Painting

July 14, 2023

Artist Recreates 18th-Century Romantic “Lover’s Eyes” Tradition by Painting Eyes on Vintage Plates

In the late 1700s, a romantic trend swept through wealthy families in England, Europe, and even America. Called “lover's eyes,” or “eye miniatures,” these small paintings were commissioned to depict the eye or eyes of spouses, loved ones, and children. While during the Georgian period (1700s to early 1800s) they were worn as accessories like bracelets and pendants, contemporary artist Susannah Carson is reimagining this art form.

Read Article

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

June 14, 2023

Vibrant Paintings of Different Animals Living Harmoniously Together on Varied Landscapes

The climate crisis is unavoidable, and it seeps into nearly every facet of our lives. Artist Antonio Segura, aka Dulk, expresses this idea through his colorful works that both celebrate nature’s biodiversity and consider its demise. His surreal paintings appear in his exhibition titled Heritage, now on display at Thinkspace in Los Angeles. The images are of animals that seem to be looking at what's beyond them.

Read Article

May 18, 2023

Kehinde Wiley Depicts Cuba and the Carnivalesque in Monumental Portrait Series

Artist Kehinde Wiley draws inspiration from the past to inform his contemporary portraiture. The subjects of his paintings are front and center among verdant imagery. Colorful blooms and repeating patterns surround them like the decadent wallpaper you’d expect in a palatial setting. They recall paintings you’d find in a museum created by the Old Masters. Here, however, Wiley centers the work on Black and Brown figures.

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.