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Art has always been an integral part of human existence. Ever since people first watched animals grazing in the fields and depicted these on rocks, we have ever been fascinated by visual representations of the world around us. A picture or painting has the ability to convey a thousand messages, and without doubt, some of the most potent images of recent history lie in photographs and paintings taken or made the world over.

Thanks to modern technology, a family in the United States can today appreciate the beauty of art prints from great masters like Rembrandt and Salvador Dali hanging in its living room. A college student in South Africa can also have posters of his favorite sport stars, who may happen to be NBA players, hanging in his room while Japanese school children gaze at beautiful posters of their favorite characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Gonzo (characters from Jim Henson’s The Muppet Show) or Ernie, Bert and Big Bird (characters from the children's program Sesame Street) in their classroom. And…the list goes on and on.

Posters, art prints and paintings also help us relax, find solace or reinforce our values by providing motivation. For instance, grandparents who keep nice old vintage posters of the Swiss Alps to remind them of a trip there in the late 1950s when alpine skiing was just beginning to attract tourist and holiday makers. Such nostalgic feelings are not uncommon. Or, a college student who just flunked an all important exam and has to prepare for a re-sit, walks into a store to find motivational posters on sale one of which reads, "Keep believing and trying - you can make it." The very next day that poster hangs not in the store but… you guessed it, in the student's room. 

These days, there is the added convenience of being able to shop for posters, art prints and even original paintings online, with a growing number of online stores providing such services. The benefits of shopping for posters, art prints and paintings online are enormous considering the fact that one has access to a much wider range of products and prices than would normally be the case with conventional shopping. Either way, posters, art prints and paintings would continue to add beauty to our lives by the messages they convey in the silence of their art form.

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Special Feature - Painting MDF   Painting MDF Our special feature this month focuses on painting MDF. MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. To make MDF, softwood chippings from birch and larch are steamed till they become fine wood fibers. MDF is an ideal product to use for interior home furnishing and decoration such as in the construction of cupboards, shelves and art panels.   Painting MDF produces a smooth quality surface. Oil paints, water-based paints or varnishes may be used when painting MDF.  Additionally, veneers and laminates can be used when doing a finish on MDF.   MDF is relatively easy to paint. An Important point to note is that you will need to fill any small gaps with a wood filler. A soft damp cloth can be used to remove any dust. With these in mind, you are only a step away from painting your MDF. But please always remember as with all painting operations that you need to put on a mask as well as work in a properly ventilated room. These help protect your health and give you more fun while you paint.   Read more about Painting MDF here.