Art

July 2, 2023

Moody Settings Reveal What People Are Feeling in Uncanny Portrait Paintings

New York-based artist Xiao Wang masterfully sets the mood in his portraits with uncanny environments. Although realistically rendered, the color palettes have a slightly distorted quality that speaks to what each figure is feeling or thinking at the moment. From swirling violet clouds to blue-toned leaves, these backgrounds help us understand what Wang's subjects are trying to say—but cannot. Originally from China, Wang's experience as an immigrant has a major influence on his portraits.

Read Article

July 1, 2023

Expressive Abstract Paintings Depict the Turbulent Landscape of Human Psyche

Vibrant blues and yellows collide on Samantha Keely Smith‘s canvases. These abstract paintings resemble stormy oceans and turbulent skies, sometimes inhabited by enigmatic figures who sink into the pathways of the brush strokes. Rather than depicting the places we see, Smith is portraying our internal landscape—where consciousness and unconsciousness meet. This ongoing series is titled Imagined Landscapes and focuses on personal and existential feelings that can also be universally applied.

Read Article

June 27, 2023

Vincent van Gogh’s Life Illustrated in His Imaginative Style of Swirling Colors

Few artists have a style that is as instantly recognizable as Vincent van Gogh‘s iconic aesthetic. With his vibrant color palette and expressive, swirling brushstrokes, it's almost impossible to confuse the Dutch painter's art for another's work. Cartoonist and illustrator Alireza Karimi Moghaddam honors Van Gogh's legacy by creating enchanting illustrations inspired by his art and life. Over the years, this series has gone through many transformations.

Read Article

June 23, 2023

5 Free Online Pixel Art Makers That Will Help You Create 8-Bit Masterpieces

The options for digital art are endless. As technology advances, there are seemingly no limitations. You can pick and choose your tools—and, most importantly, what you'd like to create. Some folks, for instance, love a retro aesthetic. In that case, pixel art is appealing. If you love the blockiness in this type of art, then it’s time to give it a try. It’s now easier than ever with online pixel art makers.

Read Article

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.