Friday, January 11, 2008
Weather is a changing condition of the air, or atmosphere, which surrounds the earth. When we speak of weather we usually mean daily changes in temperature, sunshine, clouds, wind, rain, snow, and dampness that we can feel but not see.
Weather is not the same as climate. Climate is the average condition of the weather, such as average temperatures, amounts of rain or snow, averages of sunshine, wind, and humidity, and the number of days when certain weather conditions may be expected in a month or year.
Everybody is affected in mind and body by climate and changes in the weather. A long period of the same kind of weather may be depressing or irritating. The constant heat of the tropics is depressing, but an occasional hot day is not. Unless changes of weather are too severe, they are stimulating to mind and body. Human comfort depends largely on temperature, but also on air movement and moisture in the air. In general, more air movement makes the temperature seem lower.
An in-between climate with frequent but mild changes in the weather is usually considered the best kind. Most of the vigorous and progressive peoples are found in fairly cold climates with large seasonal changes of weather. It is well known that the climate is important in the treatment of disease. The choice of climate depends on the kind of disease and the physical condition of the patient. Climate is also the direct source of certain ills such as sunstroke, snow blindness, and frostbite. Many diseases occur mostly at certain seasons, such as infantile paralysis in late summer and the common cold in the winter.
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Horses and Their Regions
Copyright 2006 Rob Daniels
Horses thrived and survived in various regions and climates. Each area developed distinct breeds with qualities that were vital to the people of that region. In many ways, horses changed the lives of the people they served. Desert Nomads and Horses
In the desert and grasslands, camels are more practical as they can survive long periods without food and water, unlike horses. As a result few true desert bred horses exist today, so they are rarely seen in show rings, remaining mostly for breeding. Other desert type horses evolved, but none were ever considered by the Bedouins for their Arabians.
The nomadic people were the first to domesticate horses. They encouraged both pacing and other flying gaits which could carry their tribes long distances without tiring the horses. The severe climate required the nomads to share food and water, and sometimes even their tents with their horses.
In addition, with the nomadic nature of the Gypsy peoples, their horses had to be adaptable to varying climates, terrains and living conditions. The result of this culling has led to the Gypsy Vanner Horse being one of the most docile horses in the world.
Icelandic Horses
Centuries of isolation in Iceland has produced an extremely sure footed horse who is agile on rough terrain and shows great reserves of stamina. The Icelandic Horse has been able to keep it's due to the purity of the breed, being the only breed in Iceland. Of the most fascinationg feature of the Icelandic horse is it's extreme genetic purity. The hardships they survived have given a horse that is not afraid to face the world. Both horse and people have had to face cold and starvation on more than one occasion in Iceland. The horse carried it's owners over the rough terrain of Iceland which includes lava fields, mountains, and many rivers. It is certainly not an ideal setting for the horse.
Vikings and Horses
The Vikings recognized the value and political power of their horses and gave them a place of great honor in their history and culture. To them, the horse was more than a war horse or a means of travel. So, when the first Vikings set sail to explore Northern oceans, along with them went the strong little horses.
American Indians and Horses
Indians of that era had never seen horses and to them the horse and rider team were a godlike being. Many religious ceremonies were based on the horse and its contribution to the life of the Indian. To try and keep this belief, it was illegal for some years for an Indian to ride a horse much less own one. The acquisition of the horse completely changed the Plains Indian's way of life, transforming them from plodding pedestrians to nomadic hunters and warriors.
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Rob Daniels has been an equestrian rider for 25 years. He has studied various disciplines additional articles are available at: Riding Stable - http://www.riding-stable.com and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net
Simple Ideas for Breaking the Dangerous Icons in Your Art
Simple Ideas for Breaking the Dangerous Icons in Your Art
You may be surprised by what I am about to tell you, at least partly. The two lines with the least variation are a perfectly straight line and a circle. A perfectly straight line has obviously no variety at all. But the circle, you ask? Yes, the circle. A circle curves at exactly the same ratio all along, has no variation of its curvature, it is of all curves the one with the least possible variety. These two lines are, therefore, two of the dullest, and are rarely used in drawings except to enhance the beauty and variety of other lines.
So why is this important to artists? Especially artists who are drawing the figure? Well, to answer that let's look back to elementary school. When in grade school, how did you draw a person? Using circles, I dare say! Well, let's investigate this further.
The perfect curve of the circle should always be avoided in the drawing of natural objects (even a full moon or an outline of a head), and in drawings of any kind, some varietion should always be used. Always, Always.
Although the curve of the perfect circle is dull from its lack of variety, it is not without beauty, and this is due to its perfect unity. It is of all curves the most perfect example of static unity. Without the excitement of the slightest variation it goes on and on for ever. This is where the symbol of Eternity comes from and why today we wear circular wedding rings and so forth.
Perhaps the most beautiful symmetrically curved figure of all is the so-called egg. It is an example of perfect balance between variety and unity. The curvature is
varied to an infinite degree, at no point is its curving at the same ratio as at any other point; perhaps the maximum amount of variety that can be got in a symmetrical figure, for it approaches the circle in the even flow of its curvature. This is, the line of the contour of a face, and you may note how much artists who have excelled have insisted on it in their portraits.
So, what am I getting at? The point is, sometimes as artists, it's easy to fall into traps of the icons. Using a football shape for the eye a circle for the head. Variation in line needs to be observed more to provide the individuality of the person when drawing the figure.
To do this, will take some practice and more practice. You will need to turn your paper upside down, sideways, anyway possible to get you out of your head of association. Association meaning habits. It's sometimes hard to break the patterns of icons but can be done.
If you have any questions on figure drawing or breaking out of iconic drawing, please feel free to email us at: info@learning2draw.com.
