The hottest Painting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics
The American Peasant 1557 implied HN points 08 Oct 24
  1. The first 100 Exeter hammers are on sale for $133 and come numbered. It's a great buy if you're into woodworking.
  2. You can learn more about the different types of hammers and their uses on the website provided. Knowing the right tool can really help your projects.
  3. Shipping for the hammers is free in the U.S., and you might want to check out the new T-shirts they offer too. It's a fun way to support a brand you like.
Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet 449 implied HN points 01 Mar 26
  1. Gerhard Richter is often seen as possibly the greatest living painter because of his extraordinary versatility, moving from photorealistic blurred images to grey monochromes across a seven-decade career.
  2. Even though Richter claims his paintings 'mean nothing,' they repeatedly engage personal and historical trauma—World War II, the bombing of Dresden, and intimate family tragedies—and often explore the experience of looking at photographs of loved ones and enemies.
  3. Key techniques and series carry clear critical readings: the 1965 photographic blur was a major innovation, the 1980s–90s smear paintings are read as reflecting art‑world financial cynicism, and some late works like the Birkenau paintings have been judged aesthetic and moral failures.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Caitlin’s Newsletter 1243 implied HN points 03 Jul 25
  1. There's a new painting video about Benjamin Netanyahu, where the creator discusses his recent comments on war crimes. It’s a creative way to engage in political commentary.
  2. The artist encourages viewers to watch the video on YouTube and offers various ways to support their work. They emphasize that all work is freely available for sharing and reuse.
  3. This newsletter is reader-supported, highlighting the importance of community backing for independent creators. It's a reminder that we can help keep such voices active.
imetatronink 1847 implied HN points 20 Oct 23
  1. Historic ancient structures were built with precision on a firm foundation.
  2. American buildings since World War Two do not exhibit high standards of workmanship.
  3. American structures built post-1945 will likely deteriorate quickly compared to ancient buildings.
ASK MOLLY 1257 implied HN points 14 Sep 23
  1. The post is about 'Owned' and what you didn't know you wanted.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only.
  3. Includes a piece of writing by Leonora Carrington on farming.
Am I Doing This Right? 1041 implied HN points 24 May 23
  1. The book was painted traditionally with watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils.
  2. The painting process involved steps like sketches, painting large areas, adding textures with dry brush, and finishing details with colored pencils.
  3. The post details the process, challenges, and fun moments of painting a spread for the book.
Breaking Smart 74 implied HN points 15 Dec 25
  1. A simple doodle evolved into a 41-piece iPad painting series called Bucket Art that uses the flood-fill (bucket) tool and pareidolia to discover motifs like waterfalls and ships.
  2. The hand-painted set was used to fine-tune a generative model on titles.xyz, letting many people create, mash up, and publish new Bucket Art images derived from the style.
  3. The platform links training images as NFTs to provide clear provenance and micropayment flows to contributing artists, enabling cheap, auditable, high-volume generative art and new creative-composability dynamics.
On Looking 259 implied HN points 08 Apr 24
  1. Eclipses provide a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of cosmic events, reminding us of the intricate alignment of celestial bodies.
  2. The experience of observing an eclipse challenges our perception of reality, showcasing how our brain interprets electromagnetic waves and alters our vision.
  3. Looking directly at an eclipse can be harmful and cause solar retinopathy, emphasizing the importance of protective eyewear and caution during such rare events.
slow motion multitasking 575 implied HN points 08 Jan 24
  1. The author shared highlights from their week including printing emo poems in a tiny book and taking a cello lesson.
  2. The author expressed admiration for ceramic works by Ruth Easterbrook and Emily Yong Beck.
  3. The author recommended watching 'Planet Earth 3' and following Aparna Nancherla's substack.
The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society 766 implied HN points 07 Sep 23
  1. Canadian painter Sean William Randall's acrylic on canvas work is full of light, palettes, and intricate detail
  2. Randall's latest solo show 'BECALMED' opens on September 9th at Ian Tan Gallery in Vancouver BC
  3. Member of the community asks about balancing being a commercial and museum artist, sparking reflection on the possibility of being both
So Here’s a Thing 766 implied HN points 24 May 23
  1. Martin Lewis created captivating etchings admired by renowned artist Edward Hopper.
  2. Lewis had a diverse background, from mining and logging to being a sailor, before becoming an illustrator and printmaker.
  3. His best-known urban scenes were produced in the 1920s and 30s, showcasing an uncanny poise and gaining him recognition in the art world.
Something I Saw 511 implied HN points 13 Feb 23
  1. The importance of finding inspiration and beauty in art
  2. Acknowledging and embracing the power of beauty in creativity and self-expression
  3. Reflecting on the balance between life's truths and the presence of beauty in society
Austin Kleon 2218 implied HN points 19 Apr 22
  1. You can make your own colored brush pens by refilling exhausted cartridges with different ink colors. It's cheaper and creates less waste than buying new pens.
  2. Mixing inks in the cartridges allows for unique colors and adds fun to the creative process. This can help you explore and discover new ideas through play.
  3. Using colored tape to identify different ink colors is a simple hack that makes the creative process easier and more organized.
Caitlin’s Newsletter 1848 implied HN points 23 Dec 23
  1. The painting "Refaat Alareer" honors the Palestinian poet and teacher who was recently assassinated by Israeli forces.
  2. The painting features a kite referencing Alareer's last poem, symbolizing hope and love.
  3. The artist's work is reader-supported and available for purchase to support her creative endeavors.
The Charlotte Ledger 235 implied HN points 22 Jan 24
  1. An exhibit called 'Craft Across Continents' at the Mint Museum showcases whimsical art pieces that evoke fun and creativity.
  2. Mecklenburg County experienced a 20% decrease in home sales in 2023, possibly due to high mortgage rates.
  3. A new daily podcast called CLT1st has launched in Charlotte, offering a quick way to stay informed about local news and events.
Campfire Notebook 216 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. Tea has potential health benefits, although studies are inconclusive in humans
  2. Tea can be used as pigment by artists in creative ways
  3. Collaborations between artists and scientists can lead to unique projects, like using tea bags for art and analysis
Atlas of Wonders and Monsters 1289 implied HN points 10 Nov 23
  1. Pioneers of abstract art often began with painting representational pictures.
  2. The shift from figurative art to abstract art is a gradual progression seen in artists like Kandinsky, Mondrian, Malevich, Pollock, and Rothko.
  3. Early abstract art skeptics may not fully appreciate the value of abstract art, but understanding the journey of artists can provide insight into their artistic development.
Wrong Side of History 441 implied HN points 23 Oct 24
  1. Caravaggio was a very influential artist known for his unique style using light and dark contrasts. This technique is called 'chiaroscuro' and inspired many other artists and filmmakers.
  2. He had a tumultuous life, filled with fights and adventures, which sometimes got him into serious trouble, like killing a man in a duel. Despite his bold personality, he faced many struggles, especially in his early life.
  3. Caravaggio's paintings often portrayed religious themes but in a way that made them relatable to ordinary people. His work was not just beautiful; it also had a deep connection to the social and political issues of his time.
Why is this interesting? 301 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. René Magritte's painting 'The Empire of Light' sold for over $120 million, setting a record for surrealist art at auction. This highlights the growing appreciation for surrealism in the art world.
  2. The painting depicts a street at night under a daytime sky, which is a unique and captivating imagery. It's part of a series that showcases Magritte's creative style and imagination.
  3. Magritte is now among a few elite artists whose works have crossed the nine-figure sale mark. This includes famous names like Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso.
Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky 117 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. In the late 1800s, a painting showing a shoulder caused a huge scandal. People were shocked by what we now see as a small detail.
  2. Social norms change over time, and what was once unacceptable might seem silly later on. Today’s moral values could look outdated in the future.
  3. The way society reacts to perceived transgressions shows how power dynamics and moral standards evolve. A harmless joke today might be judged harshly in the future.
Do Not Research 39 implied HN points 29 Apr 24
  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.
Do Not Research 119 implied HN points 22 Sep 23
  1. The painting explores the intersection of video game warfare, religion, and international politics, revealing emerging spiritualities and myths from gaming.
  2. The artist incorporates traditional painting techniques, installations, and digital art to create multimedia collages symbolizing the blurred visual identity of our culturally saturated society.
  3. There is a connection highlighted between war games and international politics through shared symbols and rituals, suggesting an intertwined relationship between the two fields.
Wild Information 98 implied HN points 26 Oct 23
  1. Corridors in architecture are often an afterthought, especially in structures with many rooms.
  2. Corridors play a significant role in popular science fiction, such as in Star Trek, representing travel and exploration.
  3. Robert Irwin's innovative art and approach to light mirror the creativity and attention to detail seen in the set design of Star Trek.