What to Consider While Choosing Camera Insurance?

Cameras enable us to capture the most memorable moments of our life. This is the reason many of us have at least one. Cameras, professional or personal are expensive as well as delicate to handle. A little negligence or mishandling can damage them. Though most cameras are often covered by manufacturer's warranty, it typically expires in a year and covers only the manufacturing defects.

Hence, a sensible solution to safeguard your camera is to insure it with a right cover. As many insurance companies are offering different policies, it is necessary to understand the possible risks and the required protection for your camera. In this article, we will discuss on the things you need to consider before choosing a camera insurance policy.

Camera usage
Broadly, camera usage can be classified in to two types - personal and professional. Under personal usage, the camera is used purely for personal purposes, without any intention of making money. Even if you use a high-end professional camera, without making money, it cannot be considered professional usage. As part of professional usage, you use a camera to make money.

So, before opting for an insurance policy, be sure about your usage. Based on what kind of a photographer you are (as this determines the usage of camera) - amateur, semi-professional, or fully professional, there are different types of camera insurance policies.

Geographical/territorial limits
Many insurance companies offer camera insurance policies that have geographical restrictions. In case your camera has suffered damage outside the mentioned territorial limits of the insurance company, you are not eligible for claiming amount for the damage.

Imagine you were on a family tour. And while capturing some images, your camera fell down accidentally and stopped working. You may not bother much assuming that you have camera insurance to take care of this. But, when you call and report the same to the insurance company, their response may upset you. They may say that the insurance is applicable only if the accident happens in the city or country limits.

So, make sure that the insurance is applicable globally or at least all over the country to make it worthwhile.

What all are included in the accidental damage?
At times, the insurance policies are very tricky. Though the policy claims that it offers cover to all possible accidental damages to the camera, in reality, the companies have a certain list of accidents, only for which the cover is applicable. Different companies include different accidents.

For instance, a general damage caused because of wear and tear, repairing, cleaning, and battery leakage, may not be considered and hence, makes the claim invalid. Be sure about the terms and conditions of accidental damage before purchasing the policy.

Theft coverage
Theft coverage is one more important thing to consider. As the chances of fraudulent claims are more when it comes to theft, insurance companies are a bit tough on claims related to theft. While, some companies may completely exclude theft coverage in the policy, some may include, but with conditions. Hence, be aware of the theft coverage before choosing the policy.

Other things to consider
In addition to above mentioned things, there are a few other points that are worth considering.

• Equipment cover: This cover is applicable to professional photographers who possess different camera accessories like additional lens, cover filters, tripods, lighting, flash equipment, etc. Besides offering cover to the body of the camera, if the policy offers cover to these accessories also, it would be beneficial.

• Public liability insurance: This would again help the professional photographers who own studios or those who perform photography sessions outdoors. Public liability helps them to save costs on the legal claims made by the injured public at the studio/outdoor shooting location due to photographer's negligence. This insurance is for the studio owner and the cameraman, but not the camera.

• Equipment replacement: Camera replacement or 'old for new' are some of the schemes offered by the insurance companies. As they seem like a bait to attract the customers, one should be careful while considering these schemes. They can be considered to be useful to the policy holders, only if the terms and conditions are made transparent by the insurance company. Depending on the policy and specific conditions, the companies may replace your damaged camera with a new one.

You need to consider these points before choosing camera insurance. Approach a reliable broker to get a fair deal on your camera insurance policy. As he is a professional in this field, he understands the industry specific terminology and helps you choose the right policy.

Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House

Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London was a touring exhibit that showed at the Seattle Art Museum.  

While the Kenwood House museum in London was closed for renovations their wonderful collection is traveling around the United States.1  There was a mix of 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting including work by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Anthony Van Dyck, Ferdinand Bol and  Aelbert Cuyp and 18th century painters such as Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, Francesco Guardi and George Romney.
  
Let's look at the 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting first. The highlight of the exhibit is this Rembrandt self-portrait from 1665 when the artist was 59 years old.  Rembrandt painted his portrait more than 60 times throughout his life.  Of all of his self-portraits this is the largest, measuring 45 3/4" x 38 1/4".  It is a life sized image and breathtaking to see in person.  Rembrandt portrayed himself in a variety of ways, with different angles, moods and costumes. In this he shows himself as a painter holding the tools of his trade.  It is as if we, the viewer, have interrupted him at work in his studio. It was his trademark to focus on the face and leave other areas of the painting unfinished. It is a trick that works well, your eye will fill in the rest including textures (the fur of his collar) and missing details (such as the hand holding the brushes and palate).
 



Portrait of the Artist, ca. 1665, Rembrandt van Rijn, Kenwood House, London
English Heritage; Iveagh Bequest, 1927

No artist made as much of an impact on the Golden Age of Dutch painting as Rembrandt, in his early twenties he had already opened his own studio in Leiden and started taking students (such as Gerritt Dou). Soon after Rembrandt moved to Amsterdam and began a very successful career. His studio saw a steady stream of commissions and he took dozens of private students. However he had his share of true tragedies: Rembrandt and his wife Saskia had three children who did not live past infancy, only their son Titus who was born in 1641 lived to adulthood. Sadly Saskia died several months after the birth of Titus in 1642. Due to the difficulty in his personal life Rembrandt struggled professionally and artistically as well in the 1640's. His style of painting which was once considered revolutionary was now seen as old-fashioned.

However in the 1650's Rembrandt's career had a resurgence and he continued his painting with a renewed vigor.  He now lived with Hendrikje Stoffels with whom he had another child. He was once again a well respected artist and getting many commissions.

By the time he painted the Kenwood self-portrait in 1665 Rembrandt's successful decades long career was winding down.  The artist looks both confident and world weary in this painting.  Much has been made over the two half circles, especially as most of his portraits had a darkened background.  Are they part of a painting he is currently working on? Does he include them to balance the composition? Is there a specific meaning in these shapes?  The gallery text suggests they tie to the famous "O" that Giotto could make without measuring that art historian Giorgio Vasari wrote about. I think the mystery of the shapes adds to both the composition and impact of the work.

After seeing this painting I plan to devote a future blog post to comparing and constrasting many of the different self-portraits that Rembrandt painted over the course of his life.  I have many to choose from, in fact SAM has printed small free booklets which highlight seven of them. Make sure to pick one up in the gallery.
 

View of Dordrecht, ca. 1655, Aelbert Cuyp, Kenwood House, London

English Heritage; Iveagh Bequest, 1927

When this was painted in the mid-17th century, landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes were painted commonly for the middle class to purchase and seen as a source of Dutch pride. The harbor scenes highlighted the shipping industry that was the source of trade and commerce. Aelbert Cuyp was a well known landscape painter, I always associate him with his landscapes which include cows. This painting greets you as you enter the exhibit and it was one of my favorites, I think it is an interesting hybrid of cityscape and seascape.  Cuyp created this with a strong sense of atmospheric perspective.

Portrait of Pieter van den Broecke, 1663, Frans Hals, Kenwood House, London

English Heritage; Iveagh Bequest, 1927

Frans Hals (1580-1666) lived and worked in Haarlem and was a masters in the “Golden Age” of Dutch painting, and is best known for his lively portraiture. His style was revolutionary in that his subjects are often shown smiling and laughing.  Portraiture nearly always showed a serious subject, even when the subject was smiling, such as in Leonardo's Mona Lisa, the smile was very slight.  Smiling had connotations of idiocy or lunacy however Hals managed to convey an atmosphere of merriment and liveliness.  His loose brushwork and painterly style added to the feeling of his sitter's vibrancy. 

The Seattle Art Museum has put together a lot of information on the works in this exhibit including facts on many of the  in the portraits.  The following text is taken from their website and helps us to better understand the individual portrayed in this painting, Pieter van den Broecke: 

"The Dutch seaman Pieter van den Broecke began his career trading fabrics in West Africa. He eventually took over a company that dominated the Dutch trade in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In this portrait by Frans Hals, he’s 48 years old and wearing a gold chain that marks his 17 years of service with the Dutch East India Company. He and the artist were close friends."2

Portrait of Mary, Countess of Howe, 1764, Thomas Gainsborough, Kenwood House, London

English Heritage; Iveagh Bequest, 1927

Lord Iveagh collected all of the work at Kenwood in three years, he never actually lived at the manor but wanted to fit in with English aristocracy and amass a number of paintings that fit in with traditional taste.  The collection is nearly half art from the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century (with a few Flemish and Italian paintings included) and half 18th century British portraiture.  I will admit I am more drawn to the Dutch art and I don't always find 18th century British portraiture as interesting. However Kenwood has an extensive collection, there are many nice examples from Joshua Reynolds who was the head of the Royal Academy and also from the talented George Romney. 


I think my favorite painter from this era was Thomas Gainsborough who uses a relaxed approach and painterly style to capture the spirit of his subjects.  His work could be compared to Frans Hals in that sense. I really liked this one, the Countess of Howe.  I love the vibrant colors he used, the rich pink tones in her dress seem to be echoed in the sunset behind her.  I have always enjoyed the trees and the skies that Gainsborough paints in the background for each of his portraits.  With the Countess of Howe, I think he captures the spirit on an intelligent woman.  However her feet seem to be oddly floating beneath her and the ground slopes towards us, the bottom part of the painting is a bit distracting.

Again the following text is taken from their website and helps us to better understand Portrait of Mary, Countess of Howe:

"Countess Howe was actually an aristocrat by marriage and not by birth. So technically the painting should be called “Lady Howe.” But Mary Hartopp became a countess after her military husband became an earl. The couple was vacationing in Bath when they asked Gainsborough to paint each of them. 

Gainsborough went all out painting her in pink silk and ruffles standing outdoors on some estate. She was, of course, posed inside Gainsborough’s studio but that landscape suggests the countess as both aristocrat and a landowner."3


European Masters: The Treasures of Seattle is an exhibit which is running concurrently at the Seattle Art Museum and is comprised of 34 privately owned paintings.  This assortment of Old Master works is really impressive and fills several galleries.

The Seattle Art Museum website says of this exhibit:

"The paired exhibitions will give visitors the opportunity to observe different approaches to collecting, the history of taste, and how the market has changed since Lord Iveagh began to form his collection in 1887. Most importantly, our visitors will have the chance to see exceptional works of art from right here in Seattle, which, until this moment, has largely overlooked the art of Europe. Featured artists include Vittore Carpaccio, Francisco de Zurbarán, J.A.D. Ingres, Eugène Delacroix, and Frans Hals."

 Still Life with a Tankard, plate of Oysters and Glasses on a Table, Willem Claesz Heda, 1636

Privately owned collection (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

The work in these galleries is from the early 16th through 18th century, I was suprised to see a small Pontormo alongside a beautiful Carpaccio Madonna and Child with an exquisite carved wooden tabernacle frame.  Seeing famous 16th century Italian paintings from private collections made me curious about the provenance of the works. Who owns these now? A few owners were listed but most weren't.  Who purchased them? How did each owner come to acquire them? 

I liked this exhibit as much if not more than the Kenwood House collection. I was able to find an image online of one of my favorite works, a beautiful early Dutch still-life by Willem Claesz Heda (above).  He painted many variations on this type of "breakfast still-life" and this is a really wonderful example, the textures, composition and palate he used all add to the overall visual effect.  I wrote about this type of art in an earlier post- History as Seen through the Dutch Still-Life. 

I was also pleased to see a still-life by another favorite of mine, a female painter from the late Italian Renaissance named Fede Galizia.  Galizia was from Milan and known for her exquisite still-lives and this was no exception.  

In addition to artists previously mentioned there was interesting work by: 

Ambrosius Bosschaert- an early Dutch floral still-life
Pillippe de Champaigne- a large scale Visitation scene with vivid colors
Elisabeth Vigée-Le Brun- a "tête d'expression" of a young woman done in pastel

There was a room dedicated to an artist unknown to me; 18th century French painter Martin Drölling (1752-1817) which contains five works from the same collector.  They included a lovely portrait of a young woman and a small copy of Elisabeth Vigée-Le Brun's portrait of Marie Antoinette painted in 1789, the year of the French Revolution.

All in all these two exhibits pair nicely together and give the viewer a wide range of painting to see from late Renaissance, through the Baroque and Rococo and even had some examples of Neoclassical art.  I have visited twice now, spending a quick visit on the night of the SAM Members Preview and nearly three hours on my second visit as I looked at, conversed about and took notes about the art.  Seeing as I really enjoy this art and won't get another chance to see these (especially the work from the private collections) I definitely plan to go back a few more times before it ends.

The exhibition is organized by the American Federation of Arts and English Heritage. It is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities, with additional funding from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. In-kind support is provided by Barbara and Richard S. Lane.

1. Exhibition Itinerary: 

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (June 3–September 3, 2012)

Milwaukee Art Museum (October 12, 2012–January 13, 2013)

Seattle Art Museum (February 14–May 19, 2013)

Arkansas Arts Center (June 7–September 8, 2013).

 

2, 3.  Seattle Art Museum Website, "The Characters of Kenwood" http://seattleartmuseum.org/EuropeanMasters/characters.asp

Exhibit Guide
Bryant, Julius, Susan Jenkins and Walter Liedtke.Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London. American Federation of Arts (2012).

Why Businesses And Enterprises Need Certified Financial Planner

Generating revenue is important for an individual or organization. But most of us loose much of our hard earned money simply because we don’t have much knowledge about the science of money. Those who are acquainted with law of economics will be able to manage the inflow and outflow of money in a much better way compared to those who don’t have much knowledge about it. Certified Financial Planners are those people who are well-acquainted with the laws of economics and are expert in the field of managing funds. Hence, if you are willing to manage your fund in a scientific and lawful way you need to hire these individuals.

These individuals and professionals who are called as financial planners earn their designation after going through a rigorous training. They usually had to pass a comprehensive two day 10 hour exam. The exam is an extensive and comprehensive one and usually includes topics from subjects like Tax Planning, Financial Planning Process, Tax Planning, Employee Benefits, estate planning, insurance and investment management, employee benefits and retirement planning.

Before offering services to clients and prospects they usually need to get certified that they are serving clients in this field for at-least three years. They are also need to prove that they are well-experienced in financial counseling skills and financial planning. One of the major needs in the field of business and finance is that your inflow and outflow of money has to be managed and tackled in a Smart way. Means everything should be managed in such a way that it is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time driven. And these could be achieved only when you have someone who has scientific knowledge in the field of money.

These individuals and professionals make extensive and comprehensive plan about how you should invest your money for maximum returns, do you need to invest your money in stock market and which stock should you buy. They also gauge how much you can afford to lose and what you ought to do in extreme cases. This is why people should hire professionals that could offer you advise on how you should invest in a diversified portfolio that is made up of a mix of taxable and tax free plans so that you receive maximum returns even when the market is volatile.

These people could guide you about how you can get cash in case any emergency arises. They will also guide you how to could you get fixed income after your retirement and all those things. The bottom line is that if you want to invest and manage your cash flow in a scientific and profitable manner Certified Financial Planners could help you in many ways provided you choose the efficient and capable professionals who is acquainted with every ins and outs of financial planning.

Debt Consolidation: Marginalizing Your Irritating Debts

The pile of your debts has increased to such an extent that you do not have the required money to repay them. To consolidate all debts you are looking for a financial support. Thus, with debt consolidation you can fulfil all your purposes related to debts.

Debt consolidation provides financial solutions to borrowers to settle their debt related issues. The main objective of debt consolidation is to consolidate your debts and all debt related matters. You can solve the various debts in a single loan.

Debt consolidation can be obtained in secured and unsecured form. In secured form borrowers have to place their property as collateral for approving the loan. The applicant can use any of his valuable assets like home, car, or valuable papers as collateral against the loan. But unsecured loans are approved without demanding any collateral from borrowers. Both tenants and homeowners can approve the amount and repay the debts with the advantages of unsecured loans.

Though rate of interest in debt consolidation is low, applicants will find the variation in rates from lenders to lenders. Moreover, the rate of interest is depended on various factors such as, loan amount, repayment terms, equity of collateral etc. For a level-headed rate of interest compare and collect the quotes of different lenders. The lender can also collect quotes through online medium which provides instant details. The application and approval of debt consolidation has become easy and saves applicants precious time when used online.

Debt consolidation is calculated to serve people irrespective of credit score. Bad credit holders can settle all his debts indebted to various creditors which might help him to restore his financial credentials.

The benefits of debt consolation help the borrowers to get rid of the irritating remarks of creditors and also instead of paying to different lenders they have to pay to a single lender.

How Consolidation Loans With Bad Credit Can Rescue Your Finances For Good

Keeping on top of debts is not easy, especially in the modern world where buying on credit is such an essential part of living. The problems that so many Americans have in juggling their credit card bills, loan repayments, and even everyday expenses, means bad credit is extremely common. Getting a consolidation loan with bad credit can be the best solution.

The logic behind turning to a consolidation program is that it provides a constructive way in which to clear the slate and adopt a more effective debt management structure. It is better than bankruptcy because it does not damage a credit reputation since all creditors are repaid in full, and lifts the pressure because the repayment structure is easier.

But can a consolidation loan really rescue your financial situation for good? Understanding how consolidation works, and what terms to look for, is the key making sure it does.

Consolidation: An Explanation

Simply put, consolidation is all about gathering together the existing individual debts and paying them off completely with a single loan. Securing a consolidation loan with bad credit does depend on meeting some criteria, and accepting less than ideal terms, but the overall benefits are too much to ignore.

Most people have 4 loans to repay, as well as an average of 3 credit cards. This can create a major headache in terms of meeting repayments on the agreed due dates. What makes consolidation such an effective debt management structure is that it simplifies the task of meeting the debt by replacing multiple balances with a single loan, and multiple payments with a single payment.

But to make a consolidation loan truly effective, there are some terms that need to be addressed. For example, the repayment period should be as long as possible. This means the repayment due each month can be kept low, which also frees up extra cash for other financial obligations. Some lenders grant terms of up to 30 years.

Meeting Consolidation Program Requirements

Qualifying for a consolidation loan with bad credit is fairly straightforward. In fact, lenders are quite open to accommodating bad credit borrowers. After all, the purpose of the program is to get to grips with crippling debt.

The normal criteria when applying for any kind of loan relates to age (over 18), citizenship (US citizen) and employment, with most lenders stipulating applicants must have been employed full-time for at least 6 months prior to application. Having a reliable source of income is obviously necessary for any effective debt management program.

Also required is a large enough income to be able to meet the repayments each month. However, it is the excess income that really matters, with the debt-to-income ratio dictating only 40% can be used to make repayments, including those for the consolidation loan.

Securing the Best Program

There is no doubt that the Internet is the key resource when seeking the best terms for a consolidation loan with bad credit. Online lenders are less costly than traditional ones, charging lower interest and providing more flexible repayment terms.

As recognized experts in bad credit lending, they are your best bet when looking for an effective debt management program that is also affordable and flexible. However, when the debt is extreme, it may be better to secure the services of a debt consolidation company.

Be sure to check the reputation of any prospective company before agreeing terms on a consolidation loan. So, use the Better Business Bureau website to see how trustworthy they are.

Denver Home Mortgage Rates – Tips On Selecting The Best Package

Are you looking for a trustworthy mortgage lender in Colorado? There are many companies that offer low rates of interests and various Denver home mortgage rates. It is necessary to research the internet and check out the websites in order to find the best Denver mortgage loan rates offered in the area. It is advisable to take time to find the right company and not be in a hurry to select one. After all, you love your home and you are doing all you can to save money to pay up for the loan so that one day it will be yours.

When looking for the best interest rates, keep in mind that there are other charges involved such as re-pricing, penalties and so on. If you are not in the business, these configurations of mortgages can be confusing. The financial jargon used may not be easily decipherable to a lay person. The Denver home mortgage rates are generally paid long-term and many of the provisions stipulated in the loan contract are variable as well as time-bound. You can opt for fixed rates for the entire duration of the loan or you can find provision that allow you to change the fees and penalties. It is therefore advisable to consult a financial advisor and find out the best loan packages before making a selection.

Let the Denver mortgage loan rates be the focal point when you plan your package as you will have to pay a large sum over a period. You can opt for the fixed rate where the interest rate is determined when you sign the loan agreement. You will have to abide by the terms unless you plan to repay the loan earlier. However, the rate can be changed if you prefer the package that allows for an adjustable rate. You have the option of prepaying and avoiding penalties when you opt for this package. You can decide to pay the interest or pay as much as you can after the initial closing period as you have both options open. You can use the option of flexible payments when you choose this type of package. If you decide to take a 30 year mortgage, you may pay up nearly three quarter of the payment towards interest in the early five to six years. This may get you very low interest rates.

In order to get the best out of the situation, try to select a reputed mortgage company that can solve your problems and help you make the right choice. We are aware that nearly 98% of all home purchase is possible because of mortgage loans. You should look into making large payment early in the loan term if you have the means as this will lessen the amount of interest you pay in the long term. Try to use online software programs to keep track of your finances. Try to put the extra money stashed aside towards the mortgage to pay off the loan early and cut down the loan length.

Information Technology Insurance to Safeguard Your Business

What is insurance?

The importance of insurance is felt in every sphere of life. Life involves risk and while it is often unavoidable, you can certainly take steps to minimize its effects. Many individuals opt to buy insurance to protect their needs. Insurance is a contract between an insured and the insurer where the latter agrees to compensate the former against potential future losses upon payment of premiums.

Who needs Information Technology (IT) insurance?

Information technology services involve the provision of both products and advice and yet the purchase of appropriate insurance is usually the last decision a business will make. Typical IT insurance protects the firms from claims arising out of professional negligence or failure to perform professional duties. IT insurance firms also covers errors and omissions that result in loss or client data, system failure, claims of non-performance or careless overselling of services.

Professional Liability Insurance

The basic idea behind professional liability insurance is that it provides protection against Claims arising from third party loss i.e. settlement is not made to the Insured, but to the third party who has suffered the loss. Any act, error or omission that results in a direct financial loss to a third party client may result in allegations of negligence against the company which can result in both financial loss and also damage to reputation and good will. In the event of a Claim, some insurers also agree to pay defence costs as well as any settlement amounts up to the limit of indemnity taken under the policy.

The provision of information technology services includes computer consultancy, database management, hardware networking, web design and development and internet services.. Companies providing internet services can also be subject to substantial claims resulting from allegations of copyright and trademark infringement or the effects of computer viruses. Web designers may inadvertently use copyright protected materials while conducting their professional services which may result in substantial fines and penalties..
General Liability Insurance

The General Liability section of an IT insurance policy ensures the company's physical assets and equipment are covered, in addition to providing cover for any product damage that a third party may suffer as a result of the company's professional services. The insurer provides protection against fire, theft, flood and accidental damage. General liability insurance does not cover damages incurred as a result of mechanical failure, virus attacks or equipment left behind in public transport or public places. If equipment is stolen, or the damage is beyond economic repair, the insurer may consider providing the insured with replacement equipment.

Note

However, it is important to note that most Information Technology liability policies are written on a 'claims made basis'. This means that you must have an IT insurance policy in place at the time a Claim is made against you, rather than the time the alleged act, error or omission is committed. Therefore, the policy in place at the time a Claim is made against you is the policy that will respond to that Claim, rather than a policy in place at the time of the alleged act, error or omission.

How To Find The Best Company For Taking Colorado Home Loans

Are you planning to purchase a home? Investing in a home is not a simple proposition. There are many factors that should be carefully considered. One of the main points to consider is mortgage and taking the best Colorado home loan. Since companies offer different terms and conditions, it is necessary to spend time researching and selecting one that meets with your budget requirements. It is wise to remember that bank loans are very high and nowhere near what you would pay when you take a flexible mortgage loan.

Since there are various types of loans available, it is necessary to make the right decision when it comes to sourcing out finance for purchasing your new home. Take a mortgage loan against property which you offer as security or collateral when you guarantee loan repayment. One of the types of options that you can choose is to opt for a fixed rate. This should be determined when signing the loan agreement and this will not change unless you plan to renegotiate the credit or complete the payment of the loan earlier than agreed upon. Make sure that you can meet the schedule in accordance with your income.

Many people opt for the adjustable rate though there is a risk that you may not be able to continue paying variations in the future. If the adjustable rate is “capped” you may not have to deal with unpleasant surprises and extend deadlines. There is another option of paying the interest only as they can control the payment during that particular time period. If one is able to get low rates of interest, it will prove beneficial as you pay three quarters of the payment in the first six years if you have a 30-year mortgage plan.

Since there are several points to consider and you may find it confusing, it is necessary to select the best mortgage company in the area. One of the best suggestions is to read the reviews online as you will be able to judge if the company you have in mind offers the lowest Colorado home loan rates. Try to find a reliable mortgage company such as Beacon Financial who are trustworthy and will guide you on the right path when it comes to Colorado home loans. Try to understand the option available and take advantage of the latest technologies offered by them to help you make the right choice. Do not hesitate to ask questions and learn more about mortgages and interest loans.

Since the movements in the interest rate change in the mortgage industry regularly, borrowers may end up paying more than anticipated. Read the financial news to be abreast of the latest Colorado home loan rates. Save money when you deal with reliable companies such as Beacon Financial and use the money for other home renovation, medical or credit card payments. Keep a close watch on the mortgage rates of other companies and try to pay up the loan within the time specified. Make sure the mortgage company offers you guidelines and advice when you need them

How To Find The Very Best No Win No Fee Solicitor

There is no way that you can predict when an automobile accident may occur. When such accidents occur you may end up acquiring injuries that could result in time loss from work, or that result in immobility that could cause drastic changes to your lifestyle. If the accident that you faced resulted in injury and the accident wasn’t your fault you should immediately file a claim so that you can acquire compensation for your injuries.

Most people are aware that if they are driving a vehicle and end up in an accident that is not their fault that they can file a claim. However, many people are not aware that if they are the passenger in a car that is involved in an accident that they too can file a claim. Either way you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim following an accident.

With that in mind you will immediately want to consider your options when it comes to acquiring a Solicitor to handle and file your claim for you. This is not something that you can trust in the hands of just anyone. Chances are that you want to acquire the money that you are entitled to in the fastest amount of time possible with the least amount of hassle. Therefore you must be very selective when choosing a Solicitor.

Another thing that you want to consider is the amount of money that each Solicitor may charge you to file your claim. Many Solicitors charge you a fee up front for their services regardless of whether you win your accident claim or not. If you want to avoid paying this fee you will need to acquire a Solicitor that offers a no win no fee strategy. That way you are not required to pay anything up front and don’t have to pay anything unless you win your case. This is generally referred to as a no win no fee compensation offer.

Apart from finding a Solicitor that has a no win no fee offer, you will also want to focus on the level of experience that the firm or individual you hire has. It is imperative that you don’t get caught up in focusing on no win no fee compensation offers and overlook the experience of the individual that you are hiring. If you want to ensure your success then you must take your time and focus on learning about the credentials and training that anyone you are hiring has.

Additionally you need to focus on the expertise that each firm or individual that you are considering has. If you are involved in an automobile accident then you must focus on those firms or Solicitors that specialize in these types of claims and that have a track record for winning their cases.

If you keep these ideas in mind you will easily be able to find the very best Solicitor to handle your case. Just take your time and be sure to focus on cost, experience, and expertise.

The Portraiture of Rosalba Carriera

The work of 18th century Venetian artist Rosalba Carriera (1665-1757) was quite influential upon portrait painters of the Rococo.  Rosalba was a portrait artist who worked in the relatively new medium of oil pastels. 

During the 18th century artists were beginning to experiment with this medium which was much faster than oil painting, however due to its more fragile nature, not as suitable for really large scale work. Pastels allowed the artist to combine the techniques of drawing with the effects of oil painting and they dried quickly.  This new medium was perfectly suited for creating preliminary sketches meant to be turned into larger paintings such as sketching landscapes out of doors.  When pastels were first invented few artists worked with them other than for preparatory sketches.

Portrait of Louis XV as Dauphin, Rosalba Carriera, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

As it turned out, oil pastels were also well suited for created a new vibrant style: the 18th century pastel portrait.  The soft edges and vivid colorful effects of pastel were perfectly matched to the taste at the time which was transitioning from the Baroque to the Rococo.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art writes of the medium:

“Pastels have always been praised for the freshness of their colors, at once both brilliant and subtle.”1

Perhaps the artist most famous for pastel portraits was the 18th century Venetian painter, Rosalba Carriera.  Rosalba worked nearly exclusively in pastels and portraiture and her work and reputation earned her an international following. 

Rosalba was highly regarded as a portrait painter and sought after by such figures as the young Louise XV, Cardinals, a Countess, other aristocrats and a variety of international travelers and artists.  She had a reputation for working quickly and being able to capture both a wonderful likeness and the personality of her subjects.

Gustavus Hamilton, Second Viscount Boyne, in Masquerade Costume, Rosalba Carriera, 1730–31, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Venice was a primary destination for anyone who took the "Grand Tour" of Europe, including aristocratic English travelers such as Gustavus Hamilton, pictured above.  It is interesting to note that he has chosen to wear a well known variation of the Venetian Carnival mask under his hat (the type of silver brimmed hat which was also worn during Carnival) in the portrait.  The portrait would then be a symbol for the time he spent in Venice and would represent that he was well traveled and steeped in local Venetian culture.  It became more than a portrait, it represented his status as an educated man who had lived abroad.  Rosalba's portrait doesn't focus on the costume, instead showing a sensitively painted work alive with color and texture.

Portrait of Faustina Bordoni Hasse, Rosalba Carriera, 1730’s, Ca’Rezzonico, Venice

Rosalba's subjects sought her out due to the flattering light that she cast each of them, using a luminous quality that captures each individual.  In her paintings she subtly changes from exacting details to soft highlights and from subdued backgrounds to areas of vivid color.  Her work transcended the use of pastel on paper to create a new and more engaging type of portrait than traditional oils. 

Rosalba's pastel portraits influenced a generation of artists from all over Europe who admired her style such as the French painter Maurice Quentin de La Tour and John Russell from England.

Self-portrait, Maurice Quentin de La Tour, c-1750-60, Musée de Picardie, Amiens

French artist Maurice Quentin de La Tour (1704-88) also worked exclusively in pastels.  He met Rosalba Carriera when she came to Paris in 1720 when he was still a teenager and apprenticed under Claude DuPouch.  After his apprenticeship ended he applied to join the French Royal Academy and was able to exhibit his work in the Salon.  While they had different styles and approaches to pastel, the viewer can see the influence of Rosalba's style in the rich tones and textures of his self-portrait pictured above.

Portrait of George Medley, John Russell, 1777

While Rosalba began her career in the Baroque age English painter John Russell (1745-1806) was working entirely during the Rococo.  While he was too young to have met Carriera personally, he was definitely influenced by her pastel portraits.  Russell too worked solely in pastels and even wrote a book on the medium.  There were several different approaches to using pastels and Russell preferred to blend his colors in a similar manner to Rosalba.  As she had painted the portraits of many English travelers, Russell was able to see her work in person and even owned a few of her portraits.

Rosalba Carriera painted hundreds of portraits, each created to show the nuances of her subject's personality.  Her style was known for its deep and vibrant colors and its rich textures.  Like many paintings reproductions do not do her work justice, they must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.  Rosalba truly transformed the medium of pastel and expanded its uses from a preparatory medium used to lay out more finished oil paintings to a finished product which was in high demand. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art writes of pastels in the 18th century:

“Pastel, too, afforded the artist a richer interplay between medium and support than oils did. Pastel paintings were commonly executed on blue paper mounted on canvas, not only because this was the thickest paper available in the eighteenth century, but also because of the chromatic advantages it offered as the pigments of the pastel picked up and interacted with the blue background…They offer an invaluable insight into how such tonal complexity was worked up. Unlike oils, which can be mixed on a palette from nine or ten basic pigments, each tone requires a different stick of pastel, with artists making use of hundreds of crayons.”2

1 & 2- The Metropolitan Museum of Art Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: The Eighteenth Century Pastel Portrait

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/papo/hd_papo.htm

 

Three Qualities To Look For In A No Win No Fee Solicitor

If you have ever been involved in an automobile accident then you know that in the blink of an eye your entire life can drastically change. A person involved in an accident may have to spend time in a hospital which will require them to pay for such services. They may also have to endure therapy or pay for medications in order to maintain their level of living. Some end up experiencing injuries so terrible that their entire life is changed in the blink of an eye and they are unable to live their life as they once did prior to their accident.

Another thing to consider is how much money you lose when facing an accident when it comes to the damage that occurred to your car or when it comes to time off of work. With that in mind you will want to go out of your way to seek out legal counsel so that you acquire the financial compensation that you are entitled to for your pain and suffering.

You need to be aware that you can file an automobile accident claim even if you were just a passenger in the car. Many people believe that they have to be driving in order to file an injury claim. However, that is completely untrue. You can easily file a claim if you were in any type of accident as long as you were not at fault.

You must be very careful when it comes to selecting a Solicitor to represent you when filing an automobile accident claim. There are three main things that you will want to look for in a Solicitor. You will want to ensure that they are a no win no fee Solicitor so that you can save money, you will want to ensure that they have experience, and finally you will want to ensure that they have expertise when it comes to the type of claim that you are filing.

Cost is by and far one of the most important things that you need to focus on. You will only want to consider those Solicitors that have no win no fee offers. This will ensure that you are not charged for their services upfront or in the event that they fail to acquire you the financial compensation that you are entitled to.
The good news is that in this day and age most Solicitors do in fact have no win no fee offers. Never deal with a Solicitor or legal firm of any type that is not a no win no fee Solicitor.

You must be certain that you hire a highly trained Solicitor that has experience and expertise when it comes to handling all types of automobile accident claims. That way you can be certain that they can handle your case and that they will do their best to ensure that they win your case for you no matter the circumstances.

Therefore, you need to truly research each Solicitor that you are considering working with.