Thomas Kinkade and Lionel Trains Celebrate Christmas 2012

"All Aboard for Christmas" by Thomas Kinkade

Thomas Kinkade and Christmas go hand in hand, no denying that. And another icon of the holiday season are Lionel Trains. For Christmas 2012, Thomas Kinkade has paired up with Lionel trains in this amazing piece to celebrate days gone by.

One of the things that makes this piece so incredibly special is that it is one of last pieces done by Kinkade before he passed away in April 2012.

This artwork brings a life a snapshot in time that he himself drew upon boyhood memories that took him back to a childhood when the security of family traditions and remembering what a fun adventure that traveling by train could be.

No one, but no one can capture lights in the sky as well as buildings as well as Thomas Kinkade. The play of light versus dark in his artworks is one the key elements in the reason Thomas Kinkade artworks will meld literally into any decor scheme. If you have a lighter type of decor, the lights in the piece will compliment your lighter items in the room. If you have a darker color scheme in your room you plan to display this piece, the darkness of the Lionel train and shades on the water-tower and other shadow elements will make this piece pop when combined with a darker decor.

Also consider this piece as an excellent housewarming gift for someone who is getting married or setting up housekeeping during the holiday season. It will be a warm reminder year after year.

There are 4 size options :

• 12x18 
• 18x27
• 24x36
• 28x42

There are two styles to choose this limited edition in. Either a Giclee on paper or hand embelished canvas. Either will look outstanding and celebrating a traditional Christmas with a beautifully done Thomas Kinkade calling back to the romantic days of Lionel Trains causing a buzz in town on a snowy Christmas Day, can be the perfect way to showcase your own holiday spirit.
Make this artwork your own "All Aboard for Christmas" Thomas Kinkade.

Animation Art - From Walt Disney to the Avengers

Sometimes you just want something different. You think still life artworks are nice but you don't want one for your walls. You think landscapes are alright, Bob Ross certainly made a living showing us all how to appreciate happy little trees; but you want something that defines both art and fun.
The answer can come in 2 words : Animation Art.

There are a ton of choices, from new releases like "Frankenweenie" by the imagination only Tim Burton could dream up to the classics from Walt Disney such as "Alice in Wonderland" and don't forget, long before "The Avengers" was a box-office smash, it was an animated series.

"Twisted and Evil" by  Trevor Carlton

You aren't limited to prints either.
Many of the art prints are available on hand-embellished, textured canvas. Look at the colors pop in this piece by Trevor Calton, "Twisted and Evil" and if you remember this evil queen, she certainly fits that title!

The attention to detail on this piece is amazing.
The best thing about hand embellished canvas pieces like these is since they have the one on one hand-work, they are truly unique, with no two being identical.

We're going to cover this in an upcoming article, but also consider the value of your piece. 

"A Fairies' Reflection"

Very often limited edition animation art pieces go up in value. So you can quite often consider that the piece you're adding to your collection (or someone else's collection if the animation art is a gift) is an investment.

A great example of a very limited edition is James Coleman's "A Fairies' Reflection (Peter Pan-Tinkerbell)".

Only 30 of these absolutely gorgeous prints were made and they are a mixed media print. Giclee on canvas with individually applied gold and silver leaf appliques. Each of these prints comes with a certificate of authenticity.


The superheroes on the big screen in the Batman franchise of films to the aforementioned "Avengers, all have animation art because that's where they started. There's no reason to think animation art can't be considered fine art as well.
You can see the huge array of choices in our Animation Art showcase.

So Much Good Designer Framed Art, It's Hard to Choose!

Joey Duncan " Venetian"

Guess what happens when you combine world-renowned designers like Candace Olsen or Joey Duncan with classic artworks? You get the unique designs carried in the Paragon Picture Gallery.
One of the best things about Paragon pieces is that they are put together by professional designers who not only consider the artwork but also the decor the piece will be used in.
A great example is Joey Duncan's Venetian which is actually 3 framed pieces you have a lot of display choices with. Use them together to form a 9 panel design (as shown) or you can split them up and let them compliment each other on adjoining wall spaces.
Check out how numerous tints and shades coordinate and compliment each other in this piece and it could meld seamlessly into a light or darkly themed decor.

Malanta Knowles "Couture Coffee"

Another really great pairing to think about, especially if you found this page looking for a great gift for someone who loves to cook, but already has every cooking and kitchen  gadget known to man, consider the gift of art for the kitchen and there are numerous choices in the Paragon collection.

Malanta Knowles has been seriously hard at work designing some dining themed pieces that just pop. This piece is called "Coffee Couture" and like a lot of Paragon items, the artworks come in a set and can be used together to form a square or 2 on 2 to form rectangles around a larger artwork  or even by themselves to compliment around a room. The display options are definitely not limiting.

This is just one of numerous pieces available and there are also some excellent wine, food, and fruit themed pieces that come in a full range of subjects and color schemes.

You can see the collection, including brand new releases, in the Paragon Gallery now.

Thomas Kinkade New Releases - Let Your Holiday Shopping Begin!

A Christmas Story by Thomas Kinkade available now!

Okay, start making a list and checking it twice - it's time to get your holiday gift giving going.

We have a week's worth of new Thomas Kinkade limited edition prints to talk about and let's start with one that brings in the holiday spirit starting with the title, "A Christmas Story".

Thomas Kinkade Studio's Limited Edition Fine Art Print and Hand-Embellished Canvas with Painted Accents :"A Christmas Story" - has snapshot of time during the holidays, complete with the soft, glowing lights that are in the homes and buildings lending a soft glow to the painting.
There are several options available for this print.
It is available in three sizes to fit the wall space for anyone on your holiday list.
Sizes 12x18, 18x27,and 24x36 and there are two types you can get.
A limited edition Giclee on paper print or you can opt for a hand embellished canvas version.
Both make absolutely outstanding gifts, if you have someone that tends to like the more unique artworks, the hand embellished canvas version of this piece will make them very happy.

And of course we have frames!
Your artwork will arrive ready to hang every time.
Here is just a sampling of the types of frames we recommend considering with this gorgeous Kinkade piece.

As you can see, all of these frames are a great choice to highlight the colors used in this artwork. With the lighter color woods, the soft lights in the painting get highlighted. With the darker woods, you tend to notice the warmer colors used in this artwork even more.

Check back often in this space, we'll be posting shopping tips for the artfully-inclined this holiday season and if you have any questions - just ask - we're always glad to help you get the perfect addition.

Artfully Good Gifts for the Dog Lovin' Nerd

Dogs offer us a wide range of emotions-love, anxiety, and curiosity-and thereby make us think they possess the full array of human emotions. When you really think about it though, aren't the emotions mentioned really the most important?

When we arrive home, they dance with joy and put their heads on our knees. And, when they look lovingly up into our eyes, we feel a sensation of love and loyalty. So what if the world doesn't care, we have our dogs to fill in the gaps. Who knows? That loving look might just be man's best friend telling us they're hungry!

Dogs are pretty good at reading or emotions too. They've learned to respond to our emotions, and that makes us happy. This is perhaps the biggest reason whey we don't let hamsters or squirrels run loose in the house. It's a good exchange; we love them and get a lot love in return.

They also help us to make important social decision in our lives. If you're guy, it's a well- established fact that you had better impress her dog if you want the relationship to flourish-and vice versa. Who knows, maybe dogs have evolved to the point of being great mimicking human emotion. Whatever the case, it really doesn't matter in the bigger scheme of things. Dogs will be in our lives as long as boys have fishing poles and fish to catch in a winding country stream.

Since we've given them human-like status, the perfect gift of any dog lover is the engaging and charming print by Bill Bullas: "The Nerd Dogs". This just about sums up their entire personality, and what they really mean to us.

Purrr-fect Gifts for Cat Lovers

Cats are interesting creatures to say the least, and they come in as many sizes, colors, and shapes imaginable. People have debated for centuries over whether cats can be taught to do tricks, or if they can really fit into the classification of being intelligent. However, for the cat lover, these things are unimportant. We can love cats simply for being what they are.

Cats provide a loving presence, and maybe it's just the feeling of a cat cuddling up next to you that symbolizes love and warmth. It doesn't hurt to feel that wonderful vibration when cats purr either! And, just think of the joy you feel when your cat is had a tasty meal. There's nothing better than watching a cat lick its whiskers. When that happens, somehow it makes life feel good through and through.

Cat's can be of tremendous help if a person is sick or under the weather too. They seem to intuitively sense the need for a person's attention, and in giving it in their own unique way; they serve a wonderful purpose in making that person somehow feel better. Be on the lookout though! Cat's are legendary for being finicky, and it's this almost human-like quality that makes them so endearing.

Cats live long lives, and we can enjoy them for many years. Often, the passing of a cat is equivalent to losing a loved one. Steve Hank's limited edition, "The Cat's Lair", is the perfect celebration of those little furry gems we just can't seem to live without.

Need a Perfect Gift? Think Limited Edition!

A print can be the perfect gift, but finding the right print as a gift for a special occasion can be a challenge. Some good rules of thumb are as follows: You should always pick a gift that fits a person's lifestyle. Delve into whether they like decorative prints, or if they prefer prints that border more on the conservative side of art.

Do they love animals, or are they more the outdoors type and attracted to the change of seasons? Inquire if they like to play cards, collect clocks, mouse pads, or collect home décor items. Is the person you have in mind an amateur sportsman or woman, or are do they "cut their teeth" in watching or participating in sports? The list of possibilities can be endless, and it will be up to you to narrow down the choices.

The biggest thing to remember is to keep the search fun, as the search will actually open up your knowledge about who that person really is. Once you've narrowed your search, you should also take into consideration the type of setting your print gift will be placed in. If you're personally familiar with the recipient, you can make a reasonable guess. If on the other hand you're not as familiar with a person's private home settings, i won't hurt to inquire from those that might have the "inside" scoop.

A safe bet can be wildlife print, and the perfect place to start is with the acclaimed work of David A. Maass. His fine art limited edition print "Tomahawk Trail-Pheasant" would make the perfect gift. Very few people can reject the beauty of nature, and this work of art captures perfectly the essence of something we all want to preserve.

Get Rid of the Stress - Relax

There's nothing like having a home that is inviting and relaxing for friends or family. "Relaxation" by Patricia Govenzensky" is a beautiful work of art that says it all in the stroke of a brush. She is fast becoming a rising star in the International world of art, and is well known for her richly textured acrylics and watercolors. Her paintings offer center around "romantic" mysteries, and her use of watercolors are able to evoke feelings of intense happiness or sadness in her characters.

This is a superb work of art that will enhance any room décor. The colors are vibrant, and represent every major color on the spectrum. This means that it immediately becomes a perfect match for any wall in the home or office. And, let's face it! It's a great conversation piece. Great art that evokes an emotional response is what make are great in the first place.

The vibrancy and life in her work is perhaps a result of her youthful years in Tel-Aviv, where from a young age she was enrolled in art courses sponsored by the Tel- Aviv Museum. Later, she studied at the Avni Institute, and continued to expand her knowledge at the Ramat Hasharon Art Academy, where she graduated with honors.

This is art that has the ability to create a relaxed mood-of which we can never have too much of. Your orders will usually ship in 3-9 days, and may take a bit longer if you're ordering "custom framed" products, so if you're getting this outstanding piece for a gift, order a 2-weeks or so in advance to ensure you'll have your beautiful piece in time.

Decorate By Season - Think Summer!

It's hard to design for summer in your decor when snow is still on the ground, but many people do as much entertaining in the summertime as they do in the December holiday season and they want their homes to look a little different in the summer and reflect and warmth and life of the season. A beautiful hand signed artwork of Sueellen Ross. "Summertime and Living is Easy" is the perfect suite to celebrate the long awaited summer, and compliment your art collection.

Flowers and a sassy cat are the highlights of this design and the bright colors will enhance and yet, not overpower your room. This design is a beautiful mix of media including watercolor, India Ink, and pencil. These cats will tempt you to find an easy chair in your favorite spot on the front porch, or that hammock strung between two trees out in the back yard, kick back and enjoy the day with family and friends.

An exceptional artist, the works of Sueellen Ross have been exhibited worldwide, and she has been listed in Who's Who in American Art since 1987. The love of painting comes natural, and her two cats are no doubt inspiring. There's an almost "playful" attitude that she's able to bring to bare in all of her works. And, it's this spirit of pureness and realism that touches the heart of those that love animals.

Her attention to detail is most impressive, and no matter what the background in her painting, the animals seem to dominate in a graceful and playful way. She's able to capture her animal's personalities in a way that no other artist of her caliber can. Add some summer breeze to your room with this refreshing artwork!

Keep the Spirit of Summer All Year Round

Sometimes it is easy to look at a particular object and almost feel immediately transported to another time and place. Generally, wonderful works of art are well known for having this kind of affect on the eye as well as the senses. When you are looking to bring a breath of fresh summertime air into your living space, you may not have to do anything except find a beautiful piece of art to be placed upon your wall.

"Katie's Gladiola" is a marvelous example of the perfect way to bring all of the wonders of summertime into your living space. This hand signed and numbered limited edition giclee on canvas is a bright and stunning choice for any living situation that happens to need a boost of life and color. Created by artists Brian Davis, this is the kind of art that you will be proud to have on display in just about any of the rooms that need an extra touch in your home, loft, office or apartment.

Of course, there are other ways that you can bring the feel of summer into your home. Perhaps a new shade of paint or even a fresh new piece of furniture will be able to do the trick. However, any option when paired with this incredible limited edition giclee can take your current decor to a completely new level of stunning. Any of your guests are sure to enjoy this piece, especially if they are looking to celebrate the wonders of summer along with you.

Art Up Your Home Office Space

There could quite possibly be nothing worse than an office space that is dull and dreary. Whenever you are sitting in such a room, it is only natural that you will feel as though you are being weighed down. In order to have an upbeat feeling in your office that will inspire you to work, you may want to think of mixing things up a bit. This could mean everything from the addition of a plant to a gorgeous piece of wall art.

Depending on what your particular tastes may be, a nice piece of artwork for your office could either be subtle or bright. When it comes to color you can always go with the particular pattern or scheme that speaks to you first. If you happen to find a piece that makes you smile from the very second that you look at it, then the chances are very good that it will bring you plenty of joy and inspiration when placed in your office setting.

If you long for the days when you can relax and enjoy the open air of the west, then there is really nothing better than a limited edition Bill Anton giclee on canvas. Since Anton is well known for capturing the west in a natural and almost lifelike state, it is only right that you would fall in love with one of his pieces from the get go. "Emerald Oasis" is always a good choice for the lover of the outdoors, complete with rolling mountains, a beautiful water setting and majestic horses. With such a delightful piece of art, your office will never be dull and drab again.

Never a Dull Moment With a Govinder

There comes a time when you look around your living quarters only to find that the space is lacking something. You might want to switch things around or even make a couple of changes to the color of your walls. However, no matter what you do you still find that something is off. Perhaps all you really need is some sort of incredible sculpture to add depth to your living space. After all, with the right piece of sculpture, you can bring conversation and a million smiles to any home or apartment.

"Bob's Your Uncle & Fanny's Your Aunt" is a wonderfully unique sculpture that would make an amazing conversation piece when placed within any room of your home or apartment. There is something calm and whimsical about each and every piece of Govinder sculpture that you cannot help but fall in love with. Perhaps it is the simple, yet crazy design that makes you second-guess your thoughts upon first impression. It may even be that looking at such pieces can bring a chuckle to your day. Either way, there is just something amazing that draws you into each and every sculpture.

With this limited edition hand-signed and numbered sculpture and resin piece you are guaranteed to add a whole new level of interest to your living space. You might even see that this simple addition of amazing sculpture will prompt you to look for other pieces to brighten up the rest of your home. When it comes to interesting art and sculpture, you can never really add too many!

The Perfect Gift for the Disney Collector

When it comes to anything and everything that is Disney, you may find that there are plenty of wonderful gift options that you can choose from for any of the people who may be on your shopping list. However, what should you get as a gift when the occasion is something that is extra special and out of the ordinary? For such a special occasion, a simple Disney related gift just won't do. When you really want to give something that any true Disney lover is going to fall for, you may want to look into some of the incredible sculptures that you have to choose from.

It really doesn't matter if your potential gift recipient is a fan of the villains or the good guys, there are all kinds of Disney sculptures that you can browse through. As a matter of fact, collecting these gorgeous sculptures can become quite and addicting past time, simply ask anyone who has a couple of them and they will tell you!

Whether there is a particular movie that is a favorite of the gift recipient on your list or they happen to have a fondness for one of the characters in the Disney family, there is more than likely a great sculpture choice that you can get your hands on.

Straight from the famous Disney classic film Sleeping Beauty, your gift recipient is sure to fall in love with the "Now You Will Face Me" sculpture. This is a stunning piece that shows the cunning sorceress Maleficent in the middle of a stunning Lucite case in the shape of the dragon. Any fan of this film is guaranteed to fall in love with this stunning sculpture upon first glance.

Beautify Your Bathroom

While the way a bathroom looks does not matter to some people, to others a bathroom is their true sanctuary. Of course, while nobody spends all of their relaxation time in the bathroom, there is a certain level of comfort that comes from a bathroom that happens to be put together nicely. This could mean anything from the color on the walls to the kinds of decoration that you will find on the walls, shelving and more.

If you are the type of person who likes to have people over regularly for various dinners or gatherings, it is imperative that you have a guest bathroom that has a good amount of cozy decoration. While you do not have to break the bank in order to place an expensive piece of sculpture in your bathroom, a few strategically placed prints could make a world of difference to the entire look and feel of the space.

To find the right piece of art, it is a good idea to try and look past the fact that it will be hanging in your bathroom. No matter what the room may be, any piece of art will look amazing, especially if it speaks to each of your guests on an inviting level every time they have the chance to glance at it.

Certainly a floral piece is always a smart move to make when looking for a framed art print for your bathroom. Because of the versatility of the style, you really cannot lose. "Purple Dream Irises" by artist Cheri Blum is always a great choice when you want a delicate design for your lavatory. The subtle colors and flowing feel of this framed art will bring a whole new look to the wall of your choice within your bathroom.

Patriotic Art for Election Year

You don't have to just get your patriotic spirit on during the summer months around the 4th of July. This is election year and there's plenty of reason to celebrate your American spirit all year round!

For many reasons, people look forward to having a great celebration with their friends and family members on the Fourth of July. Go ahead and have your gathering now. It might be a little cold outside but as the old saying goes, "When the heart is warm the home is warm" and you can fill your home with warmth by sharing good times with your family and friends and you don't have to wait until the 4th of July. Host a debate party and watch the candidates in action. Invite friends from both sides of the political spectrum (establish ground rules to keep it friendly though).

You may want to rev up your walls for some get togethers and include a new piece of art that will invigorate the patriot in all of us. One magnificent choice in patriotic artwork happens to be the limited edition print entitled "The Dream Keepers". This fun piece features children, who truly are our future putting up a flag. This is a great piece that will start a lot of conversations from the colors and attention to detail used in the creation of this beautiful artwork.

Batman Lives On

The death of Heath Ledger was a sad tragedy. He had just finished filming another in the Batman series of films and had played the Joker. The movie is due to be released on schedule and this will cause another resurgence in the popularity of Batman.

If you collect comics or you have someone near and dear that does, you know you always have the perfect gift available at your nearest comic store. however if you're looking for something unique for the comic book lover who has just about everything, bump up the ante a notch and get them something better than a comic book; make their next gift the gift of art they can enjoy all year round.

Bruce Timm's Gotham: Dangerous Dames and Demons is a magnificent choice for anyone who is really into everything that has to do with comic books. A true DC Comics find, this limited edition print is guaranteed to bring a huge smile to the face of any avid collector. There are actually eight different villainous characters featured in this stunning piece of artwork. Not only is this print impressive to look at, you also get the additional wow factor of hand numbering as well as the signature of Bruce Timm himself. Giving this piece to a real life comic book fan will be one of the best gifting experiences that you will ever have.

The Joker, his ever present girlfriend Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Bane and more are all featured in this fun piece. Go ahead and get a jump on the popularity the Batman series will enjoy again and hang this cool print on your walls or make it a cool gift for someone that will really appreciate a comic derived gift.

Making Your Princess's Room Even More Special With Art

What's more precious than your little princess? From the moment you brought her home in her pink bunting to the special little girl she is today, you want everything in her life to be as special as she is. This goes for her room too. As your daughter gets older, you'll want to allow her room to grow with her and you can make some fun changes as she grows up!

Decorating a bedroom for your little girl can be one of the best experiences that you will ever have with decorating. There are plenty of wonderful pieces that you can choose from to add to her room, including everything from accents to fine furnishings. For any girl who simply loves everything that is filled with sugar and spice and everything nice, you may even see that she will be interested in having a couple of beautiful works of art decorating the walls of her bedroom.

When looking for some sort of framed artwork or print for your daughter's room, you can either ask for her personal opinion or even draw from some of the things that she seems to be interested in. If she loves butterflies and the outdoors, you may want to look into a whimsical garden scene. For the little girl who simply adores animals there is the fun limited edition print created by Jean Monti called "Puppy Love". Any little girl would simply fall in love with print upon the very first glance. Add this piece to her wall and you are sure to see that it will make a magnificent addition to her newly decorated bedroom.

Celebrate Halloween 365 Days a Year

Do you love Halloween? Do you find your decorate more in October than December? Then we have something you will love!

Tim Burton made The Nightmare Before Christmas where Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King decides that he can do the job of one Mr. Claus a lot better with some scary and hilarious results. The Nightmare Before Christmas broke the mold in the stop-animation field, and still remains to this day one of the most popular films for collectors of memorabilia.

Certainly, when you love a movie such as this incredible feature from the Walt Disney Studios, you simply cannot wait to get your hands on some of the great pieces that come out to decorate your walls with. You may even see that it is difficult to enter into any mall without seeing two or even three stores that are filled with images and figurines of Jack Skellington and his little dog Zero, or even the Mayor, Sally or Lock, Shock and Barrel.

If you are truly looking for the ultimate in Nightmare Before Christmas memorabilia, perhaps it is just about time you decorate your walls with "Trick or Tree". This is a gorgeous framed giclee triptych, which features a tri-fold design. No matter where you place this wonderful limited edition giclee within your home or apartment, you are sure to have fond memories of this amazing film each and every time you glance at it upon your wall. A magnificent find for a collector and an equally incredible gift for the fan, this Nightmare Before Christmas piece is a must have.

Turning Your Tween's Room to a Teen's Room

So that bouncing baby you brought home turned into a curious toddler. From inquisitive preschooler to elementary school kid and then the tween years came and now you have a teenager. Your child went through many, many changes and now it's time to give your teen a new room decor to reflect an older child out of tween years, but not yet an adult.

Before you make changes, sit down and discuss with your teenager the types of colors and textures that they may be interested in adding to their room. You may end up agreeing that a new color scheme will be in order, and if you have enough room in the decorating budget, perhaps even a couple of terrific pieces of art. When chosen carefully at this point in your son or daughter's life, you may just be able to give them a beautiful piece of art that they can take with them into their very first apartment and then onto their home.

To get your teenager excited about artwork, you may want to bring in a popular and established artist's work. Maybe using Van Gogh to help update your teenager's room is a perfect idea. One of the pieces that seems to be extremely popular with all ages in Van Gogh's collection is "The Starry Night". You will see that the addition of this piece as an enhanced canvas painting replica to your teenager's room will make a lasting impression.

Meditation The Other Fine Art

Do you find yourself just thinking about collapsing at the end of your busy day? Between the kids, your partner, your job, your social obligations and then personal errands, it can be difficult to relax and many people have actually forgotten the fine art of relaxation and actually must learn to do it. There's an ancient tradition that can help you relax and you don't need costly equipment to do it. You just need to make a little time for yourself.

Meditation is a wonderful way to teach your body to unwind and relax. There are many different disciplines of meditation and with a light amount of research, you will find that one that will be right for you. The most basic type of meditation is a combination of visualization and deep breathing.

Flooding your body with oxygen through deep breathing is calming in itself. The technique is to breath in through your nose and exhale long and slow through your mouth. A deep breath or two will relax almost everyone and it's a good idea to take a couple of "cleansing breaths" before you start your meditation.

Make your meditation session your own. If you enjoy music, put some on. It doesn't have to be Eastern Indian; if you enjoy country and western - put a slow song on. Remember, this is relaxation for you and you need to do what you find comfortable. Many people enjoy sitting in a sunny spot and allowing the sun's warm rays to bring their relaxing touch to a meditation session. Another helpful way to get relaxed is to create a focal point. A good way to do this is to have a painting or sculpture to concentrate upon and start letting your thoughts wander as you do your deep breathing.

Meditating daily for about twenty to thirty minutes has been found to help lower blood pressure and increase oxygen levels in the body. If you've been feeling stressed and you aren't sure you even remember how to relax, take up meditation and you'll find that you can feel alot better about life in general and yourself in particular.