The hottest Painting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Alex Both: Instalking

Do Not Research • 79 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Social media Internet Digital Art
  1. Instalking involves creating paintings based on images found through internet archeological practices like instastalking and then posting them on social media, tagging the original user for reactions.
  2. Artists like Alex Both explore the concept by collaging and painting directly from these found images, often sourced from accounts that are several years old.
  3. The process includes tracking individuals across different platforms, like from Reddit to Instagram, to create paintings that reflect the history and evolution of the original content creators.

The adventures of painting a data visualization

Big Charts • 79 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Data Visualization Painting Canvas Artwork
  1. Planning to hand-paint a data visualization can lead to innovative and soulful results, without being limited by digital tools.
  2. Utilizing a mix of hand-drawn sketches and digital tools like D3 can enhance the visual appeal and storytelling of a data visualization project.
  3. The process of painting a data visualization on a large canvas can be time-consuming and challenging, but can evoke strong emotional connections and memories.

Stuckism Silver Anniversary

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting
  1. Stuckism is an international art movement that values authenticity and individual expression over commercial success.
  2. Engagement with the process of painting is considered success for a Stuckist, rather than seeking recognition or monetary gains.
  3. Stuckism encourages artists to explore their neurosis and innocence through creating and displaying paintings, enriching society with shared experiences and individual expressions.

Creativity for the sake of creativity

Erifili • 99 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Writing Painting Social media Craft
  1. Creativity for the sake of creativity can lead to personal fulfillment and deeper exploration of one's craft.
  2. Being creative privately, without the pressure of public validation, allows for more genuine and authentic artistic expression.
  3. Engaging in creative activities solely for personal enjoyment is valuable and does not require public recognition to validate one's identity as an artist.
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Still-Life (Talking)

Critic at Large • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Philosophy Wealth Symbolism
  1. The painting 'Still Life With a Gilt Cup' by Willem Claesz Heda presents a subtle message warning against the dangers of wealth and excess.
  2. The details in the painting, such as the luxurious items on the table, symbolize the seductive nature of material goods and the transitory nature of life.
  3. The painting reflects a Calvinist-inspired moral reminder about the consequences of greed and the importance of not being consumed by worldly pleasures.

Stuckism in the House

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Exhibition Artwork Artist
  1. Stuckism emphasizes the importance of displaying art and having meaningful discussions about it, rather than focusing on social media validation.
  2. The concept urges artists to question providing free content for tech billionaires and to paint with unique, thought-provoking ideas.
  3. The goal is to nurture emotional growth by moving away from vanity metrics of likes and hearts, and towards genuine engagement and connection through physical art exhibitions.

Finishing Up Painting This Way Because I Got a Grant to Paint That Way

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Abstract Acrylic Grants
  1. The artist received a grant to create a series of large abstract paintings by a specific deadline, leading to a shift in their current painting style.
  2. The artist is planning to explore new painting techniques inspired by past painters and faces the challenge of painting something invisible to them but visible to others.
  3. The post includes images of various paintings created by the artist, showcasing different styles, sizes, and mediums used in their work.

Advocating Success Failure

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Gallery Exhibition Sculpture
  1. The author identifies as an Advocate personality based on the Myers-Briggs assessment, focusing on personal fulfillment, helping others, and meaningful relationships.
  2. The author believes in pseudoscience and its potential for good, citing examples like Newtonian physics enabling air travel.
  3. The author plans to host weekly mini-exhibitions to engage with art and create a space for sharing creativity with friends, emphasizing the importance of creating and connecting.

I Think I Can Learn How to Feel to Keep Going

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Acrylic Canvas Music Dreams
  1. The author shares their struggle and determination to keep pushing forward in their art despite challenges and self-doubt.
  2. The images showcased in the post are examples of the author's acrylic paintings, reflecting their continuous practice and passion for art.
  3. The author's artistic journey is likened to a process of filtering 'thick human lake mud' to create something clear, empty, and perhaps even innocent.

What have I been up to lately?

Basta’s Notes • 40 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🪑 Design Painting Progress
  1. The author is updating followers about recent activities and plans on their newsletter.
  2. The author is renovating their garage and upgrading for electrification to accommodate new electric vehicles.
  3. The author has purchased a new electric motorcycle and is excited to share more about it and post motorcycle content.

Dead Write

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Painting Artistic Process
  1. Humans have shifted from materialism to abstractionism, leading to a disregard for material objects and a focus on abstract ideas
  2. There is a call to reset to a time before the plastic age and embrace a lifestyle that values material and spiritual benefits over abstractionism
  3. The solution proposed involves embracing boredom, increasing waste, and disconnecting from the bubble of modern life to find contentment in simplicity and nature

May Day

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Artists Poetry Creativity Philosophy
  1. The author reflects on personal struggles, like health issues and temptations to drink, while creating art on cardboard.
  2. The text criticizes the disparity in wages between different professions and suggests that teachers and healthcare workers should be paid more.
  3. The author contemplates escaping to a place where they can be supported financially for their art, questioning the pursuit of money and the American way of life.

After Funeral Luncheons

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting History Culture Travel Society
  1. The author expresses a desire to escape a society they perceive as sick and exhausting, seeking a simpler life in a tranquil village to focus on art and history.
  2. They outline a plan to move to Sutton-cum-Lound, the ancestral home, offering to work as an artist and historian for room and board, expressing gratitude and commitment to the village.
  3. The author aims to trade the complexities of modern life for a quieter existence, willing to contribute their skills and embrace a slower pace in exchange for support from the community.

The Pouch Should Make a Comeback

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Drawing
  1. The author reflects on the concept of working for free in different stages of life, from childhood to adulthood, and its impact on financial security.
  2. The author shares personal experiences regarding Social Security benefits and financial struggles, highlighting the importance of support from loved ones.
  3. The post features various free paintings created by the author, showcasing their art and creativity in the face of financial challenges.

America’s Hummingbirds

Bird History • 19 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting History Fashion Migration Nature
  1. Early European colonizers in America were captivated by the miniscule hummingbirds because of their colors and behavior, despite having no practical use.
  2. Hummingbirds are unique to the Americas, with over 350 species living in Central and South America, and only the ruby-throated hummingbird making its way up to New England.
  3. During the 19th century, hummingbirds were heavily harvested for fashion, ending with federal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918.

The Merlin Residency and Cloud Hidden, Whereabouts Who Cares?

The False Consensus Effect • 78 implied HN points • 02 Jul 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Residency Painting Creativity Artists Gallery
  1. The author reflects on the idea of professional artistic residencies and the freedom found in creating without the pressure of external judgment.
  2. The author expresses a desire to escape the societal demands and norms, yearning for a simpler, more authentic existence to create and live by their own terms.
  3. The author plans to disconnect from social media, prioritize personal creative pursuits, and embrace a quieter, more intentional lifestyle away from the noise of constant online updates.

Crowd Sourcing a Path Not Really

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Creativity Entrepreneurship Life choices Dreams
  1. The author reflects on the challenges and temptations of going into business, balancing personal passions with financial pressures.
  2. The text discusses the idea of finding a balance between pursuing dreams, like owning a restaurant, and maintaining a sense of joy and fulfillment.
  3. There is an exploration of the impact of business on personal relationships and the potential loss of creativity and freedom when solely driven by profit.

A Valentine Gush

The False Consensus Effect • 78 implied HN points • 14 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Painting Love Music Video
  1. The author reflects on their relationship with their partner and the love that has grown over time.
  2. The post includes personal elements like songs and a love letter from the past, showcasing the depth of their connection.
  3. There's a theme of enduring love and appreciation for their partner, demonstrated through art and memories shared in the post.

See If You Can Get Through the Entire Day Nose Breathing

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Diversity Parenthood Poetry Inspiration
  1. Try nose breathing for the entire day: It can have positive health effects like reducing snoring and aiding weight loss.
  2. Question routine medical procedures: Colonoscopies, while beneficial for some, may not be necessary for everyone and can be pricey.
  3. Embrace diversity and inclusivity: Expressing commitment to social justice, equality, and education can help create a more just world for all.

Paug, Peale and Artists like Edgeworth

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Podcast Contemporary Art
  1. The text discusses a vision of a harmonious world where all species work together for mutual completion and survival, contrasting it with the current competitive market personalities of humans.
  2. The piece explores the significance of Stuckism in the arts, emphasizing themes of fulfillment, communion, and the need to move away from individual perfection towards unity and shared ideas in art.
  3. The post highlights the work and philosophy of artist Edgeworth Johnstone, focusing on his impact on bringing life energy to the world and advocating for celebrating life-giving creativity over wasteful market trends.

Portrait of a Painter as a Late Middle-aged (Old) Woodchuck

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 02 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Artist Gallery Acrylic
  1. The painter feels a sense of frustration with the changing seasons, wanting spring to arrive fully and quickly.
  2. Receiving positive feedback from a client brought the painter joy and satisfaction in their work.
  3. The painter shared images of their recent paintings and expressed a mix of emotions about their creative process.

10 Proteases for the Price of One

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Visual art Design Literature Poetry
  1. The artist painted microscopic proteases for a chemistry lab, creating Pacman-like images that were well-received by the lab founder.
  2. The artist, though not a graphic designer, was able to produce paintings that impressed the lab founder and received positive feedback.
  3. The artist's journey into writing and art reflects his desire for originality and recognition in the creative world, drawing inspiration from historical figures and personal experiences.

Flower Power

CTOrly • 19 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Creativity Design
  1. The act of recreating something isn't just imitation; it can be a way to continue the essence of the original.
  2. Documenting decisions and actions may not fully replicate the original intention, but it keeps the essence alive.
  3. Utilize tools and methods that support your work effectively, like Linear for workflow management, to avoid unnecessary challenges.

Preface to the Pleasure at Being the Cause

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Exhibition Painting Philosophy
  1. Late summer and autumn are a favorite time for exhibitions and artistic expression, creating a sense of community and emotional readiness for the upcoming indoor season.
  2. The author reflects on the concepts of cause and effect, Vedanta philosophy, and the interconnectedness of everything in the universe, striving to find contentment and deeper meaning.
  3. The importance of reducing duress in life, embracing personal power, and acknowledging the illusion of societal constructs, while advocating for a deeper connection to nature and all living things.

My First Non-real Non-fungible Token

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 21
🎨 Art & Illustration NFTs Digital Art Painting Artist Art market
  1. Human storytelling is unique among species, offering a blend of blessing and curse.
  2. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are a way for rich individuals to invest and make money, with high values placed on digital art.
  3. The process of creating and selling NFTs involves cryptocurrency platforms and auctions, presenting both challenges and opportunities for profit.

A Milestone.

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 30 Aug 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Painting Sculpture Drawing
  1. The post celebrates achieving a significant milestone of earning a paycheck from creative endeavors that surpasses earnings from traditional wage slavery.
  2. The accomplishment is marked as notable progress after 13 years of working part and full time in the arts industry.
  3. The author reflects on the financial aspects of their art sales, particularly highlighting the significance of earning $550 in a week, marking a positive milestone.

I Am Not Going to Try and Sell a Painting

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 14 May 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Artistic expression Social Commentary Activism Personal Reflection
  1. Art is not for sale as a commodity; it should continue beyond the sale and be a process that the buyer engages in.
  2. Consider boycotting products that support causes you do not agree with, like Sabra hummus supporting Israeli military bosses.
  3. Engage in practical actions, like supporting political candidates aligned with your values, to address issues you are passionate about, such as challenging Apartheid.

Going to Barcelona, Which Can Be a Big Deal for an Exploding Head and Other News

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 07 Apr 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Abstract Acrylic Exhibition
  1. The author shares a personal story of their terrifying experience during a painting trip to France where their head felt like it exploded, but they found that it was a common syndrome called Exploding Head Syndrome.
  2. The author is excited about being granted an opportunity to create 25-30 paintings for an exhibition to explore the theme of freedom, play, and power through art.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of living in the present moment as a painter, describing the process of abstracting old paintings and embracing the temporary insanity of spring fever.

My Last Commission That Looks Like This

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Art market Creative Process
  1. Sometimes, artists struggle with the challenges of taking on commissioned work, as it can change their creative process and compromise their artistic values.
  2. Pricing art can be a complex and delicate task, involving considerations of time, materials, and the artist's worth.
  3. Artists often face the dilemma of balancing financial needs with the desire for artistic freedom and expression, which can lead to difficult decisions in their artistic journey.

It’s Business Time

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Drawing Journaling Creative Expression
  1. The theme of failure in business is a common thread throughout the text, emphasizing the challenges and pressure associated with it.
  2. The importance of pursuing art without solely focusing on profit, as highlighted through references to Thoreau's philosophy and personal experiences.
  3. Reflections on the past and the impact of great thinkers like Thoreau, contrasting it with modern society's values and behaviors.

Painting Box for Russia

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Painting Exhibition Artistic Process
  1. The author is preparing for a solo exhibition in Rochester, NY focusing on his paintings and pricing strategy
  2. The author discusses the impact of 20th-century paradigms on art scenes and the need for change in how success is viewed
  3. A particular 'Painting Box for Russia' with ready-to-deliver paintings to Saint Petersburg for an exhibition has remained unopened due to lockdown, and the author plans to display it at an upcoming exhibition in a unique way