Article: The most common leaf type is a broadleaf, which is wide and flat. But leaves also come in needle, cactus, and scale types. Needle leaves are long and pointed like a pin, cactus leaves are thick and usually covered in spines, and scales leaves are thin, oblong leaves that primarily belong to cypress trees. Compare your leaf to the different basic leaf types to narrow down what species your leaf might be. If you have found a needle leaf, for example, it may be from a pine tree. Some leaves are singular, while others are arranged in bunches of 2, 3, or more. Note whether the leaves are arranged in a group or on their own and, if in a group, how many leaves are in each section. If you have found leaves arranged oppositely in pairs, for example, you may have found a red maple leaf. Leaves come in a variety of shapes, and the distinct shape can be key in differentiating one leaf from another. Determine whether the leaf is heart-shaped, linear, oblong, elliptical, or another common leaf shape. If you have found a heart-shaped leaf, for example, it may be a black tupelo leaf. Leaf blades differ based on the types of edges surrounding it. Noting whether the leaf has a smooth edge, jagged edge ("toothed"), or an edge that appears to have large chunks taken out of it ("lobed") can help you better search for the leaf online or in field guides. If you found a leaf with lobed edges, for example, it may belong to an oak tree. Veins run along the blade in specific patterns that resemble wrinkles or tubes. Compare the markings that the veins make to photos in your field guide or identification app to distinguish between similarly-shaped leaves. The "midrib" is the large, raised vein that runs along the center of the leaf. The shape and size of the midrib can help differentiate the leaf from other tree leaves. If you have found a leaf with curved veins, for example, it may be a leaf from a dogwood tree. Petioles can come in different shapes as well as textures. Some are long, thick, and spongy, while others are short, thin, and rigid. Make a list of the leaf's petiole characteristics and compare it against the trees that you see in identification guides. If the leaf has a notably short petiole, for example, it might be from a chokecherry tree. Stipules are 2 small flaps that grow at the base of the petiole in some trees. If the tree that you're trying to identify has a stipule, remember that to make spotting the plant in an identification guide easier. If your leaf has ovate-shaped stipules, for example, it could be a sweet birch leaf. You can compare the physical traits as you use plant identification tools to find a match. Include descriptions of the leaf's prominent features, the climate you found it in, and what season it was when you found the leaf. Take a few pictures of the leaves so you can compare them to other tree photos later.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Determine the leaf type. Study the leaf arrangement. Identify the leaf shape. Analyze the leaf's blade edges. Look at the leaf's vein patterning. Check the leaf's petiole, the stalk that connects the leaf to the tree. Record whether the leaf has a stipule. Write down the key physical traits of your leaf.
Article: Every artist needs a portfolio -- the place where potential buyers or clients can see your work. Luckily, the internet is making it easy as website design spaces like Wix.com, SquareSpace, and Wordpress all have templates designed for artists portfolios. All you have to do is customize the name, color, and bio, then import images or videos of your art. Purchase a custom domain name if you are looking for professional clients. A site like www.MyPortfolio.wordpress.com looks much less professional than www.MyPortfolio.com. When done, attach this portfolio to all your social media accounts to make it easy to find. Consider printing (or drawing/designing, for memorable flair) some business cards to get the word around. Contact small galleries near you to see if you can put some work up. Look into that restaurant or coffee shop that puts work on the walls. And, if all else fails, throw your own art show. All you need is a space to hang everything, some refreshments, and friends willing to come and support you. Try to host shows with multiple artists when possible. That way, everyone brings their own friend groups so each artist can meet new fans. You never know if you can display your work unless you ask. Don't be intimidated -- they absolute worst thing that happens is the word, "no." Consider hosting "open studio" session once a month, where friends and curious spectators can watch you work and talk about your process. Few, if any, artists are so skilled that they can't benefit from some kind of formal instruction. Art classes can help you get past problems with your work that you haven't been able to solve on your own, identify areas in which you could improve, or just give you some direction and a regular time to devote to working on art. There are courses available for all skill levels at colleges, community centers, local arts centers, and numerous other places. Your teacher and fellow students are essential contacts as you build your career. They can point to new opportunities, team up with you for shows, and support your work in the difficult early years when you're still unknown. Never discount a connection or friend. In the word-of-mouth driven art scene, a wide, strong social network is king. It isn't always a ton of fun, but it is absolutely essential if you intend to be a professional. No one wants to champion your art but you. And, in its own way, this is a good thing-- you no longer have to hope the "right" person shows up in your gallery. Instead, hard work online can get your work into many corners of the internet, and even make some money. If you make smaller, sellable art pieces, consider a shop on Etsy or eBay. Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest, with their large pictures and big art networks, are great places to share and see work. Pick 1-2 social media accounts to run and stick with those. Trying to work on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. all at once is impossible to do well without spending all day on the internet. Artists need to stick together, and many of the greats have come from collectives and groups. It is no mistake that many famous artists knew each other before striking it big, and some of the greatest moments in art (Paris in the 40's, NY in the 80's) come from shared creative communities. So go to local shows, enroll in classes, and collaborate with other artists. A rising tide carries all boats, so get out there and make some waves. If you're struggling to find a community, look online. There are tons of forums, sites, and communities (like the famous DeviantArt) that allow you to showcase work. Pay attention to your contemporaries, supporting their own shows and work. When you are first starting out, your best network will be artists in the same situation. If you don't make art a daily priority, then it's going to be really hard to be a good artist. That is just the reality of practice-- all the talent in the world doesn't help if you don't sit down and make art. Honestly, this may require some sacrifices in terms of work hours, salary, and living situation. But if you want to be a professional artist, none of this should matter. You get to make art every single day! Always remember, especially in the early years of practice, that all of your favorite artists went through the same process.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Put together an online portfolio to showcase your work and talent. Host shows to get your work out there. Take classes to grow skill and make contacts. Devote time every day to self-promotion and social media. Get involved in your local art scene. Provide yourself a lifestyle that allows you to make daily art.