Check out our calendar!!!

Check out our calendar & upcoming events at The Shrine.

Drawing With the iPad: An Artistic Review

Since the iPad's debut in April 2010, I've been searching all over the Internet for reviews on drawing apps for the device, only to be disappointed by a majority of the reviews. A lot of them don't really reveal in-depth things artists would really like to know about the apps, and none of the reviews seemed to have a side-by-side comparison as to which app does what best. Hence, the purpose of this post.

Having bought an iPad as a lightweight digital sketchbook for work (at least that's how I justified the purchase), I've put the device and assorted apps I think would be most helpful to artists through the paces. Here are the results:

Sketchbook Pro ($7.99), Autodesk


Sketch of Monica from my upcoming animated short MONICA,
done with Sketchbook Pro

PROS:
-pretty much the best drawing app of the bunch as drawing feels just right, like drawing in a "sketchbook" only without the grey graphite smudges on your drawing hand
-nice selection of brushes and very deep brush customization features
-has layer modes with options (such as Multiply, Add, and Screen)
-capable of exporting fully layered images to Photoshop via PSD files (a plus if you have a complex drawing)

CONS:
-using the three-finger-tap to access panels and undo/redo takes some getting used to
-doesn't quite have ALL the features of its PC/Mac big brother
-smudge/smear tool could be much, MUCH better
-for the time being, no customization for image resolutions
-limited undos

Overall experience: For $7.99, Sketchbook Pro is a STEAL, especially considering that the full desktop version costs well over $100. Definitely a 'must have'.


Art Studio ($2.99), Lucky Clan
PROS:
-GREAT value for $2.99
-incredibly easy drawing interface, very intuitive
-drawing feels fantastic
-decent smudge/smear tool is better than Sketchbook Pro's
-good brush customization options
-image resolution options off the bat (from 768 x 768 all the way up to 1024 x 1024)
-contains very cool video tutorials that actually teach new artists how to draw heads, hands, and other things
-full-screen filters that instantly turn your drawing into black and white, invert colors, blur/ sharpen, edge detect, and emboss

CONS:
-maybe it's just me, but in pushing the app, performance began to lag and brush strokes weren't registering properly
-brush selection is not as deep as Sketchbook Pro's
-layer modes do not have Multiply, Add, Screen, etc. type of selections

Overall experience: Cent for cent, this app is the most valuable of the bunch. It does a lot of the same things Sketchbook Pro does. However, every time I used it for any length of time, and intricate drawing, the app's performance faltered a bit. Still, that should not deter you from making this part of your iPad drawing repertoire. I say it's a must have, if nothing else, for the image resolution option.


Quick Sketch of Agent Sarah Walker from CHUCK, done in Art Studio



Brushes ($7.99), Steve Sprang
PROS:
-simple user interface
-drawing feels nice and loose
-contains video playback of the drawing process
-layer modes have Multiply, Screen, Overlay, and Color (transparency) options
-neat rotate layer tool
-direct upload to Flickr (if that's important to you)
-lots of undos available

CONS:
-no decent smudge/smear tool
-brush selection is quite small and has the standard brushes found on just about every other mobile drawing device, (like vsPainter)
-brush customization options are limited
-unless I'm doing something wrong, it flattens a multi-layered image when exporting it to photos, or e-mail

Overall experience: Brushes is a nice app. Though for $7.99, I expected more. However, this app is very capable of producing some very nice art primarily with the great layer options available (though it's a shame the layers won't export. One can't have everything for $7.99, I guess.)

Quick sketch of Captain America using Brushes (with a little blending help from Sketchbook Pro)




LiveSketch HD ($0.99), Yan Rabovik
PROS:
-nice drawing feel
-sketches do look nice (if you don't mind "enhanced marks")
-great program for people who have trouble sketching

CONS:
-the strokes have these "enhancement marks" that artists capable of making their own will find annoying
-drawing lines tend to get "cornered" in making round strokes
-no brush selection or customization, layer modes, and none of what the other drawing apps offer

Overall experience: This app would be a nice one for kids learning to draw, or drawing enthusiasts who want a little help with the way their drawing looks. However, if you're a hardcore artist, you may want to skip this one.

Paintbook ($2.99)- (the only vector-based app of the bunch reviewed here), Sean M. Puckett

PROS:
-vector-based drawing interface makes for easy fill-ins of shapes
-great app to easily make logo images and iconic graphic-based artwork (though no Bezier curves, if you prefer Adobe Illustrator as your drawing program of choice, this one's for you as it allows you to create Illustrator-type designs)
-image size customization can be set in inches (up to 200x200 in.- or so they claim)
-deep options in the settings screens allow you to set print options from RGB/CMYK color, among other useful things
-graph paper option serves as a drawing guide to draw straight lines

CONS:
-unless I missed it, no options to draw simple shapes, which I find odd for a vector-based app
-only way to erase is via undo
-no "redo" button
-no layer support (seriously)
-exporting images done via a snapshot from 1 to 9 megapixels (which actually makes your nice and clean vector-based artwork look pixelated)

Overall experience: Paintbook actually has a lot of potential. Perhaps future updates will improve on this app's shortcomings, but for now, this is more of a vector-based idea maker than semi-decent publishing program.

Layers-Pro Edition ($5.99), Gotow.net
PROS:
-nice feel to drawing, very loose
-great smudge/smear tool (perhaps the best one)
-decent brush selection and options (brush offset feature is especially nice, as it allows you to get more interesting strokes)
-history bar like in Photoshop
-image resolution customization
-e-mailing/exporting option of PSD layer files available

CONS:
-occasional weird "cornering" of drawing strokes hiccups
-user interface could be a tad bit easier to navigate
-stability issues arise when really pushing the program, especially during PSD export

Overall experience: Layers is really quite nice. Once you get past the user interface, you'll find yourself enjoying the app quite a bit.



Quick sketch of Batman, using Layers.


Adobe Ideas (FREE), Adobe
PROS:
-simple user interface
-no frills drawing features

CONS:
-feels like drawing on Adobe Flash (and if you know what that's like, you know what I mean-vectorizing lines without regard as to how you originally drew them)
-absolutely no other noteworthy features

Overall experience: I can't say Adobe Ideas is a letdown because it was, after all, FREE. However, I can see the potential in this app if Adobe supports it and gives it more features from it's PC/Mac big brothers' software suite, which would be sweet. (That is, of course, if Apple and Adobe ever kiss and make up.)


Quick Sketch of Iron Man using Sketchbook Pro

Overall, drawing on the iPad is a great experience. All the apps above are good in their own way, and it's best to view them as sketching tools rather than full production tools like you probably use on your desktop or laptop. And just like those programs, one can easily jump back and forth on these apps adding things to an image using specific tools from a certain app. I imagine that in years to come, more and more artists will embrace the iPad (or another lightweight portable tablet) as their digital drawing tool of choice because doing so will completely eliminate the need for scanning and cleaning up traditional sketches that initiate a final digital drawing. (Though I doubt anything will ever completely replace traditional drawing.)

Yet I have to say, as neat as the iPad is for digital drawing, it by no means is a suitable replacement for the Cintiq, or Modbook tablets, as it is supremely underpowered compared to both of those devices. The Cintiq and Modbook have TOTAL precision control and pressure sensitivity, which the iPad lacks. Plus, you can run the full versions of PC programs on them and take advantage of all their capabilities. I can't see myself doing my main design and animation work on the iPad in its current configuration simply because those other two tablets are far more superior (with the Modbook being the undisputed king of the mountain.) But the iPad is terrific for idea sketching on the go!

Financially speaking, being that the cheapest Cintiq runs $1,000 and the Modbook $3,000 ($5,000 + if you get the new Modbook Pro with touchscreen capability), the cheapest iPad (16 GB Wi-Fi at $499) not a bad buy at all, and makes for a great alternative tablet. Also, consider that if you did get an iPad, the apps reviewed above would only cost you about $28 for ALL OF THEM compared to the hundreds of dollars the PC/Mac versions cost.

I hope this helps any fellow digital artists out there in curious about this device and its apps.

And if you do decide to get an iPad, pray that it doesn't arrive from Fed Ex all crumpled up looking like a meaningless sheet of paper like mine did. But that's another story for another day.

Happy Drawing,

Rob

Here are some links for you to check out:

http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=home

http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad?afid=p219%7CGOUS&cid=OAS-US-KWG-iPad-US

Mais uma ACF muito concorrida. Estamos no bom caminho . Temos jovens treinadores interessados em aprender. Eu limito-me a fazer o que já tinham feito comigo os "velhos" treinadores : transmitir os conhecimentos...

Zonas Match Up

20223702 Temple Matchup Zone

KOOL KEITH + HOWLIN' WOLF + Q BERT = JAPAN!?!?

The last installation of (Diggin' Chicago) Windy City Crates featured a post on Howlin' Wolf's classic 'Spoonful'. Well sometimes the digging goes on right in our own house, and in our minds. The internet is great for random connections between seemingly unconnected artists. The Wolf post got me listening to a bunch of blues rock and made me remember a record I bought a long time ago by a group called Natural Calamity. They were a 'Trip Hop' group from Japan formed in the early 90s composed of Shunji Mori and Kuni Sugimoto, plus American singer Stephanie Heasley. 'On The Peach' features remixes from their 1997 album 'Peach Head' and has an ultra rare collaboration between the group and Kool Keith (?!) along with DJ Q Bert! Keith was fresh off the Dr. Octagon record and drops some of his most bizarre, blunted (and funny!), stream of consciousness lyrics. The song lifts Howlin' Wolf's signature "ooh wee" vocal as it lazily bumps over a blues-ed out beat complete with Q Bert scratches.

LISTEN: NATURAL CALAMITY (FEAT. KOOL KEITH) IN THE WEE WEE TIME

Latest Leather Fashion Trends For Women

Women fashion has reached to an absolutely new level altogether. New fabrics and innovative patterns are ruling the roost, out of which leather is one such material that will never go out of vogue. Gone are the days when leather was only restricted to jackets. Now it is available in a variety of forms that helps the contemporary woman dress for various occasions.

A few leather styles for today highly up-to-date women,

Jackets

Jackets are timelessly voguish. Everyone yearns to incorporate a stylish leather jacket in their wardrobe these days. Available in myriad colors, styles, patterns and fabrics, they should be purchased keeping the purpose in mind. A woman biker must buy a jacket that is rugged and strong whereas party-hoppers main criteria should be the style quotient the jacket exudes. Goatskin, cowhide and lamb leather are the types of leather that are widely used in making jackets and help you determine your purpose. The youth lately is experimenting with a lot of colors because of which the availability and sale of red, blue, green jackets etc are on an all time high.

Blazers

A working woman needs to overhaul and spruce up her wardrobe every now and then. What could be a better option than a leather blazer that would impart a formal and chic look to your appearance. Team it up with a sheath or an A-line skirt or basic formal pants and you will be all set to sashay into your office with style.

Pants

Pants should be chosen on the basis of body type. Straight fits, skinny fit, nickel studded patterns etc, myriad styles are available these days. They can be worn both on formal and casual occasions, provided it is combined prudently with the right accessories and clothes.

Dresses

It is a myth that leather dresses are only for biker chicks, rock fans or girls who want to achieve a Gothic look. If you want to don a classy appearance without looking over the top, you can try a thin strapped knee length sheath leather dress with a sweetheart neckline and maybe team it up with a bright bolero jacket.

Halters

A party or a casual soiree, a halter style is the best thing to flaunt and when it is a leather halter, it is an icing on the cake. It accentuates your shoulders and looks highly smart when teamed with skinny jeans or a skirt.

Skirts

Skirts have been here for years now, and they never really seem to go out of style. They accentuate your silhouette and make you look feminine. A-line, mermaid, sheath cuts etc. there are many options to choose from. Leather has a fantastic sheen, when teamed with a smart tee or a chic shirt; it makes you look nothing less than fabulous.  William G Turner

Indie Hip-Hop Invasion!

In case you've been sleeping under a rock lately there is an indie hip-hop resurgence going on in America. Labels like Stones Throw, Fools Gold & Rhymesayers have been leading the charge the last few years. Well we at The Shrine are doing our part by giving you (Chicago) a piece of that action. We have Stones Throw Artists Aloe Blacc & J Rocc coming, along with 10 DEEP Mixtape alumni Donnis and Chicago hip-hop artist RHYMEFEST!

For tickets to these events visit Clubtix.net







P.S.

Do remember that Wednesday, June 2nd arguably the greatest producer in Hip-Hop history...DJ PREMIER will be at The Shrine, click here for tix!.

Feedback positivo

Tenho felizmente recebido muitos feedbacks positivos das acções de Formação que um pouco por todo o país vou fazendo. A acção do Barreiro não é excepção . Junto um dos últimos mails recebidos:
"Viva prof. Mário Silva,
A sua acção de formação no Barreiro foi muito útil para o trabalho que tenho tentado desenvolver com os meus Sub16 no BAC, em Almada. Quando comecei a trabalhar com esta equipa, no início do ano, notei que era um grupo de miúdos com poucos anos de basket. Há quatro ou cinco jogadores que têm mais de quatro anos de práticas mas os restantes 10 ou 11 começaram tarde e têm ainda muito para aprender. É uma equipa relativamente baixa, com apenas um jogador próximo de 1,90 e dois ou três bases/extremos com bons fundamentos e rápidos. Falei sobre isso com o prof. Fontes Rosa e ele indicou-me o ataque AASAA, que me pareceu logo muito interessante, por ser tão "fora da caixa".
Fui ao seu site (o qual tem sido uma óptima fonte de informação, pelo que lhe agradeço) e andei pela net a recolher informações. Fiquei a conhecer melhor o ataque, pelo que pus em prática o DDM com esta equipa. Apostei muito no reforço dos skills ofensivos. Muitas horas no início da época foram passadas a treinar fintas, arranques, drible e lançamentos na passada. Apesar das deficiências técnicas, o grupo foi ganhando mais capacidades ofensivas e é precisamente aqui que quero chegar. O valor deste ataque, numa equipa de formação, parece-me ser o de "obrigar" o jogador a ser ofensivo. Todos os jogadores têm que atacar o cesto, criar movimento, dinâmica e depois decidir em função do que acontece na defesa. Isto tem permitido ao grupo que treino aprender não só a usar os fundamentos ofensivos em jogo como também a ler a defesa, a tomar decisões, a ser criativo, a ver onde estão as vantagens e a assumir cada vez mais o cesto.
É claro que nada disto é instantâneo e o ataque DDM, apesar de simples nos princípios, é difícil de implementar em jogo, porque os jogadores estão habituados a outro tipo de movimentos e, acima de tudo, a ter menos liberdade/responsabilidade na altura de decidir, mas na segunda metade da época tenho visto bons momentos durante os jogos o que me indica que alguma coisa estão a aprender.
Bom, depois desta espécie de relatório, acabo a agradecer-lhe o tempo que tem dedicado a ensinar basket e todo o trabalho que tem tido para que outros treinadores tenham acesso a estas e outras ideias sobre o basket.
Um abraço,
Gonçalo Ferreira"

O ensino e o basquetebol sempre me ocuparam : gostava de colaborar mais mas infelizmente a ENB acha que depois de ter leccionado durante mais de 15 anos os Cursos de nível 2 e 3 , tenho agora que me limitar aos cursos de nível 1...

(DIGGIN' CHICAGO) WINDY CITY CRATES - HOWLIN WOLF - SPOONFUL (THE OG AND ONE 4 THA BEAT HEADZ)

"I wanna' hear some Howlin' Wolf' says the man. I oblige. No argument there. "Nobody makes this kinda music any more". I know... Damn the man got a voice like a buzz saw. "How does he sing like that"? Wolf was six feet six inches tall, three hundred pounds, probably more. Sounds twice as big. Hell, bigger. Seriously. From The Wolf's 'Howlin Wolf' comes the gigantic 'Spoonful'. So much insanely good music recorded in Chicago, at Chess Records! Even if blues isn't necessarily your thing, this album is essential. Imagine South Michigan avenue when he dropped this gutbucket bomb in 1962! Classic. Chicago. Yes, sir.



Wolf was gettin' hip with the long haired kidz in 1969 and actually ended up bringing the the noise to yet another generation with his fuzzed out re-vamp from his 1969 album 'The Howlin' Wolf Album'. Like Muddy Waters, Wolf recorded his own 'psychedelic' record in 1968, riding the wave of Jimi Hendrix. Purists hated it, so did Wolf. Don't know 'bout the kidz, but the album has a ton of beats that producers and DJs have pilfered over the years. The opening break pretty much gives you the idea. They make Hip Hop with these kind of records, son. Fifty years later, Wolf's 'Spoonful' still weighs a ton.

Madvillain - Papermill

DOWNLOAD IT:
PAPERMILL BY MADVILLAIN (LINK)
MC: DOOM
BEAT: MADLIB

“PAPERMILL” IS THE FIRST RELEASE FROM THE NEW MADVILLAIN ALBUM WHICH DOOM & MADLIB BEGAN RECORDING IN 2009. THE ALBUM IS CURRENTLY A WORK-IN-PROGRESS AND WILL BE RELEASED ON STONES THROW RECORDS.

Kanye West - "Power" (produced by S1, featuring Dwele)

This is the highly anticipated first leak off Kanye West’s upcoming album.



UPDATE: This was an unauthorized leak. In addition to being unmixed, this is only a rough and not final version of the song.

download here.

The Biggest Weekend in CHICAGO

The Shrine now has the BIGGEST weekend in CHICAGO! The Shrine welcomes Chicago party starters Ronda Flowers (The Queen of House) & Teddy Gilmore (Clubnet 360) to the fold, this is only the beginning! Enjoy the photos!

Apontamentos Clinic Setúbal

Setubal Parte 1

Já sou Delegado...

Esta segunda-feira, pelas 14.30 horas, 12 dos 56 Delegados que, por inerência ou eleição, compõem a Assembleia Geral da FPB tomaram posse, em acto presidido pelo Dr. Armando Rocha e realizado no Salão Nobre da Sede da Federação Portuguesa de Basquetebol. Os restantes delegados deverão tomar posse no próximo dia 5 de Junho, dia em que se realizará a eleição dos orgãos sociais da FPB.