Art History

July 22, 2023

Learn About the Magic of Mary Blair, an Illustrator Who Helped Define Early Disney Films

If you’ve watched a Walt Disney animated classic or read a vintage Golden Book, then you’ve likely interacted with the art of Mary Blair. The illustrator and animator left her mark on the visual culture of the mid-20th century in ways that are still celebrated today. As a concept artist for Disney, she created stylized designs that informed the look of films such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan.

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July 7, 2023

The Fascinating History of “Paint-by-Numbers” Kits

You probably remember “Paint-by-Numbers” kits from your childhood, but do you know the history of how they came to be? A mix between a coloring book and painting on a canvas, painting by numbers allows anyone to create a detailed work of art, even if they’ve never taken an art class. The simple art sets were first invented in the 1950s and they still remain popular for both kids and adults today.

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July 5, 2023

Leonardo da Vinci’s “Codex Atlanticus” Sketches on Exhibit for the First Time in the U.S.

Leonardo da Vinci is famous for many things. His portfolio of work ranges from his most recognizable masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, to his Vitruvian Man and The Last Supper. His brilliance was virtually endless, touching realms of art, science, and engineering. This boundless genius is captured in the over 1,000 pages of his notebooks which are bound together in the Codex Atlanticus.

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July 1, 2023

The Stories and Symbolism Behind 10 of Frida Kahlo’s Most Famous Paintings

Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is renowned for her symbolic subject matter, colorful canvases, and extensive series of self-portraits. Inspired by “whatever passes through [her] head without any other consideration,” her paintings are deeply personal. Given the intimate and emblematic nature of her pieces, their messages and motifs may seem too obscure to interpret. When viewed through a contextual lens, however, the meanings behind her poignant paintings begin to materialize.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.