. If a room is dark, the art will not show to its best advantage.

If you want to make art the center of attraction, play down the other elements of the room like window coverings, carpeting, wall coverings, and even furniture. A room crowded with other colors, textures and objects will take the spotlight away from the art. Follow the principle that less is more. Keep it spare and let the art star. Then relax and enjoy it.

Selecting and displaying art is an art in itself. Experiment to learn what pleases you and what doesnt. Youll be well-rewarded for the time you invest by finding more satisfaction both in the art and in your home.

]]> http://actumix.net/blog/how-to-select-art-for-your-home/1132/feed/ 0 http://actumix.net/blog/art-theft-most-famous-cases-in-history/1130/ http://actumix.net/blog/art-theft-most-famous-cases-in-history/1130/#comments Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:04:46 +0000 admin http://actumix.net/blog/art-theft-most-famous-cases-in-history/1130/

Art theft is an ancient and complicated crime. When you look at the some of the most famous cases of art thefts in history, you see thoroughly planned operations that involve art dealers, art fakers, mobsters, ransoms, and millions of dollars. Here you can read about some of the most famous cases of art theft [...]]]>


Art theft is an ancient and complicated crime. When you look at the some of the most famous cases of art thefts in history, you see thoroughly planned operations that involve art dealers, art fakers, mobsters, ransoms, and millions of dollars. Here you can read about some of the most famous cases of art theft in the history.

The First Theft:

The first documented case of art theft was in 1473, when two panels of altarpiece of the Last Judgment by the Dutch painter Hans Memling were stolen. While the triptych was being transported by ship from the Netherlands to Florence, the ship was attacked by pirates who took it to the Gdansk cathedral in Poland. Nowadays, the piece is shown at the National Museum in Gdansk where it was recently moved from the Basilica of the Assumption. The Most Famous Theft:
The most famous story of art theft involves one of the most famous paintings in the world and one of the most famous artists in history as a suspect. In the night of August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen out of the Louver. Soon after, Pablo Picasso was arrested and questioned by the police, but was released quickly.

It took about two years until the mystery was solved by the Parisian police. It turned out that the 30×21 inch painting was taken by one of the museum employees by the name of Vincenzo Peruggia, who simply carried it hidden under his coat. Nevertheless, Peruggia did not work alone. The crime was carefully conducted by a notorious con man, Eduardo de Valfierno, who was sent by an art faker who intended to make copies and sell them as if they were the original painting.

While Yves Chaudron, the art faker, was busy creating copies for the famous masterpiece, Mona Lisa was still hidden at Peruggias apartment. After two years in which Peruggia did not hear from Chaudron, he tried to make the best out of his stolen good. Eventually, Peruggia was caught by the police while trying to sell the painting to an art dealer from Florence, Italy. The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louver in 1913.

The Biggest Theft in the USA:

The biggest art theft in United States took place at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. On the night of March 18, 1990, a group of thieves wearing police uniforms broke into the museum and took thirteen paintings whose collective value was estimated at around 300 million dollars. The thieves took two paintings and one print by Rembrandt, and works of Vermeer, Manet, Degas, Govaert Flinck, as well as a French and a Chinese artifact.

As of yet, none of the paintings have been found and the case is still unsolved. According to recent rumors, the FBI are investigating the possibility that the Boston Mob along with French art dealers are connected to the crime.

The Scream:

The painting by Edvard Munchs, The Scream, is probably the most sought after painting by art thieves in history. It has been stolen twice and was only recently recovered. In 1994, during the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, The Scream was stolen from an Oslo gallery by two thieves who broke through an open window, set off the alarm and left a note saying: thanks for the poor security.

Three months later, the holders of the painting approached the Norwegian Government with an offer: 1 million dollars ransom for Edvard Munchs The Scream. The Government turned down the offer, but the Norwegian police collaborated with the British Police and the Getty Museum to organize a sting operation that brought back the painting to where it belongs.

Ten years later, The Scream was stolen again from the Munch Museum. This time, the robbers used a gun and took another of Munchs painting with them. While Museum officials waiting for the thieves to request ransom money, rumors claimed that both paintings were burned to conceal evidence. Eventually, the Norwegian police discovered the two paintings on August 31, 2006 but the facts on how they were recovered are not known yet.

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Famous Paintings have been greatly admired in art history. Famous art paintings are invaluable and of great historic importance. Famous artists have been successful in creating famous artwork paintings. Canvas oil paintings make the most the popular form of the most famous Oil paintings. Famous Oil Paintings are of various styles. These include famous landscape [...]]]>


Famous Paintings have been greatly admired in art history. Famous art paintings are invaluable and of great historic importance. Famous artists have been successful in creating famous artwork paintings. Canvas oil paintings make the most the popular form of the most famous Oil paintings. Famous Oil Paintings are of various styles. These include famous landscape paintings, famous still life paintings, famous fruit paintings, famous seascape paintings, famous contemporary paintings.

Famous artists paintings have earned world wide recognition in different periods of times. Famous painters paintings truly an asset for fine arts. There have been a great number of famous painters in different parts of the world in different periods of times. These include Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Leonardo Da Vinci, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse,Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso,Pierre Auguste Renoir,Henri Rousseau,Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec,Vincent Van Gogh,Andy Warhol.

Yo Picasso

1. Famous abstract paintings present the fine art at the highest level.
2. Famous abstract artists have been gratly greatly appreciated for their famous abstract oil paintings.
3. Picasso is one of the most famous abstract painter. Picasso became very famous because he work in multiple styles.
4. Famous paintings of Picasso are Guernica ,Three Musicians,The Three Dancers and Self Portrait: Yo Picasso.
5. Picasso famous paintings have earned him worldwide recognition.

Many famous flower paintings have been created by the outstanding flower painters. Famous Floral Oil Paintings are in wide range of styles. Famous floral fine art paintings are exquisite. Famous landscape paintings are the master pieces of fine art. Famous Landscape painters have created a great number of famous landscape paintings. Famous Landscape art has greatly been admired in all the periods of times. Famous contemporary landscape painters have successfully attained the mastery in the landscape art.

Still life fruit paintings and fruit bowl paintings make the famous fruit paintings. The highly skilled artists have also created the most famous paintings of rotting fruit. The modern famous artists are successful creating the masterpieces of still fruit oil paintings and oil pastel fruit paintings.

Famous still Life art depicts drinking glasses, foodstuffs, pipes, books and so on. Famous Still life paintings are indeed the master pieces of fine art. Woman portrait paintings make the famous portrait paintings. There are also famous portrait paintings of men. Famous portrait paintings of Oscar dela hova have been greatly appreciated. Japanese women portrait paintings are very popular in Japanese culture. In addition to women portrait paintings and portrait paintings of men, there are many famous pet portrait paintings and famous portrait paintings of houses and famous paintings of sports cars.

Famous Islamic paintings of holy places and the famous islamic calligraphy of the holy verses have been truly represent the muslim art. Famous muslim artists have developed mastery of Islamic art calligraphy. The famous Islamic paintings include the paintings of the Holy places such as Khana kaaba, Masjid-e-Nabvi and other famous mosques and shrines. Famous Islamic art is fascinating and has always been appreciated. The famous Islamic art galleries have produced a great number of famous muslim painters and famous muslim calligraphist.

Famous modern galleries have produced the famous contemporary artists who have created many famous contemporary paintings. Famous oil paintings reproduction are also created in these famous galleries.

In addition to above styles, there are many famous paintings of other subjects. These include famous war paintings, famous paintings of jesus, famous figure paintings, religious famous paintings, famous paintings romantic, famous battle paintings, famous military paintings, famous sunset paintings, famous paintings of women, famous paintings of love, famous water paintings, famous acrylic paintings, famous paintings of buildings, famous dance paintings, famous dragon paintings, famous black paintings, famous paintings in the fall, famous paintings of cats, famous paintings of children, famous paintings of friends, famous paintings of christinaity, famous paintings of jesus and famous paintings of humanity. There are also famous native American paintings and famous Spanish paintings.

]]> http://actumix.net/blog/famous-paintings/1128/feed/ 0 http://actumix.net/blog/introduction-to-chinese-painting/1126/ http://actumix.net/blog/introduction-to-chinese-painting/1126/#comments Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:04:46 +0000 admin http://actumix.net/blog/introduction-to-chinese-painting/1126/

Calligraphy and painting were two of the most prized art forms in antediluvian China. Calligraphy was thought to be the highest and purest form of painting. The annals of painting in China dates back to the 2nd century BCE. In the earliest era, painting and writing were made out on silk, until paper was subsequently [...]]]>


Calligraphy and painting were two of the most prized art forms in antediluvian China. Calligraphy was thought to be the highest and purest form of painting. The annals of painting in China dates back to the 2nd century BCE. In the earliest era, painting and writing were made out on silk, until paper was subsequently developed during the 1st century CE.

Chinese art, and in particular, Chinese painting is greatly treasured around the globe. Chinese painting can be retraced to as far back as six thousand years ago in the Neolithic Age when the Chinese have started using brushes in their paintings. Chinese art dates back even sooner than that.

According to subject matter, Chinese paintings can be classified as landscapes, character paintings and flower-and-bird paintings. In traditional Chinese painting, Chinese landscape painting embodies a major category, depicting nature, especially mountains and bodies of water. Landscapes have customarily been the choice of the Chinese because they manifest the poetry characteristic in nature. Accordingly, many esteemed paintings are landscapes.

The most popularly known form of Chinese painting is « Water-ink » painting, where water-ink is the medium. Some of the basic things required for the Chinese painting include: paper, brush, ink or ink stick, ink stone, and color.

1. Brush: The Chinese brush is a mandatory tool for Chinese painting. The brush should be sturdy and pliable. Two types of brushes are used. The more delicate brush is created from white sheep hair. This brush should be soaked first, and then dried to prevent curling. The second one is made from fox or deer sable fibers, which are very durable, and is inclined to paint better. The procedure the brush is used depends on the varied features of brush strokes one wants to obtain, such as weight, lightness, gracefulness, ruggedness, firmness, and fullness. Various forms of shades are applied to impart space, texture, or depth.
2. Ink Stick: There are three types of Ink Stick: resin soot, lacquer soot, and tung-oil soot. Of the three, tung-oil soot is the most commonly used. Otherwise, Chinese ink is best if ink stick or ink stone are ineffectual.
3. Paper: The most generally used paper is Xuan paper, which is fabricated of sandalwood bark. This is exceptionally water retentive, so the color or ink disperses the moment the brush stroke is put down. The second most well-known is Mian paper.
4. Color: The most former Chinese paintings used Mo, a type of natural ink, to produce monochromatic representations of nature or day-to-day life. Made of pine soot, mo is combined with water to get unique shades for conveying appropriate layers or color in a painting.

Chinese painting is called shui-mo-hua. Shui-mo is the combination of shui (water) and mo. There are two styles of Chinese painting. They are gong-bi or detailed style, and xie-yi or freehand style. The second is the most common, not only since the objects are depicted with just a few strokes, but likewise because shapes and sprites are drawn by uncomplicated curves and natural ink. Many ancient poets and students used xie-yi paintings to give tongue to their religious anguish.

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