Painting

January 11, 2019

Interview: Museum’s Artist-in-Residence Promotes Conservation with Wildlife Watercolors

Painter Peggy Macnamara is no ordinary watercolorist. As the Chicago Field Museum‘s artist-in-residence, Macnamara's muses include ancient vases, animal specimens, and other priceless artifacts that surround her on a daily basis. This fascinating career has led to an even more unique opportunity, as Macnamara's art now aids in the crucial conservation efforts of the museum's Keller Science Action Center.

Read Article

January 5, 2019

Traveling Watercolor Artist Captures the Charm of Old Asian Towns

Shanghai-based artist and avid traveler Zhifang Shi captures the world around him in a series of vibrant watercolor sketch paintings. From the narrow alleys of Shanghai’s old town to the ancient storefronts of South Korea, each piece captures the authentic charm of the places he visits. Urban watercolor sketching is a popular art form among many traveling creatives, and Shi has perfected the skill.

Read Article

November 29, 2018

Iconic Disney Characters Reimagined as Classic Oil Paintings

Disney characters seem to be the source of inspiration for many contemporary artists recently. We've seen the beloved heroines reimagined in a variety of alternative scenarios and styles, from eerie Tim Burton-style princesses to tough girl femme fatales. The latest Disney makeover to catch our eye is the work of Portland-based artist Heather Theurer. The talented painter creates incredible fairytale-inspired oil portraits that look like classic masterpieces from the 19th century Pre-Raphaelites movement.

Read Article

November 15, 2018

7 Innovative Painting Techniques That Don’t Require a Paintbrush

Throughout history, many pioneering artists have found innovative ways to produce paintings, often rejecting the traditional method of brush on canvas. One of the first was Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros who publicly shunned the paintbrush, calling it “an implement of hair and wood in an age of steel.” With a desire to further push the boundaries of painting techniques, the artist established a radical Experimental Workshop in New York City in 1936.

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.