Wildlife art is nothing new - since humans first learnt to draw, animals have been a ready source of artistic inspiration. In southern Africa, rock paintings on datable stones and deposits have been found that are thousands of years old.

What is new is the accessibility and affordability of top-class wildlife art prints.

While modern man’s relationship with wild animals is very different to that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors for whom animals were a source of food and clothing, our interest in wildlife remains undimmed. In fact, as a burgeoning population uses ever more resources, encroaching on the remaining wildlife habitats, there is at the same time a growing realization of how critical it is to protect our planet’s endangered animals.

This conservation awareness is particularly evident among wildlife artists. They, after all, need to understand their subjects so are more attuned to issues like climate change and the impact this is having on nature and the ecology.

Artists are also conscious that a growing interest in conservation and wildlife means a larger audience for their work. A larger audience means more diverse tastes, which is good for the artists. Although fashion and taste have never remained static, a smaller pool of buyers did mean less scope for artistic expression. If the “in thing” was ultra-realistic paintings of waterfowl, then that’s what a wildlife artist had to produce to survive.

Nowdays, with more people interested in and exposed to wildlife art, there’s more room for diversity. From photo-realistic drawings to abstract paintings, the variety of wildlife art available is simply astounding.

The biggest advantage for the wildlife enthusiast is that so much that’s on offer is now affordable, thanks to advances in digital technology and modern printing methods.

Naturally everyone would love to own originals, but for those of us who can’t afford them, we’re fortunate that the quality of art reproductions has improved in leaps and bounds, making superb wildlife art prints available at low prices. Prints also come in a variety of sizes and print surfaces, from textured paper to cotton canvas, giving the buyer an even wider choice.

Wildlife prints by renowned artists like John Banovich, Robert Bateman and Ruane Manning can now be acquired and enjoyed by ordinary people.

And it’s not only artwork that’s more accessible to the man in the street. Wildlife photographs by many of the world’s leading photographers can also be purchased at reasonable prices. Photographs are digitally printed on archival photographic paper, producing vivid, pure colors and exceptional detail.

These photographic wildlife prints are readily available by big names like Art Wolfe, Steve Bloom, Beverly Joubert, and Michel and Christine Denis-Hout.

The net result is that both art lovers and wildlife enthusiasts have never had a greater selection of wildlife prints from which to choose, at prices most of us can afford.

It may lie just 70 miles off the coast of West Africa, but the small Canary Island of Lanzarote is Spanish owned. And has long been a hot favourite with British and Irish tourists – who accounted for over one million visitors last year – attracted by a delightful year round climate, good quality holiday accommodation and the island’s unique volcanic scenery.

Flights to Lanzarote depart on a regular basis from most European countries, and once you arrive there are some fantastic villas in Lanzarote for you to stay in or you could choose a hotel or apartment depending on your preference.

Lanzarote is just four hours flying time from the UK – making it the closest winter sun destination to Britain and Eire. And it’s serviced by numerous low cost flight operators, such as Monarch, easy Jet and Thomas Cook. Making it possible to book flights to Lanzarote from around £200 per person – depending of course on the time of year.

Despite the number of tourists visiting the island there is only one international airport on Lanzarote – and it’s named after the nearby island capital of Arrecife. Although locals refer to it as Gaucimeta. Thanks to its central location and the small size of the island transfer times to the three main resorts are very quick, averaging out at only 20 minutes.

The majority of visitors to the island arrive on package holidays. So they are usually transferred to their resort on board coaches provided by their tour operators. But Lanzarote is also very popular with independent tourists who like to make their own travel arrangements. And they rely on either taxis or hire cars to get them to their resort accommodation.

Hiring a car in Lanzarote is surprisingly cheap in relation to many other holiday destinations around the world. It’s possible to rent a basic class C vehicle for as little as €20 per day, whilst petrol is also much more affordable than in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

Around 40% of all visitors book hotels in Lanzarote, which are of a high standard, particularly in the island’s newest resort of Playa Blanca in the south of the island. There all establishments built over the last 10 years are of a four star standard and above.

Puerto del Carmen is the spot to head for for those planning to book apartments in Lanzarote, as the island’s oldest resort has the highest concentration of apartment complexes of any destination on the island.

Lanzarote also offers holiday makers plenty to do. The island boasts lots of natural beauty – such as the Valley of 1000 Palms and the famous Green Lagoon at El Golfo. Along with some incredible man made attractions – such as the Mirador del Rio and the Cesar Manrique Foundation. Which was constructed by the island bon artist of the same name from five underground bubbles in the lava flow. And which is - by some distance – the most unique property in lanzarote.

For more great travel articles visit the vacations and world travel blog.

NB: See our Lanzarote Gallery for outstanding Lanzarote Prints and Posters.

There is an old saying in the art community that goes something like this: “Buy only what you like and pay only what the enjoyment of owning the work is worth to you”.

People who follow this rule when buying art prints have the satisfaction of building a collection that can provide many years of enjoyment.

Because tastes in art vary widely, “what you like” isn’t necessarily what your neighbor – or the art critics – like. Generally, we buy artwork because the subject evokes pleasant memories or experiences. The setting, atmosphere, and mood also add to enjoyment of the artwork.

So, unless you’re collecting art as an investment, buy what you like and enjoy the result. And here you can’t go too far wrong with art prints.

Today, art prints offer a huge range of choices and are also the most affordable. Note that we’re using “art prints” to mean art reproductions and not original prints.

Okay, so what’s the difference?

An art reproduction is where a high resolution scan is made of the original painting and then copies made using a variety of printing methods including off-set printing, giclee, or high quality inkjets. The reproduction can also be printed at different sizes and on different surfaces such as textured paper or canvas.

An original print on the other hand is not a copy of an existing work. Instead, from the outset the artist envisages a picture that can be created a number of times from an image drawn initially on a printing surface such as a metal plate, wood, linoleum, or stone (called a matrix).

This matrix is then used to print the image, usually by hand, on sheets of paper. So each print is in effect an “original”. Examples include etchings, lithographs, serigraphs (silk-screen), woodcuts and linocuts.

Because each print is usually hand-made by the artist, the number produced is typically quite small. Traditionally each print is then signed by the artist in pencil and given a number to indicate the size of the edition. This is the origin of “limited edition” prints.

The end result is that a genuine or original print will cost a lot more than an art reproduction. Below is an example of an etching by Eric Hesketh-Hubbard, an English artist born in 1892, titled “The Wheelwright”. It is signed by the artist in the margin and is number 32 of 50. (Courtesy Anne Hedley Fine Art).

Although modern artworks are also sometimes produced as limited edition prints, the size of the editions is much bigger, often numbering in the hundreds, as the prints can be machine produced.

In most cases though art reproductions are “open edition” – in other words, there’s no limit on the number that can be printed and more can always be made to meet demand.

The advantage for the buyer with open edition prints is that prices can be kept low, while the artwork is also available in a variety of sizes and on a choice of surfaces. Add to that the many framing options and there’s no reason why you can’t decorate your home or office with tastefully framed prints that reflect your personal style, that will give years of enjoyment and – importantly - will not drain your finances.

The World Traveler

Planning a trip? How to select travel guide books that are a fine investment?

You’ve been saving up all year long for your dream vacation . You go to sleep with visions of adventure, sightseeing and a new perspective of the world at large . You’ve taken care of your airfare, transportation, insurance and a common itinerary. If you’re going far afield from your home base, you know that travel direct books are a necessity.

If you’re not a seasoned traveler, you might be shortchanging yourself with the basic , all-around travel guide book. You need at least one all-purpose travel guide book which covers the basics .

Sightseeing must-do’s, getting around, a few restaurant and hotel recommendations, and a short recap of museum attractions are all you need , right? Not so fast! Let’s take a look at some of the specialized travel guide books that can make all the difference between a ho-hum experience and a truly enchanting and memorable trip.

Wouldn’t you love to stay in a medieval castle with modern plumbing, for the same price as a plain-Jane chain hotel? If your stay is extended , wouldn’t you like to know where you can stay in a fully-furnished apartment for the same price as a hotel? Take benefits of this type of travel guide book. If your route involves traveling from city to city, your hotel accommodations become more important.

Check your bookstore for travel books that review hundreds of hotels, residencies and B&B accommodations. Such books are written by devoted and regular travelers who find out those cheap sleeps and out of the way hotels, with an eye to value, charm and amenities. Such a travel guide is worth its weight in gold.

If you’re into museum hopping, make the most of your trip with a travel guide devoted to museums. Your trip time is limited. A museum guide can help you zero in on the ones you’d kick yourself for missing.

If you love shopping, or are on a business buying trip, investing in a shopping travel guide book pays you ten times over. This assortment of travel guide book is written by a shopaholic, experienced in those little out of the way shops you’d never find on your own, except perhaps by accident. Detailed descriptions of the type and quality of goods available in any given shop will save you lots of time and research, leading you by the hand to insider gems.

If you’re going to a non-English speaking country, a travel guide book of conversational phrases can be very useful! Such books cover many common foreign dilemmas. When are the banks and post offices open? What’s the present etiquette on tipping? How about ordering at a restaurant? Where do you do your laundry? This type of travel guide keeps you on the planet, so to speak, in a foreign country.

Come to think of it, perusing the travel section in your local book store just adds to the excitement of your upcoming trip. A great way to stretch your travel dollar and your memories, once you’re back home.

NB: Please take a moment to browse our fabulous Travel Posters and Prints, featuring photography and artwork that will bring to life all those favorite travel destinations.

Go directly to the Jack Vettriano Gallery to browse a superb selection of Jack Vettriano Prints

Artist Jack Vettriano (birth name Jack Hoggan) was born in Fife, Scotland in 1951. It was only after a girlfriend gave him a set of watercolor paints for this 21st birthday that he started teaching himself to paint. In 1989, at the age of 38, he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual exhibition. Both were accepted and sold immediately.

In 2004 The Singing Butler (below), Jack Vettriano’s best known painting, was sold at Sotheby’s for close to £750,000. In the same year he was awarded an OBE for Services to the Visual Arts.

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Fortunately, reproductions of his paintings, particularly Jack Vettriano Prints and Jack Vettriano Posters, have made his artwork available to those for whom originals or limited-edition prints are just too costly.

Because of innovative technology and advances in digital printing, it’s now feasible to print low numbers of art reproductions at affordable prices. And, while prices have dropped for small print runs, the caliber of fine art prints has improved. Advanced inkjet printers using a broad array of inks can produce vivid, pure colors, exceptional detail and subtle hues previously only achievable with the most expensive of machinery.

This means the normal person now has access to Vettriano fine art prints reproduced from original Jack Vettriano artwork. Reproductions are made on archival quality materials and often include canvas prints, providing an even more authentic appearance.

Incidentally, a Giclée print (pronounced “zhee-clay”) is a type of inkjet print derived from the French term meaning to spray or squirt. Giclee prints can be produced on a variety of paper surfaces, including various textures such as matte photo paper, watercolor paper, cotton canvas, or artist textured vinyl.

Giclée prints, which can be over a meter wide, have no visible dot pattern and the final product has all the tonalities and hues of the original artwork. That means a Jack Vettriano Giclée will be virtually identical to the original.

When selecting a Vettriano print, one has various framing options available (see below) that allow one to infuse the artwork with personal taste, ensuring a degree of originality.

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Choosing a frame that complements not only the print but also the interior design space will add immensely to one’s appreciation of the artwork. Unless you’re very daring, it’s safest to keep it simple - modern frames with contemporary art, and so forth.

Using established interior design concepts allied with tasteful selection of the artist’s framed prints, it’s now quite feasible to decorate your home or office walls to look like a personalized Jack Vettriano gallery - without breaking your budget. After all, how many of us can afford just over a million dollars for an original? (The Singing Butler original went for around $1,070,000 at current exchange rates).

To visit Jack Vettriano’s official website, go to http://www.jackvettriano.com/index.php or to browse a selection of fine art reproductions, go to Jack Vettriano Prints.

If you are thinking about buying a small dog as a pet, remember that for the most part, they aren’t much different to a larger version. Having said that, there are certain points they need to be made aware of when looking after a small dog. Illustrated below are some points you will need to consider for the daily requirements for a tiny breed of dog.

Choosing a Dog

Feeding:

Naturally you’re going to feed your dog daily, but the standard-size kibble at the grocery store may be too large for your dog to eat comfortably. Make sure that your dog gets a kibble which suits his tiny mouth and you could get these along with the premium brand of dog foods. Although if you feed you dog with canned food this should not present a problem.

Good Dogs as Pets

Methods of containing them:

Every dog needs the following: regular exercise, an outdoor place for his potty needs, and an enclosed area which provides the animal with security. You need to be careful here as the large fencing used to protect a larger dog may just be too big for a small dog, since there are convenient gaps below and in between making it easy for the smaller dog to kneel down and escape through it.

It may seem bizarre but it has been known for very large birds to actually take tiny dogs from their gardens. A simple answer to this problem is to construct an enclosed play area which should stop this from happening.

Dog Care

How to train the dog:

While tiny dogs aren’t any harder to train than large dogs, the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. Be it a pocket or purse-fitting dog, remember that the small dog still belong to that species of animals which follow pack behavior, and incidentally the dog and not the owner leads the pack. It’s a wise idea to make sure your pet is thoroughly house trained, no matter how small and inconsequential the mess might seem when he misses.

Dog experts also suggest you make your dog work for you, to keep him responsive to your rules. Never reward a dog with goodies or a meal till he has perfected your command for doing tricks or even simple jobs like sitting or fetching.

Grooming:

Keep in mind that grooming a small dog is slightly different to larger ones and cater for this.

Firstly, as they do not get the same type of outdoor exercise that a larger dog does whereby their nails are trimmed automatically, tiny dogs require their nails trimmed on a more regular basis. Tiny canines do not get the same sort of regular outdoor exercise on rough surfaces that controls their nail growth like a larger dog so they will need to be trimmed more often. As they are eating more canned food, their teeth will need to be brushed more regularly (at least twice per week) to eliminate unwanted and harmful deposits.

The above makes it clear that it does not matter whether you are taking care of a small dog or a large dog the methods are pretty much the same. These may seem like inconsequential points but they can and will make a big difference to your pets health and happiness.

NB: Please do take a minute to browse our adorable Puppy Prints and Posters featured in our Domestic Animals Gallery.

Little Wet Maltese in Bath Tub Photographic Print
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Maltese Puppy, USA Photographic Print
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Maltese with Puppies Photographic Print
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Domestic Dogs, Four Maltese Dogs Sitting in a Row, All with Bows in Their Hair
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See Maltese Dog Prints for our full gallery of maltese dog prints and posters.

The Maltese is a small dog, with a shoulder height of about 9” to10″ and weighing only 4 to 7 pounds. The characteristic silky white coat is long and straight and can reach to the ground if left untrimmed. The long hair is parted down the middle, from the nose to the tail.

Adding to the attractiveness and “cuteness” factor of the typical Maltese are the dark brown eyes and black nose that stand out against the white fur.

Many owners, particularly in warmer climates, will keep their Maltese clipped, trimming the fur to a length of one to two inches. This is known as a “puppy cut” as it makes the dogs look like Maltese puppies. Our gallery of maltese dog prints features these attractive pets with both long coat and puppy cut.

While the origins of the Maltese dog are shrouded in mystery, their roots are ancient and art objects going back 5000 years show dogs with similar looks. It’s a recorded fact that Maltese were popular with the Greeks and Romans, who kept the animals as lap dogs and carried them around with them - much as owners do today.

Although tiny in size, Maltese are renowned for their courage and show little fear of larger dogs. They make very good human companions as they’ve been bred for centuries as companion dogs. They thrive on love and attention and value time with their owners, which makes them suitable house pets also able to be kept in urban apartments. Because they are playful and active, their exercise needs are minimal, adding to their appeal as urban pets.

Maltese, being both intelligent and alert, are excellent watch dogs. While not given to excessive barking, they will generally sound the alarm at noises in the night.

Maltese dogs are known to be affectionate and, as a result, form strong bonds with their owners who likewise become big fans of the breed. If you’re one of those - and even if you’re not an owner - our Maltese dog prints gallery is definitely worth a browse.

The world has many fascinating things to offer, and putting together top ten travel destinations is pretty difficult give the geographical and cultural diversity. This article refers to the most popular locations identified or recognized starting from the statistics made with international travel agencies, and on the basis of travelers’ reviews posted on a number of web pages.

Top ten travel destinations

Latin America deserves a place on the list with Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Peru as favorite destinations but the remnants of the ancient Maya and Inca civilizations, or the modern and sunny Cancun are not to be overlooked either. The cultural charge, the leisure activities combined with some great weather conditions, make this part of the world become the holiday destination of millions of tourists from all over the world.

Europe deserves its good name for the great sights it offers to travelers: Paris, Rome, Venice, Spain’s Arab treasures and the misty lands of Ireland and Scotland, and these are just a few of the things that make the old continent one in the top ten travel destinations. Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza require a special mention here, as they complete the list of exotic resorts in the European part of the world.

Top ten travel destinations

The Egyptian Pyramids and Morocco mark any foreigner who visits them, and travel agencies sell thousands of touristic packages for holidays on the dark continent. One of the features of African resorts consists in the constant touristic push and a magic harmony in the mixture of cultures that mingle so thoroughly in the crowded North-African cities. No matter if you visit retreats in oases or famous resorts, this part of Africa will always rank among the top ten travel destinations.

Nepal, Bhutan and other countries on the Asian roof of the world fascinate and charm visitors alike. It is the Nepalese capital city, Kathmandu, with millennia of history that embraces most of the tourist crowds. As for the climbing of the Everest, very few courageous people dare to venture on the crests of Himalaya.

Top ten travel destinations

Last but not least, an impressive number of sunny islands can be included in a top ten travel destinations list: Bali, Jamaica, Crete, Hawaii and many others, which is why the list needs to be a lot more comprehensive, as so are the beauties man and God created. It goes without saying that the places closest to a person’s heart remain the ones to attract him/her for further exploration, and therefore, anyone can create a list of top ten travel destinations.

NB: Don’t forget to browse our World Regions Gallery for the best in Travel Prints and Posters, or jump straight to:

• Africa Prints and Posters
• Asia Prints and Posters
• Caribbean Prints and Posters
• Europe Prints and Posters
• Middle East Prints and Posters
• South America Prints and Posters
• United States Prints and Posters

All travel agencies worldwide have Hawaii as a favorite holiday destination. The reputation of these islands as a paradisaic location, the pleasantly warm weather, the spectacular ocean swell and lots of other local attractions keep Hawaii on the first position in the tops of most popular destinations.

Thus, with such a rich variety of Hawaii travel packages, the tourist needs to look carefully for the most advantageous choice. Hawaii represents a good destination throughout the year giving its beauties away to the visitor: there are palm-fringed beaches, storming rivers flowing through canyons, smoking volcanoes, blue lagoons, exotic rain forests and breath-taking water falls.

Hawaii travel packages

You can choose Hawaii travel packages for any of the six major islands: Molokai, Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Lanai. Each of them has distinct complex features that make them impossible to exhaust in terms of attractions this is actually the reason why people choose other Hawaii travel packages for next vacations.

Besides great tourist services, warm waters and sandy beaches, Hawaii gives one a first hand experience of what active volcanoes are like in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This could be the closest experience to red-hot lava in a lifetime, as you may never get the chance to repeat the experience.

If you think that the Hawaii from Hollywood films is just a beautiful or embellished story, you will pleasantly surprised to discover it is not. Some people even say this is paradise on earth, then, on a sun-drenched group of islands in the middle of the Pacific ocean, you could be living a dream.

The truth is that Hawaii travel packages don’t come cheap, but there is a trick about when to plan your vacation so as to save some hundreds of dollars. If you want to make the trip during the winter holidays you will most likely find very high prices for the services.

Hawaii travel packages

Another idea is not to pick the time of the year when the ocean swell is most favorable for surfing, otherwise you will also find the resorts pretty crowded. If you’ve found a reliable travel agency you will get advice in the direction of making a good deal and getting the most for your dollars.

High comfort levels are provided all throughout Hawaii, and sometimes it is preferable to pay for a trip in a retreated corner than to come in the middle of the most expensive resorts where the luxury strikes the eye. Moreover, anything too extravagant could also prove beyond your capacity to pay.

NB: Don’t forget to browse our superb selection of Hawaii Posters and Fine Art Prints in our Hawaii Gallery.

USA Travel Guide

The Lonely Planet is a recognizable and appreciated series and its USA edition has 129 pages of maps. It also highlights the major attractions and points out the very best National Parks. There are suggestions for road trips and some destinations, away from the common routes.

The sheer size of America can be devastating for the first time traveler. A USA Travel Guide is sensible and there are a number of quality ones available. Whether an overseas visitor or an American wanting to see the country, these guides have helpful maps, general information and highlights on sightseeing.

The United States is a wonderful holiday destination with its cities, deserts, mountains, and National Parks. There is something for each person with wildlife, culture, and entertainment.

The Rough Guide series is also very accepted , particularly with the younger generation of travelers. Their USA Travel Guide is broken down into the different states and lists the tourist places. There are helpful reviews on accommodation, restaurants and bars and advice from experts on different activities. Historic sights, culture spots and nightlife are all discussed. It’s great for finding your way about too with maps and plans for every state, region , and large city.

There is something very romantic when it comes to road trips in America and many books, songs and movies about long rides down lonely highways have inspired people to follow suit. If this is you, then the perfect USA Travel Guide is the Road Trip USA: Cross-country Adventures on America’s Two-lane Highways. This full color book has been revised and is in its 4th edition with efficient information. 140 maps, full of detail, will aid with the planning. Cross-country routes are mapped out and landmarks are highlighted along the way. Aside from the major cites, small towns are featured and anything that might be of notice on the roadside.

Recommended itineraries comprises of lists of places to stay. The radio is very significant for road trips in America. It keeps you company and updates you on road and weather conditions. This USA Travel Guide gives the call letters of a variety of radio stations.

You may not want a general guide but a specific one for the location of your choice. Should that be the Big Apple, then the Rough Guide to New York City is the book for you. It explores the five boroughs and there are articles on the city’s fascinating history, its ethnic make up, world famous architecture and culture. This is very much a baseball town and you can study all about the sport and Yankee Stadium’s place in it. There is an entire chapter on the iconic Museum of Modern Art. Practical advice covers accommodation, transport and bars and restaurants.

The USA Eyewitness Travel guide picks out the main attractions at an easy glance and includes a brief article on the history. Travelers can plan visits to National Parks, cities, galleries and museums. The USA Travel Guide points out scenic routes and where you’ll find areas of gorgeous wilderness. The history, sights and cultural institutions of diverse regions are incorporated. Tips are given on how to arrange for a trip to America and what laws and customs apply. For more information connected to travel go to The World Traveler

Great links:
Buying Cheap Internet Airfare Flight Offers
traveling with pets

See also our outstanding selection of USA Posters and Prints in our USA Gallery.