Oil Painting

February 21, 2025

Amy Sherald’s Powerful Portraits Take Over the Whitney Museum

Acclaimed portrait artist Amy Sherald, widely known for her oil portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, is holding her first major museum survey at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Opening in April, the survey includes around 50 paintings that demonstrate her early work as well as the striking portraits of Black Americans that have become her calling card. American Sublime firmly positions Sherald as one of America's most significant contemporary artists.

Read Article

January 25, 2025

Artist Paints Desert Scenes Interrupted by Enchanting Glitch and Pixel Effects

For an artist, the desert must resemble a canvas. Just as vast, intimate, and untouched, the desert provides a sense of possibility that has attracted renowned figures such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Diego Rivera, and Ansel Adams. It has also served as a rich source of inspiration for Alexis Mata. As with his predecessors, the Mexico City-based artist also prioritizes abstract imagery in his desert scenes.

Read Article

December 18, 2024

Spanish Painting Hidden for 140 Years Is Now on Public View for the First Time Ever

Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla wasn’t aware that he’d paint a sought-after masterpiece during his visit to Paris between 1889 and 1890. He also wasn’t aware that the work, titled Paris Boulevard (1890), would eventually be declared missing for more than a century. Primarily lauded for his sprawling seascapes, idyllic beach scenes, and astounding mastery of light, Sorolla didn’t often veer toward moodier compositions as he did in Paris Boulevard.

Read Article

October 18, 2024

Finger-Painting Artist Creates Floral Masterpieces Inspired by Creamy Cake Rosettes

While most of us haven’t finger painted since childhood, artist Iris Scott elevates this playful, intuitive technique to a refined art form. She’s known for using her fingertips, palette knives, and even air compressors to create expressive impasto paintings that exude texture. Scott’s latest collection, Frosting Florals, draws inspiration from the delicate art of piping rosettes on cakes. Each whimsical, 12×12-inch oil painting reimagines classic floral bouquets in vases, but with a colorful contemporary twist.

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.