Monalisa, Leonardo Da Vinci code

Who is not fascinated with painting 'Mona Lisa Smile'? A number of scientists from the French art had solved a number of secrets behind the legendary charm of the work of Leonardo da Vinci's. The experts from the Center for Research and Restoration of French Museums found that da Vinci's painting was done by using layers of ekstratipis. Da Vinci applied about 30 layers for an amazing painting. Each layer only as thick as 40 micrometers, half the thickness of hair. "The technique is called sfumato," said one of the researchers, Philippe Walter. Technique is what makes da Vinci managed to create amazing illusions and shadows in his paintings. Not only painting 'Mona Lisa Smile', the team also studied six other paintings by da Vinci is entirely stored in the Louvre museum. Research done by the technical X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to study the layers of paint and chemical composition.

All About EVO "Steve Vai"

Body Front

Steve writes, "I think a lot of people believe that Evo has special modifications on it and is not similar to the production pieces you buy at retail. Actually it’s exactly the same as any production just beat up a lot more. Things like nuts, tail pieces, frets, tuning pegs, have changed due to being worn out but the guitar itself is intact." Steve will occasionally have to rewrite EVO on the body due to fading. Another view of Evo's re-written name, scars and dings. Also visible here is the bottom strap holder. Because of Steve's sometimes violent approach to playing, at one gig the strap locks actually pulled right out of the guitar. Wood fill was used to create stability and is anchored deep into the guitar. This poor guitar has gone through some serious beatings but Steve likes when his guitars look worn in and does not worry at all about getting scratches or dings. "They add character and tell stories." The tape on the body is used for Thomas (Steve's guitar tech) to identify the guitars when they are standing upright in his guitar rack. As detailed in the bottom strap lock picture, at one gig the strap locks actually pulled right out of the guitar. Wood fill was used to create stability and is anchored deep into the guitar. In this photo you can see where the wood was drilled out and filled. Evo travels almost everywhere with Steve, and her battle scars are a testament to a grueling schedule of constant touring, playing (and dropping.) More detail of Evo's injuries. Also note the crack in the body. More on that ahead...