Painting

February 17, 2021

Henry Ossawa Tanner: The Life and Work of a 19th-Century Black Artist

The 19th century was not an easy time to be a Black person in America, especially if you were trying to make it as an artist. For that reason, it is extremely remarkable to note when an American artist of African descent is able to rise above the racial discrimination so prevalent during that time period and become a renowned artist of international acclaim.

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January 30, 2021

Pretty Plant Paintings Capture the Leafy Beauty of Everyday Houseplants

Lovers of houseplants know that each kind has its own unique character. From pretty pink caladiums to magnificent monsteras, Toronto-based artist Rosa F captures her own indoor jungle in her sketchbooks. Each plant illustration showcases the delicate forms, patterns, and textures of leafage that are meticulously rendered one paint stroke at a time.

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January 22, 2021

Painting by Civil War-Era Black Artist Is Presented as Smithsonian’s Inaugural Gift

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' new administration has already been presented with numerous inaugural gifts, but perhaps none is as poignant as a 19th-century landscape painting, titled Landscape with Rainbow, on loan from the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) in Washington, D.C. This particular painting gifted to the Biden administration at the 46th President's inauguration on January 20, 2020 is more than just a landscape painting, though. It is steeped in symbolism.

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December 30, 2020

Artist Turns Used Tea Bags Into Miniature Canvases for Daily Watercolor Paintings

Since she began her 363 Days of Tea project in 2015—a personal challenge to create art daily by repurposing her used tea bags—visual artist and graphic designer Ruby Silvious has not ceased to record everyday impressions on her miniature recycled canvases. What has resulted in the following years is quite an extensive body of work, including several series documenting her travels, daily life, and even museum visits.

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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.