The Organic Chemistry Tutor Dash Game Will Improve Your Chemistry Lesson

The Organic Chemistry Tutor Dash Game Will Improve Your Chemistry LessonThe Organic Chemistry Tutor Dash game allows you to take the test and learn all about the four main elements. Learning about each element, which is very important in the course, allows you to identify what the element is and how it is classified in the periodic table.This is important as it will provide you with the right knowledge when it comes to the different kinds of elements you are learning about in the real subject. It is an excellent way to help you increase your knowledge and it also helps you to identify which element you are most likely to need in your chemistry homework or report. It is great fun and will help you improve your grade.The learning process is based on the way the elements are categorized and the physical makeup of them. For example, what will be the properties of air? Air is usually in the highest temperatures, so this will not be a good element to use in any research papers. But, if you are looking for something lighter or even softer then this is probably the right choice.The Organic Chemistry Tutor Dash game enables you to work out the right combinations of elements that you should use in chemistry experiments. This will help you to develop your concentration in the class. You will also have a good idea of what combinations will be the best.However, before you start the Organic Chemistry Tutor Dash game you should know that it is best to use one of the tested and proven chemical elements in the game. These elements are combined correctly and they will help you learn how to make the proper types of reactions that you need to make things work.This is helpful as you need to be able to mix them together in the correct amounts and this can be very confusing. You will also need to know how to determine the strength of the reactionso you can determine whether the new element is strong enough to help you or not. Using a good mixture will help you in this regard.When you use the Organic Chemistry Tutor Dash game you will not be able to do any kind of experiments with this new element. This is because you have to study the properties of the elements before you mix them together. This is an advantage to most students who have many different elements in their chemistry project.They will have to study the different properties of each element in the composition and then combine these together. This way they will be able to make a mixture that will work and be successful. These are some of the advantages to using the Organic Chemistry Tutor Dash game.

Volhard Organic Chemistry Resources - A Few Points

Volhard Organic Chemistry Resources - A Few PointsIf you are interested in learning about Volhard Organic Chemistry, you should consider a few things. If you already have an understanding of the subject, there are many resources available online that will help you. If you are brand new to organic chemistry, start by reading the Volhard Organic Chemistry manuals.If you are not familiar with Volhard Organic Chemistry, you may want to buy Volhard Organic Chemistry books online. This is a great place to get started. You can even purchase a printed copy of Volhard Organic Chemistry. By reading the Volhard Organic Chemistry books, you will learn about the subjects as well as get some practical experience.One of the benefits of taking a Volhard Organic Chemistry course is that you will be taught what exactly organic chemistry is. The better you understand the subject, the easier it will be to apply the concepts. Because of this, your understanding of the subject will lead to a good foundati on to build on.The best way to find information about Volhard Organic Chemistry is through an online resource that discusses Volhard Organic Chemistry. There are many resources available that cover all aspects of the subject. If you know what you are looking for, you will find what you are looking for.Another way to look for Volhard Organic Chemistry resources is through Volhard site. This site provides some additional details about Volhard Organic Chemistry. You can find out about topics such as Volhard Organic Chemistry books, website or instructor, and many other information. The site also provides a forum where you can talk to other students and ask questions.These sites are a great place to start when looking for Volhard Organic Chemistry resources. They are easy to use and have detailed information. It is important to find a resource that provides you with all the information you need, and nothing more.By using these resources, you will find that Volhard Organic Chemistry is e asy to understand. There are also resources available if you do not feel like learning online. These resources are free and the best part is you can find a resource anywhere you choose.

Algebra Help - Absolute Value

Algebra Help - Absolute Value Absolute value is the numerical value irrespective of the sign. If we consider a number line, it is the distance on a number line without considering the direction. Absolute value of -2 is 2. NOTE: An absolute value function is differentiable everywhere except at 0 In the interval (-,0] the absolute value function is monotonically decreasing where as in the interval [0, ) it is monotonically increasing. It is an even function because a positive and negative number has the same absolute value. Example: abs (-4) or | -4| is 4 1) abs(29) is (a) 29(b) -29(c) 0(d) undefined Answer: a 2) |6 9| and |9 6| (a) 3 and -3 (b) -3 and 3(c) -3 and -3(d) 3 and 3 Answer: d 3) |-3 x 7| and - |-12| (a) 21 and 12(b) -21 and -12 (c) -12 and 12(d) 21 and -12 Answer: d 4) abs(0) (a) Neither negative nor positive(b) 0 (c) Undefined(d) Either positive or negative Answer: b 5) Place the correct inequality |- 9|---------- |-12| (a) (b) =(c) (d) = Answer: c

Ancient Civilisations

Ancient Civilisations Taking a Look at the Earliest Civilisations ChaptersMesopotamia: a Land of FirstsAncient Greeks: in Pursuit of Human PerfectionThe Inca: Masters of PoliticsAboriginal Australia: Visiting the Stone AgeThe Mayan: Mathematical GeniusAncient Egypt: the Preeminent CivilisationThe Aztec: Master AgrariansWhen people think of ancient worlds, Egypt, Greece and Rome come quickly to mind. There are more...Humanoids have been wandering around the planet for nearly 2 million years.Our branch of the hominid tree, Homo Sapiens, has only been around for about 300,000 years but we learned from our ancestors how to make and use tools.You might wonder what that has to do with anything...While it is true that many animals use tools, only human build or create ever more complex tools, meaning that the capacity to visualise is much greater in humans than in other species.And, if we can visualise, then we can entertain complex ideas â€" of leadership and power, and ponder philosophical questions which lead us to establish religions.To draw ourselves inwards, to make use of our ability to think, we must assure ourselves of physical security: enough to eat, some sort of shelter and making sure we’re safe from predators.Very early humans realised there is safety in numbers. Clans banded together to hunt and forage, but it was not until they mastered the ability to grow food that they settled in one place.Once they did, most societies built a stronghold to live in, established a system of laws and government, designated hierarchies â€" leader, preacher, merchant and so on.They created myths to explain their purpose and origins and turned their eyes to the heavens, attempting to unravel the mysteries of the stars. They fought anyone who would attempt to encroach on the lives they’d made for themselves.And, in turn, they fought to secure more resources for their tribe.Are all tribes created equal? What distinguishes a culture from a civilisation?The following are characteristics that define a civilisation:Large cities: establish ed settlements, complete with infrastructure â€" roads, water and public buildingsSignificant architecture: churches, temples and so forthComplex institutions: government, education, peacekeeping and religionforeign trade may also be counted as such an institutionSpecialised workers: tradesmen and merchants, farmers, teachers...such workers would provide social stratification, another indicator of civilisationA written languageTechnologyNow, we will look at seven ancient peoples; measure their accomplishments and examine their legacy to determine if they were indeed civilisations or only impactful societies.Dust off your archaeologist’s toolkit and come along! MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5. 00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMesopotamia: a Land of Firsts The Sumerians gave us our first writing system as well as a treasure trove of art to study Image by Mariusz Matuszewski from PixabayNestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, this land has been dubbed the Fertile Crescent â€" both for its abundant water supply and for its rich soil.Most of the major settlements hugged the east bank of the Tigris. The stretch of land between that river and the Zagros mountains proved especially benevolent; soon great cities sprang up.There was squabbling over land, crops and cattle. Often, each side would enlist representatives from a city that was not involved in the fight; thus alliances were born. Those cities would then establish relations that involved trade, cultural exchange and diplomacy.Inevitably, one tribe conquered the entire region, thus establishing an empire. Once a central government had been established, they would go on to acquire other lands.Mesopotamia was ruled in turn by emperors, kings and dynasties.After the Akkadian Empi re fell, Mesopotamia accommodated two empires: the Assyrians to the north and the Babylonians to the south.What permitted the Babylonian Empire to thrive was the ingenious way they devised to irrigate their more arid lands and drain their mudflats.In fact, it is now thought that the screw pump formerly attributed to Archimedes was being used to water the Hanging Gardens of Babylon!Technological achievements of Mesopotamians are remarkable.Not only did they discover how to control water but they invented ploughs to work their land, musical instruments and a counting system â€" base 60, or sexagesimal.We still use the Sumerian numeral system to mark our seconds, minutes and hours.They also invented cuneiform, one of the earliest writing systems. It was in this form of writing that King Ur-Nammu left us his legacy: the world’s oldest, most complete legal code.Actually, it might not have been him that wrote it. Scribes were responsible for writing and maintaining records â€" a positio n that elevated them above merchants and soldiers in the social hierarchy.In Mesopotamia, we found social stratification, complex institutions, large cities with significant architecture â€" even today, their temples and ziggurats stand. We also found specialised workers, written language and technology.All of that qualifies Mesopotamia as one of the first human civilisations.Ancient Greeks: in Pursuit of Human PerfectionIf you know anything about world civilizations or history, you surely know that the Ancient Greeks let nothing stand in their way of... not just survival but of advancing their culture, come what may.Archaeological finds date human presence in the area we know as Greece to the Paleolithic age; a time that ended 10,000 years ago.In the Aegean Sea, the Cycladic islands were so favoured as trade route stopovers that, in the 3rd millennium BC, their culture flourished as a civilisation in its own right.Meanwhile, on the island of Crete, the Minoan civilisation â€" some say the first advanced European civilization, was busily trading with everyone in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian seas.With these trade relations necessarily came cultural exporting â€" finding a common language, currencies to trade with and, inevitably other elements such as music, foods and stories.The Cycladic civilization did not wane so much as become subsumed by the Minoan culture.The Minoans, with their advanced technologies (indoor plumbing!) and more concretely established religion incorporated the positive elements of the Cycladians while providing desirable aspects of civilization to the island dwellers.Why the Minoan civilization declined is unclear: did the Santorini (A.K.A Thera) eruption wipe them all out or were they invaded and conquered?The evidence shows remnants of Minoan life above the layer of volcanic debris, suggesting that invasion was the most likely end of the Minoans.The Myceneans built the first advanced civilization on mainland Greece; they are kno wn for many things, among them a palace-centred system of ruling that is well outlined in the writings they created.These writings detail, among other facets of their society, early installations in the Greek pantheon of gods.This society waned, revived and ultimately fell when the Dorians invaded, bringing on the Greek Dark Ages â€" a time when people scattered across the land, forming small farming communities.The indomitable might and spirit of the Greek refused to be suppressed.Coming together again, emerging from the Dark Ages to reform their cities and societies, Greek civilization once again rose, this time disseminating their culture far and wide.From the Mediterranean to Anatolia, the Greek civilization was touted as the most advanced. The parthenon, Athena's temple, is one of ancient Greek civilisation's most renown monuments. Image by Nonbirinoko on PixabayThe Inca: Masters of PoliticsUnlike the Sumerian and Greek, the Inca did not develop a writing system, as such.Today, scholars believe that quipus, an assemblage of knotted strings, served both as recordkeeping and communications devices. The work of deciphering quipus is ongoing; so far, what they have to say eludes us.What we understand of life in Incan civilization comes from depictions on pottery and from Spanish records.Sadly, what might have been magnificent art forged in precious metals was melted down by the Spanish. They then sent all of the Incan gold and silver to Spain.Upon arrival at Inca lands, the Spaniards were surprised to find everyone purposefully engaged in various tasks; there were no beggars, idlers or drunkards to be found.They learned that the Incan system was to keep everybody busy serving the empire in whichever capacity their societal status and abilities permitted. They enforced this system of duty through effective politics and by encouraging people to report idleness.Family was very important to the Inca, so too were children â€" a fact that made their high infant mortality rate especially painful.Before a child could be considered a true part of the family, s/he would be called ‘wawa’ or ‘baby’ for the first few years of life.Once it was determined that the child would continue to live, a ceremony called ‘rutuchikuy’ took place to formally welcome it into the family.Their gender would be recognised and s/he would be given a name. Oddly enough, the ceremony entailed having their hair dispersed throughout the family, one lock per member.For all that the Inca were advanced in the medical field â€" they were among the first to perform brain surgery, and use anaesthetics, they could do little to stave off either the diseases that the Spaniards brought or the causes of their babies dying.What intact po ttery remains, along with the amazing structures they built â€" roads, aqueducts and, of course, Machu Picchu is all we have left of the Incas.They did indeed build an empire and the only criterion they were missing to qualify as a civilisation is a written language.But, as archaeologists learn more about their recordkeeping devices, their quipus, we may discover from their coded messages that they were more sophisticated than previously thought.Should that prove to be true, that would make that country’s first inhabitants the first human sea goers.However they arrived, evidence of human activity has been found that dates back at least 65,000 years.No written records exist of life in Australia prior to British colonization because early Australians did not establish any form of written communication.They did sometimes communicate with other groups through a message stick: a piece of wood about 30 centimetres long, onto which marks would be etched â€" a crude form of writing but, b y definition, not a written language.For millennia, indigenous Australians lived as one with the land. Their belief systems did not give them stewardship of it; still, they saw it as their duty to take good care of both the land and its inhabitants.It might have been for that reason that they never established any cities; perhaps intuiting that doing so would scar their land.  That theory would explain their outrage over the British building colonies.On the other hand, the fact that they were hunter-gatherers probably had a lot to do with why they never stayed in one place too long, too.Perhaps their most remarkable accomplishment was mastering the use of fire; early Australians were assiduous fire farmers.They would regularly ‘fire’ the undergrowth in their jungle to encourage diversity in their food plants. Fire was also used to drive game and ward off dangerous creatures such as poisonous insects and snakes.For all of their harmony with the land, there was violence â€" agains t other tribes and against women and children within the tribes.As cliché as it sounds, the boomerang was their weapon of choice during inter-tribal conflict although stone-tipped spears worked better at close quarters.The aboriginal Australians did not develop a system for writing their languages, nor did they establish any cities, governments or other major institutions.Although females were generally seen as less than males â€" a type of social ranking, there were no specialised workers or leaders to provide social stratification and there was certainly no architecture.For all that they are remarkable, under these criteria, early Australian societies were not a civilisation. Uluru, also known as Ayer's Rock hold special spiritual significance for indigenous Australians Image by Wallula from PixabayThe Mayan: Mathematical GeniusIf any civilisation qualifies for the title, it would have to be the Mayans.Brutal and bloodthirsty though they were, they nevertheless created complex societies with a distinct hierarchy, they most certainly created magnificent architecture and large cities and they made ample use of technology.Upon discovering the glyphs that adorned Mayan buildings, statues and pottery, archaeologists thought they were not much more than elaborate doodles until 1952, when Russian linguist Yuri Knorosov deciphered them.At the time, credibility in anything Russian was strained due to the Cold War. Besides, ‘mainstream’ archaeologists thought the symbols were commemorations; more like tributes to gods.It wasn’t until Tatiana Proskouriakoff, a prominent Mayanist, discovered a glyph at the base of a temple that included three dates, two of whic h had an accompanying symbol.She realised that these dates corresponded with the birth and ascension of the king that was buried there, and the date of his death.The world collectively gasped at the realisation that Mayans were not a peaceful, religious, learned people but quite brutal and bloodthirsty.Much to the relief of scholars, the Mayan’s long history, once thought virtually destroyed save for Spanish recountings of it, lies completely exposed on virtually every lintel, stelae and temple for all to see; it needed only interpretation.The Mayans had been writing since the third century BC and they were not shy about reporting on their military conquests and their disposal of prisoners.Imagine how much more we could have learned had the Spanish bishop not burned all but four of their books...Ancient Egypt: the Preeminent CivilisationPicture the scene: you and your tribe have been walking north for days. You come from the central region of Africa and you have been following the river. It is getting larger, more powerful and the further you walk, the greener the land gets.Food here is abundant; plenty of beasts to hunt and lots of vegetation. Your tribe decides to stay in spite of other tribes scattered about; after all, there is plenty here for everyone.Far be it for us to say that is how the ancient Egyptian civilization got started but the truth can’t be too far off.As early as 5,000 years ago, individual colonies were established up and down the Nile, each one making their own advances in creating tools and possibly establishing trade with neighbouring tribes... or fighting. Or both.Along comes Menes who, through a combination of diplomacy and war, unites the two halves of Egypt; the Red land in the Delta and the White land to the south.He founds Memphis right on the border of the two realms, calls it the capital and proclaims himself king.  So begins nearly 3,000 years of dynastic rule of Egypt.Like so many ancient civilizations, progression to esta blished cities with functioning governments was not linear: it did not go from barren outpost to a just society with laws and institutions without pitfalls.Three times in this country’s long history, social, political and military upheaval caused the collapse of civilisation; each time, it was built anew.Some kings were so arrogant they raided the coffers to establish their legacy, others were so pious they rejected all gods in favour of only one. Some kings were too young to rule; their mothers functioned as regents until they reached a proper level of maturity.And one king was happy to let his mother rule until her death.The papyrus and the pyramids; the paintings and the statues have much to inform on; the civilisation of ancient Egypt is just waiting for you to discover it... The Sphinx and the pyramids are immediately recognisable symbols of Egypt Image by Marcin Chuc from PixabayThe Aztec: Master AgrariansThe Aztec civilisation is known for many things, among them the brutality of their warfare and the ruthlessness of their sacrificial offerings.Aspects of their short-lived dominion that seem to pale in comparison to the amount of blood they spilt include their treatment of women, their educational mandates, and their amazing floating gardens.The people initially known as the Mexica presumably migrated from North America; no one is really sure.However, one fact stands out: they were one of the last of the nomadic tribes to arrive in Mesoamerica. For that, they suffered the indignity of having to ask for a parcel of land to settle on.Was it cunning political manoeuvering that led them to beseech the king for favours time and again? Or did their seeming arrogance develop later â€" as their city, population and reputation grew?Because surely, it was more t han a bit of bluster that led them to subjugate first the king’s foes and then, after a horrible event that caused the king to drive the Aztecs from the land he had granted them, to dominate the tribes around their city.Well, that’s not quite true.Once the Aztec spotted what they thought was a divine sign that they had arrived at the land they were destined to occupy, they set about building a city to rival all others in Mesoamerica.Never mind that the land they felt destined to occupy was an island in the middle of a lake; the clever Aztec only saw opportunity.They soon got to work building magnificent temples, a royal palace and public buildings: government offices, schools and mercantile.Because they only had so much land â€" remember, they lived on an island, they engineered an ingenious solution to their agricultural woes.Because their society was so complex, they also devised an elaborate writing system to record official transactions as well as events in their daily lives .Every Aztec learned to read, write and do maths â€" boy or girl, rich or poor. And then, based on their demonstrated aptitude, they went on to study medicine, astronomy or history.The Aztecs had it all: an elaborate social structure underpinned by complex institutions, housed in a large city that was home to magnificent architecture.This was a society advanced by technology; a society we know of today because of the vast number of codices or books they left behind. These books form a record of their lives.Considering the remarkable progression from nomadic tribe to established civilisation within less than 100 years, isn’t it such a shame that they are mostly remembered for their bloodlust and barbaric sacrifices?It is said that there are six cradles of civilization located around the world, so named because it was there that people, long ago, established how humans will live: in societies with a system of laws and spiritual/religious beliefs.Those people, our ancestors, built ma gnificent structures to honour their gods and leaders, invented and employed technology to establish their legacy: those population centres, large and replete with infrastructure.Not every ancient society is a civilization but all of humanity’s ancestors have made our legacy as rich as it is long... haven't they?

What Are the Different Ways to Paint

What Are the Different Ways to Paint Which Painting Techniques Should You Use? ChaptersPainting with Oil PaintsHow Do You Paint with Acrylics?Learn to Paint with WatercoloursHow Do You Use Pastels?“Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul.” - Vincent Van GoghThere are very few people in this world who don’t like music.What about painting?Painting is a great way to unwind during your free time. You can either paint in silence or listen to music while you do it.But which technique should you use? Oil paints? Watercolours?Which paintbrush should you use? Which painters should you copy?If you're an absolute beginner, here’s our guide to the different painting techniques, tricks, and methods!You need to be careful when choosing which paints to use as you need to consider their consistency, whether you need solid colours, translucent paints, subtle colours, or bold strokes, and how they act once they've dried! FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1s t lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPainting with Oil PaintsWhen we think of painting courses, we often think of our classes at school with poster paints and thick sheets of paper.Oil painting is tricky but can have amazing results when done right. (Source: freephotocc)However, very few artists use poster paints since they prefer oil painting techniques.Oil paints were invented in the 15th century by the Van Eyck brothers and oils have been used throughout the ages and are found on a lot of pieces in a lot of museu ms. Artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Braque, Monet, Courbet, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Delacroix all used oils in their work.Oil paints are made from pigments and a drying oil. That said, when we say oil paint dries, we should actually say that it hardens. That’s what makes using it quite complicated.If you want to learn how to paint with oil paints, there are few you’ll need to follow to stop your work from cracking. You need to understand the characteristics of oil paints.One of the most important rules is to wait for a few weeks for each layer of paint to dry. A lot of artists also start with an underpainting. This acts as a foundation for their work.This means it’ll take several sittings to complete a piece. You’ll need to sketch out your ideas with charcoal and start with very thin layers before painting over your artwork with thicker layers later on.  Artists also sometimes add a glaze to their oil painting. Glazing can give you some excellent results in terms of lighting .Waiting so long to fix any mistakes might seem quite mad. However, the artists who don’t follow this rule will end up with a canvas covered in cracks.The surface of the painting will harden quicker than the layers underneath because it’s in contact with the end. This means that over time the upper layer will crack. This is why you can’t immediately paint over a layer.Painting with oils is a technique that can take some time to get used to. You’ll need to learn how it works and the possibilities it offers.You’ll soon see why a lot of artists chose this medium for their masterpieces. With oils, the paint can achieve incredibly realistic tones and transparent effects. Impressionist painters worked out how to create impressive finishes with oil where you could see each tiny brushstroke and where every bristle touched the paint.If you visit an art museum, you're probably going to see plenty of canvases using oils.Find painting classes near me on Superprof.How Do You Paint with Acrylics?Acrylic painting is often chosen by artists because of how easy it is to do and how well the paints work with oil paints, which can sometimes be quite expensive.Acrylics were initially designed for buildings and cars rather than decorative painting in the United States before they made their way into Europe and the UK. Andy Warhol did a lot of acrylic art.You can use acrylics for a variety of different pieces: portrait painting, still lifes, landscapes, etc., anything goes! The techniques are often taught alongside the techniques for using poster paints, Indian ink, dry pastels, charcoal, watercolours, etc.Don't forget to buy the right brushes. (Source: kboom831)Acrylics dry very quickly. This means you can create pieces without having to wait as long as you have had to for an oil painting to dry.Acrylics can be simple to use. However, it’s often impossible to retouch certain colours because they dry so quickly. This means that you can be left with all the brush strokes visible on your easel.It can be useful when studying other artists and copying famous pieces by artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Dali, Picasso, Monet, Manet, etc.Acrylic paint is great for adding texture to your work. While you probably think that you have to paint with brushes, you can paint with a palette knife, giving you wonderful textured results.  In fact, there are plenty of acrylic painting techniques you can use and you can paint on most surfaces.To learn about painting with acrylics, there are a few steps you should follow. You should pay a visit to local art schools, associations, or workshops to get some practice in.You can also get private art tutorials to learn how to use acrylics. You can get tutorials at home, online, whatever you fancy! You can find art tutors on Superprof, of course, as well as through bulletin boards in local businesses.If you prefer working alone, you can teach yourself a bit by watching online video tutorials, practising, and correcting your er rors. However, if you want some good acrylic painting tips, you should get private painting tutorials.However you decide to learn to use acrylics, don’t forget to enjoy yourself when you’re painting! They're great for an abstract painting composition, especially if you're using the impasto technique where you can see each stroke and end up with some fantastic textures. When you're finished, make sure to varnish your paintings to get a bit of gloss out of them.If you want acrylic painting lessons, you should get in touch with a private tutor to help you with a demonstration of how to get the most out of these paints.Learn to Paint with WatercoloursWatercolours are popular amongst travellers and are a medium that’s growing in popularity.  However, this wasn’t always the case. Watercolour paints have been around for ages and were often seen as a way to study art. They were often used to prepare works that would be later painted in oils or acrylics.  Nowadays it’s recognised a nd used as a medium in its own right again.There are often painting lessons for those wanting to do landscape painting (or cityscape), a still life, or portraits in watercolours.Watercolours will often give you pastel tones. (Source: ulleo)Watercolours are different because you’re painting with water, basically, because it's the only thing you add to the pigment. While watercolours are soluble in water, the binder stops the pigments from dissolving in the water.That’s what’s different about watercolours classes. To paint with watercolours, you need a bit of paint and lots of water. The great thing about watercolours is the lack of materials you’ll need. You just need a tub of paints, sheets of paper, and a paintbrush, and you’re ready to go.However, be careful when using watercolours. The paint reacts to the water and means if you put water back on a layer of dry paint, it’ll start mixing with the next layer of paint you’re adding. As a general rule of thumb, start wit h larger lighter areas and build up layers of darker tones and shadows over the top.This is both an advantage and disadvantage of using watercolours as it allows you to touch up your painting whenever you want.To learn the techniques you’ll need to use watercolours, you can get in touch with private tutors or pay a visit to an art school or workshop. Teachers in art schools normally have a good understanding of a variety of styles and mediums. While beginners are often taught to use watercolours, you can get some great results with them.Don’t forget to invest in an art pad to protect all your works from the rain on the way out of class! A bit of water and your painting can be ruined as the paint washes away.How Do You Use Pastels?Pastel painting is one of the less common “painting” techniques. Some consider it a drawing technique while others are happy to consider it a type of painting.You can use pastels both when you’re drawing and when you’re painting. It completely d epends on the type of pastels you’re using.There are different pastels for different tastes. You can use dry pastels (soft pastels or hard pastels) or oil or wax pastels.Some pastels can be used with water while others are better used on their own.What type of pastels should you buy? (Source: stux)Whatever you’re doing, you’re going to have to decide which pastels are the right ones for you. Of course, a private tutor or art teacher could help you decide, too.A good teacher will also help you with other techniques (pencils, charcoal, poster paints, watercolours, sanguine, Indian ink, coloured pencil, markers, etc.) as well as how to use all the different types of pastels.  However, you have to use pastels in layers. This is because pastels won’t mix on a sheet of paper.You need to build up layers to achieve different colours.  The simplest way to improve is by regularly practising at home until you’ve got the hang of how to use them.Pastels are very versatile and can be us ed in a variety of ways. You can use them for sketching out painting ideas, you can use the edges to make bold lines, the side to cover large areas, and blend them with your fingers to create areas of solid opaque or matte colours. However, don't overuse blending as it can very quickly turn defined shapes and shades into a childish looking mess.Practise by copying famous works and images. Some teachers carry a box of postcards for source material. You can use them for inspiration or copy them directly. When it comes to painting for beginners, it always helps to have some source material.If you need help or advice, you should look for teachers or tutors that focus on using pastels. Don't forget that pastels will stain so always keep your works in an art pad so they don't rub against each other.It can take time to master art techniques. You won’t become the next Picasso or De Vinci overnight! While this isn't probably what beginners want to hear, with a bit of instruction from a pro fessional, you'll soon get the hang of applying paint to surfaces and start making decent progress.As the old adage goes, different strokes for different folks so go check out some online art galleries for inspiration. There are also plenty of art videos on YouTube, too!

All About Stradivarius Violins

All About Stradivarius Violins Stradivarius Instruments and their Amazing Legacy ChaptersThe Stradivari Family: A HistoryWhat Makes Stradivarius Violins So Special?Original Stradivarius Violins: Where are They Now?The Stradivari LegacyRegardless of whether or not you’ve ever picked up a violin or had violin tuition of any kind, the name ‘Stradivarius’ will mean something to you.‘Stradivarius’, the world-famous name given to the string instruments created by one of the finest luthiers in the history of violin making, Antonio Stradivari, represents the genius craftsmanship which is believed to have resulted in the sound of perfection.But what exactly makes Stradivarius violins so remarkable? What is the history of the Stradivari family? Can you still buy an original Stradivarius musical instrument today?Surviving instruments crafted by Antonio Stradivari sell for millions of dollars at auction, however, they are so rare that even if you have this kind of money in your back pocket, the chances of coming across an original 17th or 18th-century Strad are ver y small.There is, however, a number of violin makers who work to recreate certain Stradivarius models as accurately as possible in the hope of bringing the trademark Stradivarius tone back to life once again. Thus, it is possible to buy a violin with a similar sound - but it still won't be a genuine Stradivarius.If you’re interested in the rich history of string instruments and finding out more about why Stradivari pedigree is so prized, our guide is here to tell you all you need to know and Stradivarius violins. TomViolin Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StacyViolin Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtieViolin Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BenedictViolin Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaisiiaViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AmyViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuísViolin Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1s t lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoViolin Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Stradivari Family: A HistoryStradivarius violins were made by renowned  Italian luthier Antoni Stradivari and his family in the 17th and 18th centuries â€" but how, why and where did it all begin?Although little is known about the details of Stradivari’s life, historians estimate that he was born in Cremona in 1644.Before Antoni Stradivarius was born and made is way in the world as an expert maker of stringed instruments, the city of Cremona had long been regarded as the Italian capital of master violin craftsmen.In fact, it is believed that Antonius Stradivarius (to use the Latin form of his name) was trained as a pupil of Nicolò Amati â€" a leading violin maker at that time who came from a long line of master luthiers who contributed to the development of the style of violin played today.Towards the end of his apprenticeship, Stradivari was working to create his own instr uments while he continued to work for Amati until he set up his own workshop in the late 1660s.Stradivari experimented with the proportions of the violins, violas and cellos that he crafted in an attempt to produce the best possible tone.It was Antonio Stradivari who devised the shape and size of the modern violin, as well as details such as the shape of the bridge.Cremona has long been regarded as the capital of violin making ¦ source: Pixabay - maristeneva0Stradivari’s contribution to modern violin making is perhaps one of the many reasons why his instruments are still regarded as the best of their kind in existence.The Stradivari legacy lived on in two of Antonio Stradivari’s six sons, Francesco Stradivari and Omobono Stradivari, who continued to produce string instruments under the famous Stradivarius label, each one developing their own artistic signatures in the violins’ purfling.So, the reason that the Stradivari name is so famous in the world of music is the contribut ion of the family to the development of the modern-day violin in all its forms, the viola, cello and even the mandolin.What Makes Stradivarius Violins So Special?The violins and other members of the string family crafted by Antonio Stradivari are regarded as the first modern violins in terms of their dimensions and proportions â€" but why exactly did this design become so successful after years of experimenting?One New York Times article explains a study done by a researcher at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Missouri to determine how Stradivari’s pioneering design differed from the instruments that preceded it.The Researcher, Dr. Dan Chitwood, used back and front photographs of a range of violins and compared them using a method for comparing the shape and form of plant species to statistically map the shape of Stradivari’s designs to those of other luthiers throughout history.Stradivari's design has influenced violin making for centuries ¦ source: New York TimesThe fi ndings of this research seemed to indicate that the shape of a violin does little to affect the sound of the instrument. Instead, other factors such as the wood from which a violin’s body is carved as well as the varnish, which is often disregarded as a ‘finishing touch’, can change the timbre significantly. No amount of violin tuning can replicate the Stradivarius sound on an inferior instrument.However, Dr. Chitwood’s research did indicate that over time, the distinctive Stradivari design became widely adopted by other master luthiers in the 19th century as they strived to reproduce the Stradivari sound for themselves.So, does this mean that the trend of replicating the Stradivari shape, which is still so prominent, was all for nothing?This finding might debunk the legend of the magic craftsmanship of Antoni Stradivari, but other luthiers also recognised the importance of using certain materials in the construction of their string instruments.So, while the focus on the gen eral shape of the violin may have been unnecessary, the quest to use the exact type of wood used by Stradivari and unlock the Stradivari formula to varnish it was not completely fruitless.Following in the footsteps of Antonio Stradivari and his family has led to a standard shape for the modern violin as well as the production of many high-quality copies which, when the violins are porperly cared for , are on-par with the original Strads according to blind sound tests.Original Stradivarius Violins: Where are They Now?Antoni Stradivari crafted violins in the 17th and 18th centuries â€" that means that the existing original instruments are around 300 years old!But how many instruments did Stradivari make? And how many have survived three centuries?It is believed that during his life, Antonio Stradivari put his stamp on over 1,000 string instruments. These were mainly violins, but his work also included harps, guitars, violas and cellos.Today, around 650 of these instruments bearing the original Stradivarius label are recorded as having survived the past 300-or-so years.So, what happened to the missing 350 instruments?300 years is a long time for anything to survive in pristine condition, and a lot can happen in that amount of time. Many of Stradivari’s creations have been stolen or  lost in accidents such as floods, house fires and even bombings during the world wars.Due to their reputation for being incredibly valuable, very few of them have not been accounted for or recovered.In fact, there is a website dedicated to keeping track of each and every one of the remaining Stradivarius instruments, where visitors can track the whereabouts of each violin, viola and cello.Although a Stradivarius pedigree is seen as priceless, original instruments can fetch eye-watering amounts of money at auction.The highest Stradivarius violin price paid at auction is $16,000,000 (that’s £9.5 million!).There was also an attempt to fetch even more in 2014, when a Stradivari viola was put to auction at Sotheby's with a minimum bid of $45,000,000 ( £27 million), however, the minimum bid was not reached and the viola remains in private hands.Who owns these legendary instruments anyway?Many of Stradivari’s instruments are owned by professional violinists, collectors and aristocrats while some are on display in museums.It is becoming increasingly common for owners of these famed instruments to loan them to professionals for a period of time.For instance, one violin made in 1667 known by the sobriquet ex-Captain Saville is on loan to the famous virtuoso André Rieu, who regularly performs with a symphony orchestra.Keeping the Stradivari sound alive: André Rieu on stage ¦ source: Visualhunt - ~BC~Another of Stradivari’s 1667 works is recorded as being sold to a collector by the name of Francis Aranyi in 1986.So, the violins created by Antonio Stradivari for the art of playing violin music have grown in other types of value as symbols of the rich history of l utherie.The Stradivari LegacyAlthough the original Stradivari and his two luthier sons have long stopped creating string instruments and bows, their legacy lives on in the violins of today.We’ve already seen how the Stradivarius violin shape has been adopted as the standard for modern violins, but did you know that to this day there are still violin makers who strive to exactly replicate these 300-year-old masterpieces?Aside from the companies who mass-produce student violins using the same dimensions of the most famous Strads, there are also many luthiers who seek out the exact materials used by Stradivari in order to make their tributes to the famous craftsman as authentic as possible.In China, master luthier Xue Ping Hue has created a series of replicas of Stradivari’s 1715 Il Cremonese, using only the finest materials in an attempt to create an instrument with the same tonal quality as the original. This limited-edition replica is on the market for £1,999. Fortunately, begi nner violins cost a lot less!So, even modern-day Stradivarius replicas come with a hefty price tag.If you’re a budding violinist or music maestro (conductor or concertmaster), the fascinating story of the Stradivari family and their legendary string instruments is awe-inspiring â€" who knows? Maybe one day you could play a genuine Stradivarius for yourself.Are you looking for violin lessons London or other cities in the UK? Superprof can help!

5 Effective Ways to Learn Italian Online

5 Effective Ways to Learn Italian Online Madalyn Danielson While in-person Italian lessons can be extremely valuable, some people simply lack the time and money to schedule regular sessions. In this case, learning Italian online is a great option. The Benefits of Learning Italian Online Learning Italian online or any language for that matter has many advantages, such as: Flexible scheduling: Trying to sync schedules with a tutor can be difficult for some students. Whether you prefer to take lessons late at night or early in the morning, you can easily fit online lessons into your busy schedule. Lower costs: Commuting 20 minutes once or twice a week to meet with your Italian tutor can put a dent in your piggy bank. With online lessons, the furthest you have to travel is to your couch or desk! Larger pool of experts: Depending on where you live, there might be a shortage of local, qualified Italian instructors. Without any geographic boundaries keeping you away, you have the ability to choose from thousands of online tutors. Whether you want to take online lessons with an expert tutor or simply want to teach yourself through games and tutorials, there are tons of resources available online. Below, we explore five different ways to learn Italian online as well as evaluate the pros and cons of each. 1. Italian Lessons on Skype Skype, a free online video platform, is one of the most popular options for students looking to take Italian lessons online with a teacher or native speaker. Pros As long as you have a reliable mobile device and good Internet connection, you can learn Italian from just about anywhere whether it’s in an airport or in the comfort of your own home. With Skype, you have instant access to materials, such as PDFs, audio files, and videos, which are often much cheaper than textbooks. For a small fee, Skype allows you to make international video calls, which means you can take lessons with a native Italian speaker. Cons Some types of exercises for instance, writing in Italian may be difficult to complete over Skype. Taking lessons online can be disconcerting for students who prefer having face-to-face interactions with their teachers and enjoy getting to know them on a personal level. Using technology leaves you vulnerable to technical difficulties. For example, video calls drop unexpectedly, which can cause your learning to come to a screeching halt. 2. Italian Lessons on Google+ Hangouts Google+ Hangouts is another popular online video platform. Although the platform is similar to Skype, there are a few distinct differences in terms of advantages and disadvantages. Pros With Google Hangouts, you’re able to participate in a group video call with up to 10 people. This is a great option for students who like to take lessons in group settings. Google Hangouts allows users to start a conversation on one device and finish it on a different one, as all conversations are synced across devices. Cons In order to use Google Hangouts, you need set up a Google+ account, which can be an annoyance for some students and teachers. After all, do you really want to have to remember another username and password? Similar to Skype, Google Hangouts can have technical difficulties, such as muffled speech and paused motion. 3. Italian YouTube Tutorials YouTube is a great resource in which you can find tons of tutorials about learning Italian, covering a variety of topics and skill levels. Pros Don’t you wish you could tape some of the awesome lessons you had with your teacher? The great thing about YouTube is that you can revisit topics and refresh your memory any time you want. You can try tutorials from a wide variety of teachers. Once you find a specific teacher or set of teachers you like, you can subscribe to their channel to ensure you get updates on new videos posted. Cons Watching YouTube videos only allows for passive learning you will not have the chance to practice your speaking skills  or your writing abilities. Interacting with the instructor who created the videos is very difficult, meaning that you will not be able to ask for extra help if you are struggling to understand a particular concept. 4. Italian Online Games and Quizzes Online Italian vocabulary quizzes and games can help you perfect your skills while staying engaged! Transparent Language and Digital Dialects are two great choices if youre looking for fun activities. Pros Let’s face it: Learning a new language can be boring at times. Quizzes and games keep learning interesting and fun. With online quizzes and games, you can test a variety of different skills and knowledge, including grammar, vocabulary, listening, and reading. Cons Without a teacher present, there’s no way for you to ask questions when you get an answer wrong. Thoroughly learning a language through quizzes and games is limited these activities are better suited for practice. 5. Italian Language Learning Blogs Many language teachers have blogs where they share great study tips and resources for learning Italian. While there are many advantages to reading these blogs, they also have their drawbacks. Pros Blogs give you the chance to read in-depth articles about a particular topic whether it’s grammar, Italian culture, or numbers. If you would like to enhance your Italian through reading blogs, try Learn Italian with Lucrezia or Italian Language Blog. Many bloggers will have give visitors the option of viewing content in Italian, which can help improve your reading and comprehension skills. Cons Learning Italian through blogs is another passive activity that often makes it difficult to properly retain information. Bloggers often post content for a variety of readers, meaning all content might not be relevant to your interests. You’ll have to spend some time sifting through articles to find what you’re looking for. You will only get so far learning on your own, and even Italian speakers may be unsure about how to explain the more complex grammar topics. The best way to learn Italian online is to take lessons with a qualified teacher. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Francisco Osorio