The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

The Ring of Fire

Cosmographia • 1697 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Photography Cartography
  1. The post is titled 'The Ring of Fire' and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
  3. The author of the post is M. E. Rothwell, and it was published on February 25, 2024, with a link to their profile for further exploration.

Death is the Mother of Beauty

Cosmographia • 1837 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The post discusses the concept that 'Death is the Mother of Beauty'. (Henry's quote 'Death is the mother of beauty' is intriguing and prompts reflection on the relationship between life's transient nature and its beauty.)
  2. The post is part of the 'Venus’ Notebook' series on Cosmographia. (The 'Venus' Notebook' series on Cosmographia explores various beautiful things and adds to the charm of the publication.)
  3. The content is for paid subscribers only. (This exclusive content is reserved for paid subscribers, indicating the value and depth of insights shared.)

The Art of Animated Titles

Animation Obsessive • 986 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Design
  1. The post discusses the art of animated titles during the mid-century era, particularly focusing on the animated movie titles of that time.
  2. The newsletter references Saul Bass's title sequence for Bonjour Tristesse (1958) and how it inspired elements seen in modern films like Pixar's The Incredibles.
  3. There's an invitation to subscribe to the Animation Obsessive newsletter for a 7-day free trial to access more content on animated titles and their history.

Day 10. Delight: BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING!

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 3930 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Creativity Instruction Technique
  1. Blind contour drawing focuses on HOW we draw, not just WHAT we draw.
  2. Blind contour drawing helps connect our eyes and hands, improving drawing skills and teaching us to really SEE.
  3. Blind contour drawing encourages us to let go of expectations and focus on the process of drawing, leading to fun and transformative experiences.

No Viable Upgrade Path

The American Peasant • 2201 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craftsmanship Tools Woodworking Mentorship Quality
  1. Kale's story highlights the importance of having the right tools in woodworking that will last a lifetime without needing upgrades.
  2. Investing in high-quality, durable tools from the start can save time and money in the long run.
  3. Choosing tools based on functionality and quality over aesthetics or price can lead to better long-term satisfaction and efficiency in woodworking.
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Day 9. Delight: NATURE!

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 3537 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature
  1. Nature is full of variety and no two plants or objects are exactly the same.
  2. Nature journaling can bring a sense of peace and a deeper connection to the world around us.
  3. Drawing the natural world offers endless possibilities, from contour drawings to colorful painterly styles.

A Note of Gratitude to My Readers

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6050 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Museum Paintings Inspiration Creativity
  1. The newsletter is supported by paying subscribers who help keep the content accessible to all, without a paywall, allowing everyone to enjoy the material equally.
  2. Writing and reading serve as powerful tools during tough times, providing companionship, creativity, and a way to connect with oneself and others.
  3. The importance of free access to art and culture, as demonstrated by the St. Louis Art Museum's commitment to being free for all, supported by voluntary contributions and public funding.

Z & Walker Behl: Storm the Capitol

Do Not Research • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Installation Painting Graphic design Illustration
  1. The 'Insurrection in a Box - The Big Edition' game by Z & Walker Behl transforms the hit game 'Storm the Capitol' into a life size sculptural installation.
  2. The game involves moving avatars around the Capitol Building to find items like senator hostages and AOC's shoes, with the objective of reaching Trump's helicopter first.
  3. Using art to explore image power and its impact on politics, social media, and global capitalism challenges us to envision a new future, united in questioning established institutions.

My heart almost stood still

Letters of Note • 2220 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Biography Music
  1. Helen Keller expressed gratitude to the New York Symphony Orchestra for the joy of 'hearing' Beethoven's Ninth Symphony through touch
  2. Keller described feeling vibrations and rhythms from different instruments, recognizing voices, and being enraptured by the music
  3. The letter showcases Keller's deep appreciation for music and the beauty and majesty she perceived through touch

Day 14. Fun Lesson: HOW TO HAVE FUN... DRAWING (Closed Eyes, Alternate Hand)

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 2928 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drawing Community Creativity Lessons Challenges
  1. 30-Day Drawing Habit involves fun drawing lessons with no tests or rules, encouraging experimentation and new perspectives.
  2. Drawing should be fun, and to keep it that way, focus on playfulness, connection, and flow while letting go of perfectionism and judgement.
  3. Having fun while drawing helps retrain the brain to focus on positive things, promotes wellbeing, and can replace the urge to seek entertainment on social media.

The A.W.N Pugin Edition

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Architecture
  1. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin was a significant figure in the Gothic Revival movement, known for his diverse design portfolio from churches to furniture.
  2. Pugin's conversion to Catholicism influenced his strong belief in Gothic architecture as a spiritual style that could restore order and morality to society.
  3. The collaboration between Pugin and Charles Barry on the Houses of Parliament exemplifies the power of Gothic design to inspire and uplift a society, leaving a lasting impact on London's architecture.

Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 1709 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Music Culture Identity Society
  1. Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
  2. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
  3. Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

The Mystery of Mary Oliver

Tom Ryan, Author • 9276 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Literature Autumn
  1. The post discusses the mystery surrounding the moves of poet Mary Oliver towards the end of her life.
  2. The author reflects on the idea of famous poets living away from their well-known locations.
  3. The text highlights the author's curiosity and interest in the mystery, drawing comparisons to other renowned literary figures.

The Brain vs Heart Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1568 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration
  1. Techniques in watercolor painting include wet on dry, wet on wet, and fading, each creating different effects.
  2. Choosing the right paper impacts the outcome in watercolor painting, with cold-pressed paper offering a rougher look and hot-pressed paper enabling better detailing.
  3. Don't limit yourself with perfectionism in art; view each piece as a stepping stone in your creative journey.

The Cartoon That Inspired 'Wander'

Animation Obsessive • 1255 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Influence
  1. Professor Balthazar, a cartoon series from the former Yugoslavia, inspired Craig McCracken, the creator of The Powerpuff Girls.
  2. The series ran from 1967 to 1978 and made a significant impact by influencing popular modern animations.
  3. The episode discussed in this post sheds light on the link between older cartoons and the creative inspirations of modern animators.

The Saddle Stitch Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft Luxury History
  1. Saddle stitching with two needles creates strong and elegant seams on thick leather like saddles, emphasizing craftsmanship and durability.
  2. The saddle stitch process is a symbol of true luxury, centered on effort, rarity, and longevity, contrasting with mass-produced items.
  3. Hermès still values traditional saddle stitching in their leatherwork for its quality, despite openness to technological advancements if they can improve quality.

Snæfellsjökull

Cosmographia • 1537 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Literature Photography
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notes on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers of the Cosmographia newsletter, showcasing a mix of creative content related to the location Snæfellsjökull.
  3. The post features images and links to subscribe or sign in for paid subscribers to access exclusive content related to Snæfellsjökull in the Atlas' Notes series.

Edinburgh

Cosmographia • 2036 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Poetry Photography Cartography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place like Edinburgh.
  2. To access the full content of this post, you need to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.
  3. The post by M.E. Rothwell was published on January 25, 2024, and includes a rich blend of creative elements related to Edinburgh.