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If you’re in the U.S., you’re either just coming out of or in the middle of a heat wave. Our increasingly hot summers can be devastating for our health, but at least we’re not made of wax. This past week, a Washington, D.C. sculpture of the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, became another casualty of global warming.

In fact, poor Abe has suffered quite a bit this past year. The 6-foot-tall sculpture created by artist and University of Richmond assistant professor Sandy Williams IV has had to be taken in for reconstruction twice now.

Williams did intend for the Lincoln sculpture to melt, but only a bit. In September 2023, with over a 100 candle wicks in it, the artwork was prematurely lit by community members. The wicks were meant to be used, but only for a minute or two, and not every single one at once. Without any signage explaining the fact, passersby saw the sculpture, lit the wicks, and left without snuffing the flames out. This all happened before its official unveiling.

The sculpture was reinstalled this past February with only 10 wicks and signs making it clear to only to let flames burn briefly. The Lincoln sculpture was 3,000 pounds with a congealing point of 144°F, so it was expected to be safe for the immediate future. However, Washington, D.C.’s heat last weekend was too much for the Great Emancipator. First his head started leaning back, and social media users joked that maybe Honest Abe was having trouble coping with the current state of American politics. Then, one of his legs turned into a blob.

“I previously had joked that when our climate gets bad enough to where we are living in an environment where the ambient heat melts these sculptures, that’s when this work becomes an environmental artwork,” Williams admits. “I didn’t know that was going to be this summer.”

While the piece forebodingly became a commentary on climate change earlier than expected, the statue was always meant to be political. It was installed outside of Garrison Elementary School as part of Williams’ Wax Monument Series. Entitled 40 Acres: Camp Barker the piece commemorates the spot of a Civil War era refugee camp for formerly enslaved African Americans. Williams wanted to bring attention to the history of formerly enslaved folks during and after the Civil War, as the historical canon tends to skip this essential information.

In a phone call with Intelligencer‘s Matt Stieb, Williams stated, “I have no qualms with wherever people take it. I think that is what public artwork is about. That’s what I think [I] love most about public art. The thing that makes me most uncomfortable and the thing I love the most is that I never know what’s going to happen and it’s totally outside of my control.” It seems as though they can appreciate the memes that melting Abe has inspired.

The wax monument should be back on display, good as new, this week. However, they might want to invest in getting him an air conditioner.

Artist Sandy Williams IV created a wax statue of President Abraham Lincoln, which was installed outside of Garrison Elementary School in Washington, D.C.

 

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Unfortunately, the 6-foot-tall sculpture began to rapidly melt during a heatwave.

A heat wave hit the DMV area over the weekend, and one of the country's leaders paid the price. A wax sculpture of Abraham Lincoln began to melt from the temperatures and lost its head: https://t.co/DycXdkPgSM pic.twitter.com/d6LqeaRMOI

— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) June 25, 2024

Though it was created with the intention of melting, the rising temperatures in D.C. expedited expectations.

another look at the wax lincoln sculpture in dc that melted during the heat wave pic.twitter.com/Wq3v0GCvUD

— Spencer Allan Brooks (@SpencerSays) June 24, 2024

Needless to say, the “headless Lincoln” melting statue made national headlines…

…and gained some funny reactions.

This is a shame. No one can hold a candle to him.

— Ross Duckham (@RossDuckham) June 25, 2024

How your email finds me⬇️ https://t.co/RbG146Nb7W pic.twitter.com/jBvjn8M8FU

— Zack Brown (@ZackBrownDC) June 23, 2024

Even our monuments are exhausted by our politics.

— Grover One (@groversmith1) June 23, 2024

This perfectly sums up how things are going.

— StandUnited1776(Matthew) (@StandUnited76) June 25, 2024

pretty decent symbol of America at only 1.2°C of global heating https://t.co/3hASCMxSJ2

— Dr. Genevieve Guenther (@DoctorVive) June 24, 2024

Sandy Williams IV: Website | Instagram
h/t: [BBC News]

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READ: Abraham Lincoln Wax Statue Melts From Extreme Heat in Washington, D.C.

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Japanese stationary company PLUS just released a set of three of the cutest erasers. Featuring some of 18th-century Japanese woodblock printmaker Katsushika Hokusai‘s most popular prints of Mount Fuji, the erasers are perfect to use when channeling your inner artist.

Famously, The Great Wave off Kanagawa features a stunning wave in the foreground with a snow-topped Mt. Fuji in the distance. Yet that was just one panel of his series called Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. The panels titled Surface of the Koshu Misaka River and Fine Wind and Clear Weather are The Great Wave's companions in this set. You might think their cuteness will be a problem once you actually need to erase a mistake, but don't worry. There's a clever trick within them that only ups the ante.

These erasers have the prints on their clear holders, but when you start to erase with the seemingly typical rectangular pieces of rubber, a snow capped Mt. Fuji is revealed. These erasers are a special limited-edition trio, but are part of PLUS's Air-In eraser series which feature designs, including their own rendition of Mt. Fuji, that are revealed once used. Using two layers of resin, users must erase evenly at the corners if they want to construct their own mountain. When you return them to their boxes, they turn into three-dimensional pieces of miniature art.

Hokusai's works inspired artists around the world, including Impressionists like Monet. Now you can be inspired to risk making some mistakes with erasers that you can't wait to use on hand. They're a great incentive to quell your inner perfectionist. The erasers are available at Amazon Japan and other stationary stores. They are retailing for ¥880 or roughly $5.50 on Amazon Japan, but at the moment only PLUS' standard Mt. Fuji erasers are available on Amazon in the U.S.

Japanese company PLUS released a limited-edition set of erasers that feature panels from Hokusai's Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji

PLUS: Website | Facebook
h/t: [Spoon and Tamago]

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READ: Fun Hokusai-Inspired Erasers Designed To Turn Into Mount Fuji the More You Use Them

MYSTERIOUS MONOLITH!

We see a lot of weird things when people go hiking like not being prepared for the weather, not bringing enough water… but check this out!
Over the weekend, @LVMPDSAR spotted this mysterious monolith near Gass Peak north of the valley. pic.twitter.com/YRsvhJIU5M
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) June 17, 2024

A new monolith emerged in the Las Vegas desert, prompting the question: could it have been aliens or something much more human? For many, the sudden and ominous appearance of this reflective structure triggered memories of similar perplexing art installations in the past.

On Monday, June 17, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) shared the new sighting of the monolith on X (formerly Twitter). According to the LVMPD, their Search and Rescue Unit (LVMPDSAR) discovered this structure a few days earlier on the Gass Peak trail north of Las Vegas. It stands 77 inches tall and each side is 13 inches wide. As the LVMPD later explains, “It was made out of reflective sheet metal folded into a triangle and secured with rebar and concrete.”

The original social media post issuing a statement about the monolith sparked a range of reactions. Some users proposed science fiction theories, while others dismissed it as a cheap and obvious stunt. The structure has also been viewed as a striking piece of art, with calls for its protection from potential vandals. However, many consider it a form of vandalism against the natural landscape.

“Littering. Hope you fine whoever dumped that…. Might as well be an old TV or mattress,” wrote one user in response to the post on X. Many comments, however, reminisce about the monoliths discovered a few years ago, remembering the same intrigue and mystery they inspired.

In November 2020, amidst a desert canyon in Utah, staff from the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) discovered a monolith. The silver pillar, distinctly less reflective than the one found in Las Vegas, was soon sensationalized. While the DPS didn’t disclose its exact whereabouts out of safety concerns, individuals soon found its location using Google Earth and publicly posted the coordinates. Many vehicles ventured off-trail to reach the remote structure, causing controversy over the impact on the natural surroundings.

Less than two weeks later, four individuals removed the monolith. According to a photographer who witnessed the scene, one of the men remarked, “This is why you don’t leave trash in the desert.” The Utah monolith’s origins remain a mystery. Speculation suggests that it could be the work of John McCracken, who passed in 2011, or a tribute to him due to the similarity to his minimalist sculptures.

Since the first monolith appeared in Utah, these mysterious structures have emerged across the globe in various countries on almost every continent. Individuals have reported monoliths in over 20 states in the United States and more than 15 European countries, including notable monoliths in Romania, the Netherlands, and Wales. In many cases, local authorities swiftly removed these structures.

A few monoliths break this trend. In Pine Mountain, California, the artists behind them are metalworkers Travis Kenney, Randall Kenney, Wade McKenzie, and Jared Riddle. A local English designer, Tom Dunford, claimed he had left the one on England’s southern coast, inspired by the Utah monolith.

These revelations disputed supernatural claims and confirmed that instead of one group creating these anonymous structures, the Utah monolith likely sparked a trend of mostly anonymous, randomly appearing rectangles.

Several users posted detailed instructions on reaching the Las Vegas monolith to those unfamiliar with the trail and area. However, on June 21, the LVMPD announced that they helped remove the monolith and that it is “being stored at an undisclosed location while public authorities determine the most appropriate way to dispose/store the item.”

A new reflective monolith appeared near Las Vegas, creating supernatural intrigue and artistic inspiration in its wake.

While the internet gets to work on this mystery, remember: when enjoying our incredible outdoors, use the TRAIL acronym: pic.twitter.com/M5ghlTRPF6

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) June 17, 2024

It joins the pattern of monolith emergences that began in late 2020, when the first mysterious block was discovered in the Utah desert, inspiring many similar structures to appear around the world.

 

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The newest monolith near Gass Peak has since been removed by the Search and Rescue team, though it's still unclear how it got there in the first place.

It is being stored at an undisclosed location while public authorities determine the most appropriate way to dispose/store the item. It is 77” tall and each face is 13” wide. It was made out of reflective sheet metal folded into a triangle and secured with rebar and concrete.

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) June 21, 2024

The LVMPD discourages anyone from venturing off marked trails or leaving objects and items behind. This poses a danger to you and the environment.

⚠️As a reminder, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, encompasses over 1.6 million acres.

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) June 21, 2024

Visitors to the refuge are welcome, but those wishing to explore the refuge should be mindful of the environmental impact of their visit and should be prepared to navigate rough 4×4 roads without cell phone reception or access to water.

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) June 21, 2024

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Website | Facebook | X
h/t: [IFL Science, CNN]

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Best of 2023: Top 10 Art Installations Featured on My Modern Met

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READ: Mysterious Monolith Pops Up in Las Vegas Desert and No One Knows Who Put It There

Artist Ira Volkova paints large-scale flower portraits that serve as a love letter to every part of the blossoming plant. With each stroke of her brush, she is able to perfectly capture the likeness of every bloom she paints, magnifying the usually small, delicate features in sprawling detail that spans across canvases larger than the artist herself.

Volkova, who is from Ukraine, is inspired by the flowers growing in her garden as well as the botanical gardens in Kyiv. She routinely takes photos of beautiful blooms that she later uses as the basis for her paintings. Sometimes, she perfectly copies the flower that she captured with her camera. Other times, she uses the photo as inspiration, only to turn around and create something entirely new.

Regardless of the scale of her work, many of Volkova's paintings share the same key elements. The artist's work tends to favor full flowers with lots of petals, especially peonies. Through her painting, she shines a spotlight on flora that have vibrant pinkish hues. Volkova also renders her floral subjects against fairly simple backgrounds. They tend to either be a solid color or a soft gradient, making sure to be as unobtrusive as possible while simultaneously highlighting the grandeur of her beloved botanicals.

To keep up with the painter's latest works, be sure to follow Volkova on Instagram. If you are interested in purchasing one of her paintings, check out her Singulart.

Artist Ira Volkova paints large-scale botanical portraits that center flowers in all their majesty.

By using flowers from her own garden or in nearby botanical gardens for inspiration, Volkova is able to paint the blossoms in an incredibly detailed manner.

Her choice of scale gives petite, delicate flowers a rare chance to be recognized for their gripping, intricate beauty.

Regardless of the scale of her paintings, Volkova's skill with a paintbrush is undeniable.

Ira Volkova: Website | Instagram | Singulart

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Ira Volkova.

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READ: Artist Captures the Delicate Beauty of Flowers Through Large-Scale Oil Paintings

Some people love their hometowns so much, they want to preserve their heritage and tell the rest of the world everything about it. While many do this by becoming tour guides or simply documenting their city's splendor through photography, one British man's effort is even more commendable. Artist Maurice Ivor Birch spent 54 years drawing the town of Aldridge on a 100-foot-long roll of paper.

Birch bought the oversized paper roll in 1969, and only finished his visual love letter to his hometown in 2023. He paid 10 shillings for the scroll at a car boot sale with hopes of entertaining his then 4-year-old son. “I thought ‘I'm having that' because I used to do little cartoon sketches of animals and [creepy crawlies] for my son to color in and it seemed ideal,” he told The Daily Mail.

Now 82 years old, Birch turned this art project into a five-decade-long hobby. “I thought I would tear them off but as I began to draw on it, I couldn't bring myself to rip it up. After doing about 80 sketches, I thought ‘what else can I do now?'” That's when he decided to draw buildings of Aldridge, as he has lived his whole life there. “I thought I'd keep the scroll intact but sketch the local buildings for posterity as so many have long disappeared from the landscape.”

The scroll now features 320 drawings of historic buildings in both ink and pencil. Since no city stays the same for long, Birch's drawings include pubs, hotels, shops, and cottages that no longer exist—many of which he actually drew from memory. Overall, he spent 2,560 hours, or 106 days, mixing the lost construction of yesteryear with the way Aldridge looks today.

Since it would be hard for everyone to browse the same scroll, Birch's work has been turned into a book aptly titled Aldridge on a Roll. “Hopefully it will be a legacy showing the way Aldridge used to be,” the man says. “It was the most beautiful village when I was a boy. It's still a lovely place to live and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else but many of the buildings have gone. I've always wished my children could see Aldridge as it was and this way they sort of can.”

Artist Maurice Ivor Birch spent 54 years drawing the town of Aldridge on a 100 feet roll of paper.

[archiveorg isbn_9781844918430 width=560 height=384 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

h/t: [Laughing Squid]

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READ: British Man Spends 54 Years Drawing His Hometown on 100-Foot-Long Roll of Paper

Photo: Stock Photos from Grezova Olga/Shutterstock
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Sketchbooks are a must-have creative tool for artists to create on the go. Not only are they great for jotting down ideas and capturing scenery en plein air, but they also have a precious quality that makes you want to keep them forever. And although many people use art journals for dry media like pencil and pen, there are also great watercolor sketchbooks for painters that want to take their studio with them.

However, not just any sketchbook will do for watercolor adventures. In addition to having a durable cover for bumpy backpack rides, a good watercolor sketchbook should include thicker paper (average of 150 gsm) that can hold up to heavy washes of color and ink. Sounds like a lot to ask for? Fortunately, nowadays there's no shortage of high-quality watercolor sketchbooks—it's just a matter of narrowing down the competition. So, whether you prefer hardcover, softcover, or wire-bound, we've put together a list of the 10 best watercolor sketchbooks.

Among these varied options, you will find an ideal medium for capturing landscapes, portraits, and beyond. Some of these sketchbooks feature an elastic band to help you secure your page, an inner pocket that helps store notes and other small items, and a bookmark to help you find where you left off. Furthermore, you will find notebooks with hot-pressed paper, fine grain, and more that will suit your personal preference.

Scroll down to find your new favorite painting companion.

Need more art supplies before you start painting? Check out our guides of the best watercolor paint sets, watercolor mediums, and portable art supplies.

Start painting with one of these watercolor sketchbooks!

Photo: Stock Photos from telinunu/Shutterstock

Strathmore Hardbound 400 Series Watercolor Art Journal

Strathmore | $17.69

The Strathmore Watercolor Art Journal is a perfect sketchbook with multiple sheets of 300 gsm acid-free paper that can withstand washes, as well as lifting and scraping. Plus, at 5.5 x 8.5 inches, this soft cover booklet will perfectly fit inside any bag or purse.

Stillman & Birn Nova Mixed Media Sketchbooks

Stillman & Birn | $23.09

For painters who prefer to work on toned paper, the Stillman & Birn Sketchbook offers three options in one wire-bound format. It features 17 pages (140 gsm) in each color: beige, black, and gray with a medium grainy texture.

Hahnemühle The ZigZag Book

Hahnemühle | $22.19

Despite its small 5.5 x 5.5 inch size, the Hahnemühle The ZigZag Book has a lot to offer. Under the hardcover are 18 pages of thick 300gsm paper in a whimsical accordion-folded format, allowing the artist to spread their illustrations across multiple sheets.

Moleskine Watercolor Album

Moleskine | $33.69

Moleskine sketchbooks are well-known favorites of artists and designers, and their Watercolor Album is no exception. In addition to a reliable hardcover, this sketchbook features 60 pages of heavyweight, 200 gsm, cold press paper.

Holbein Multimedia Book

Holbein | $20.75

If the aesthetic is as important as the function, then the Holbein Multimedia Book is a great choice. Its elegant hardcover features a ribbon closure on the side to ensure that your artwork stays safe during travel. And its pH neutral, 120 gsm paper will be the perfect canvas for watercolor illustrations.

Paul Rubens Art Supplies Watercolor Journal

Paul Rubens | $14.99

Sleek and portable are just a few of the words to describe the Paul Rubens Watercolor Journal. Designed for artists of all ages, it has 100% cotton paper that is sturdy enough for different watercolor techniques, as well as other mediums like gouache and acrylics.

Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook

Leuchtturm | $28.95

Leuchtturm is another well-designed sketchbook that's beloved by designers. It features a vibrant forest green hardcover and 121 pages of 150 gsm paper. Additionally, the art journal is bound in such a way that the pages can open flat for painting.

Canson Artist Series Watercolor Books

Canson | $15.62

For the prolific artist who doesn't want to break the bank with each journal purchase, the Canson Watercolor Sketchbook is a great deal. It includes 20 sheets of thick 300 gsm paper that is ideal for washes and different painting techniques. Plus, all of the pages are micro-perforated so you can remove them with ease.

Bee Paper Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketchbook

Bee Paper | $12.18

This mixed media sketchbook by Bee Paper can be used with both dry and wet media. It features a unique waterproof leatherette cover and 60 sheets of archival-quality 150 gsm textured paper.

Arteza Watercolor Sketchbook

Arteza | $30.25

This linen-bound watercolor sketchbook by Arteza is a stylish addition to every artist's collection. It includes 128 pages of heavyweight, cold-pressed 230 gsm paper with a light texture.

Want to pair your sketchbook with a super portable paint set? Check out these different sets by Viviva! They come in the form of a booklet.

Viviva Original Colorsheets

Viviva | $19.95+

Viviva Spring Colorsheets

Viviva | $19.95+

Viviva Metallics Colorsheets

Viviva | $19.95

This article has been edited and updated.

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READ: 10 Best Watercolor Sketchbooks for Artists Who Want to Paint On the Go

Photo: Mint Owl</a
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Practice is a vital part of perfecting your drawing skills. Learning the basics and repeating them over and over again is the only way to improve. For proof, just check out what a few years of drawing practice can do. It’s truly incredible the progress that you can make by dedicating time to this pursuit. Those who do have gone from scrawling simple figure sketches to fully-rendered portraits in seemingly no time.

Photo: EndOfAllHope

Although the best way to improve your drawing is to just get started, figuring out what to sketch can be challenging. Like all creative endeavors, everyone goes through “blocks” where they can’t figure out what to put pencil to paper. Well, have no fear! We’ve got a list of 100+ easy drawing ideas for you to try and fill up your sketchbook with. Get your creative juices flowing with everything from everyday objects to fantastical cityscapes—we recommend trying a variety in order to flex every bit of your drawing muscle.

But First, Gather Your Supplies

Graphite Pencils

Investing in great supplies will help ensure that you expand your sketching capabilities. So, check out our recommendations for the best drawing pencils, best sketchbooks, and best type of paper. Although pencils are the most popular tools when it comes to drawing, charcoal is also fairly popular for those who like to sketch and do it fast. While working on drawings that have deep shadows, charcoal will offer rich black tones that are perfect for shading. You can check out our selection of the best charcoal pencil sets for artists.

Best Graphite Pencil for Drawing

We highly recommend Derwent Graphic Pencils. Loved by both beginners and professionals, they are available in soft, medium, and hard sets. Easy to sharpen to a point or flat shape, they are versatile for detailed work and shading.

Drawing Pens

Does your artwork depict intricate details? Try using a drawing pen. Pens offer consistent linework and precision. There is a pen for almost every type of linework, including sketching, cartooning, drafting, calligraphy, and more. Check out our picks for the best drawing pens. And if you’re looking to add color to your work, we’ve identified some of the best colored pencils to use, too.

Best Drawing Pen

Anyone looking to draw with precision will want to stock up on Sakura Pigma Micron pens. Whether sketching comics or drawing architecture, these acid-free archival pens are a great option. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to draw thin or thick lines and have real staying power, so your sketches will last the test of time.

Photo: Pixabay

Drawing Ideas That Anyone Can Try

Still Life Drawing Ideas You Can Find at Home

You don't have to go far to find inspiration for what to draw. Just look around your house to see what to sketch. Every object is an opportunity for drawing. If you're feeling ambitious, try combining them into a still life.

• The interior of your living room
• A houseplant
• Kitchen utensils, like a whisk or slotted spoon
• A necklace, ring, or another piece of jewelry—try combining them in a still life
• House keys attached to a keychain
• An interesting knick-knack (or knick-knacks) off your shelf
• An interesting doorknob or door knocker
• Crumpled fabric or a pile of laundry
• An object in a glass dish
• Your dinner that night…
• … before you've prepared it (the ingredients)
• Collection of your favorite things
• A still life featuring old technology
• Your favorite condiment from your kitchen—be sure to draw the label
• Things that make you feel cozy
• Your most interesting pair of shoes
• The items on your coffee table
• The view from your window

Ocean Waves, Trees, and More: Creativity Inspired by Nature

Nature has long provided artists with inspiration for drawing. Trees and the sandy beach are both beautiful to look at and are also fun to draw. Plenty of cute animals are also out in the world, from a squirrel at the park to an octopus at the aquarium. As you improve your drawing, try revisiting these subjects to see how different they now look.

• Trees outside your window
• A fresh bouquet of flowers (try colored pencils with this one)
• A myriad of mushrooms
• A landscape scene from your favorite vacation
• Head to a park and draw what you see
• Your favorite tree
• A seashell or collection of seashells
• Visit an aquarium or look at a fish tank and draw what you see

Have a Lot of Fun Drawing People With These Ideas

People can be a daunting subject, but humans are exciting models to explore. From self-portraits to sketching the body, you'll never tire of these interesting and challenging ideas that revolve around people.

• Your self-portrait
• A famous person you admire
• Your feet (or someone else's feet)
• Your hands (or someone else's hands)
• A closeup of your eye
• Sketch someone on public transit
• A portrait of your significant other
• Someone who looks worried and is biting their lip
• What you're wearing today
• The back of someone's head
• Curly hair, from gentle waves to ringlets

Aren't feeling confident about drawing people? Check out these online drawing classes to sharpen your skills.

• Portrait Drawing for Beginners
• Realistic Portrait Drawing Made Easy

More Great Drawing Ideas

• A furry friend (working from a photograph is probably best)
• The exterior of your favorite building
• A cute baby animal
• Fresh fruit that's been cut in half (citrus fruit works well)
• A cup of coffee and pastry from a local cafe
• Your favorite wild animal
• A spider in a spiderweb
• Play with perspective by looking straight up at a skyscraper or at a bridge
• Make a copy of your favorite painting or statue (bonus points if it's in a museum)
• Recreate scientific renderings of bugs or birds (such as John James Audubon)
• What you see from your car's rearview mirror
• Frog on a lily pad
• The view from a bridge—either from or underneath it
• The inner workings of a mechanical object (like a watch)
• A ballerina on their toes
• Draw your to-do list
• Find a receipt and draw one item that is on it
• Sketch the same subject in at least five different ways
• Document your day, each hour, as a comic
• Aerial view of your favorite place

Photo: Syda_Productions/DepositPhotos

Creative Drawing Ideas Inspired by Holidays

Get into the spirit when you sketch. Holidays have their own imagery that you can source when trying to think of something to draw.

Halloween Drawing Ideas

• A bat flying in the sky
• Your idea of a haunted house
• A massive spider web (you decide how big)
• Pumpkins with scary faces
• A group of witches brewing a boiling cauldron
• A spooky ghost that could live in your town
• A glamorous vampire and their vampire hunter nemesis
• Zombies walking through the city
• An old graveyard that is coming alive

Thanksgiving Drawing Ideas

• A cornucopia of different fall foods (like pumpkins and corn)
• Your favorite Thanksgiving dinner dish
• Colorful fall leaves falling from the trees
• A portrait of a turkey
• Something that you're thankful for

Christmas Drawing Ideas

• A Christmas tree decorated by you
• A portrait of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus
• All of Santa's reindeer playing in the snow
• The biggest snowman that you can imagine
• Santa's sleigh with Christmas lights
• Your family as gingerbread people
• A snow globe containing a beautiful winter scene
• Your Christmas stocking (filled with goodies)
• A yard filled with candy canes

Photo: Javier Gonzalez

Drawing Ideas Inspired by the Imagination

Imagine Your World With a Dragon and a Rainbow

Draw the world that you want to see. If it's cloudy out, imagine a sunny day with a vibrant rainbow. Want a protective pet? Sketch what a friendly dragon would look like. With these ideas, the sky is the limit to what's possible on the page.

• Design the exterior of your dream house
• Now, the interior of your dream home
• Build your own castle
• What's at the end of the rainbow?
• Imagine life underwater
• Picture a home in outer space…
• … and the ship that will take you there…
• … and the creatures you'll meet
• A neighborhood of treehouses
• Superheroes in real life
• Your world in LEGOs
• M.C. Escher-style interior
• Imagine a city in outer space
• Imagine an album cover for a fictitious band (or real band)
• Make up your own flower—for an added challenge, make it a whole bouquet
• Make up a music band and draw their album cover
• Draw a new album cover for an existing musician
• Combine multiple animals into one creature

Cool Drawing Ideas Inspired by Fantasy

Fantasy is all about imagining things. We often think about it in terms of grand worlds like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, but at its core, fantasy is about picturing things that don't exist today.

• Imagine a wolf made of branches
• Combine two subjects that don't go together into one scene
• Draw a new fish tank for a fish
• Draw a still life in the Cubist style
• Everything in the world is topsy-turvey (up is down, down is up)
• Animal dressed like a human
• Give an object a face
• Mashup of two characters in pop culture
• A mad tea party
• A forklift lifting spaghetti and meatballs
• It's raining… (not water)
• Randomly select three words and draw what they mean together
• An animal holding a balloon
• A llama that's about to tap dance
• A mythical creature inspired by a unicorn
• Your favorite fairy-tale character

Patterns and Other Easy Things to Draw

You don't have to draw dragons to exercise your imagination. If you like design, try creating your own patterns or filling a sheet of paper with stylized flowers. These ideas will get you started.

• Cover a sheet of paper with an array of flowers
• Fill a silhouette portrait with geometric designs
• Make your own pattern
• Many mandalas in different shapes and patterns
• Reimagine a famous pattern like paisley
• Illustrate a vivid dream you or someone else has had
• Render your favorite memory
• An unlikely pair of friends
• A drawing of a drawing
• Swap the scale of two subjects
• Illustrate the phrase “it's a small world”
• Illustrate the phrase “your head in the clouds”
• Illustrate part of your favorite song
• Illustrate the title of your favorite book
• Illustrate an idiom in a literal way
• Your favorite video game character
• A cityscape in the lenses of sunglasses

For even more drawing prompts, pick up your copy of 642 Things to Draw!

Learn How to Execute Your Drawing Ideas Step by Step

Photo: rawpixel

While there are seemingly endless cool drawing ideas floating around, some of the most popular subjects tend to be nature-themed or revolve around the human figure. Get acquainted with how to draw them with some of the step-by-step guides below. You never know—learning to draw them might spark even more drawing ideas!

Drawing Animals

Photo: Art: Sara Barnes | My Modern Met

How to draw a cat in two different ways — Whether you want to sketch countless tiny fur hairs or are looking to design the next Garfield, this guide will introduce you to basic cat anatomy and how to draw them in a realistic or stylized way.

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Draw a tiger step by step — Ready to draw a big cat? Learn how to draw a tiger in 10 steps.

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Learn how to draw a panda — Pandas are some of the most beloved animals on the planet, and it's easy to understand why. This tutorial will teach you how to draw a panda sitting while holding a shoot of bamboo.

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Master drawing a cow lying down in a field — No depiction of a bucolic landscape is complete without a content cow, grazing away on some grass. Learn how to draw a cow with these step-by-step instructions.

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Sketch a polar bear step by step — In this tutorial, we will go through the steps of sketching a polar bear walking through the arctic under a full moon.

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Draw a sleeping arctic fox in nine steps — With their plush coats and charming personalities, it's no wonder foxes are among the most beloved animals on the internet. Now you can learn to draw one!

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Make your own drawing of a sea turtle — Follow this illustrated guide to learn how to draw a sea turtle in pencil and then go over it in ink.

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Learn a bat step by step — Bats are often regarded as a symbol of Halloween and all things spooky. Learn how to draw a bat with these step-by-step instructions and illustrations.

Drawing Human Anatomy 

Photo & Art: Sara Barnes | My Modern Met

A “handy” guide to drawing hands — Drawing human anatomy is tricky, and the hands might be the most challenging body part of all. In this guide, we break down the internal structure of the hand and how you can articulate the bones and muscles under the skin. Follow these steps to bring your drawing to life.

Photo & Art: Sara Barnes | My Modern Met

Know your nose with this tutorial — Of all the facial features, the nose is one you might not give a lot of thought to. But don't ignore it—this feature helps define the face. We'll go over the anatomy of the nose and how you can draw it in a realistic way.

Photo & Art: Sara Barnes | My Modern Met

Set your sights on realism — Learning how to draw a realistic eye is all about understanding that it’s not just the pupil that makes it appear lifelike. The shape of the eye, the creases in the lid, and the eyelashes are also important in achieving likeness—and we'll go over all of it.

Photo & Art: Sara Barnes | My Modern Met

Perfect your portraiture in this tutorial — Portrait drawing has long had an important place in art history and remains a popular subject for contemporary artists. If you too are a creative who wants to carry on this tradition, it’s important that you know how to draw a face.

Photo & Art: Sara Barnes | My Modern Met

Learn to draw a skull — It’s a necessary and helpful exercise to learn how to draw a skull—even if you’ve rendered a portrait before. In this tutorial, we’ll look at the proportions of the head as well as an easy step-by-step process to sketching the bones.

Nature-Inspired Subjects

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Embrace the fall spirit and draw a pumpkin — Whether they're orange, green, smooth, or bumpy, pumpkins are synonymous with autumn. We've put together this step-by-step drawing tutorial that will help you draw a pumpkin in just a few steps.

Photo & Art: Margherita Cole | My Modern Met

Sketch a sunflower in nine steps — Channel Van Gogh's painting when you follow this step-by-step guide.

Photo & Art: Sara Barnes | My Modern Met

Learn how to draw a rose — The rose is an enduring symbol of love. Just as writers have spoken of its beauty, artists draw its delicate petals. But just because the rose is popular doesn't mean it's easy to sketch. Loaded with layers of petals, it can be a challenge. But have no fear—we break a rose drawing down so that it's both approachable and fun.

Interested in other blooms? Here's how to draw a variety of flowers —There are so many types of botanicals in the world that it’s impossible to learn how to draw each one. But once you understand the basic structure of a flower, you can use that knowledge to sketch any botanical you like.

Photo: Rawpixel

If you're itching to sketch all the things, check out the top drawing tutorials on YouTube. These artists will help you learn to draw for free. And if you're looking to empower your creative journey even further, check out our illustration courses on My Modern Met Academy.

Photo: Art: Melissa De Nobrega | My Modern Met Academy

Portrait Drawing for Beginners: Learn How to Draw Anyone You'd Like — Learn to draw facial features, characters, and people. Melissa De Nobrega breaks down one of the most complex subjects into bite-sized lessons where drawing the human face becomes simple and approachable.

Photo: Art: Demi Lang | My Modern Met Academy

Architectural Illustration for Everyone: Draw Buildings in Ink and Colored Pencil — Draw architecture like a pro with this course by Demi Lang. She'll take you step by step through the process of drawing buildings using ink and colored pencil.

This article has been edited and updated.

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READ: 100+ Drawing Ideas That Will Get You Sketching Right Now

Snik

Italy has long fought against its decrease in population, which has led to many small centers transforming into ghost towns. But for one tiny village in central Italy, street art has breathed new life into what was once a depopulated area. Located in the Molise region, Civitacampomarano has hosted the CVTà Street Fest for the past nine years. This multi-day celebration of art and culture draws artists from around the world, who use their public art to draw attention to the beauty of this village.

Founded by artist Alice Pasquini, who has familial roots in the town, the event has been an annual draw that has increased the city's visibility. This year, four artists contributed new artwork to the more than 70 pieces of public art produced since 2016. As always, the entire community got involved to help support the artists and the visitors who flock to the town throughout the festival.

British duo Snik transformed the side of a home into a tribute to the resilience of Civitacampomarano's citizens. Their portrait of a woman enveloped by a crown of flowers and leaves looks at the power of living alongside nature. This is particularly impactful in the setting, as portions of the old town, built high up on a cliff, have slowly crumbled away. Yet still, those who remain have found a way to soldier on.

Dimitris Trimintzios, also known as TAXIS, worked right up until the final moments of the festival to complete his large-scale mural of a girl sitting in a landscape. The composition plays perfectly in the setting, as the home sits at the far end of town, up on a hill that overlooks the lush landscape. Trimintzios' surreal color palette provides a nice contrast that blends shockingly well with the environment at sunset when the sky lights up with bright colors.

Spanish artist Octavi Serra used clever graphic design and playful installations to encourage the public to think about their surroundings. Whether playing with arrows to guide visitors or creating a new door where one previously existed, his thought-provoking work added a layer of nuance to the festival.

Lastly, Anders Gjennsted created a piece that continues his series, A Tale of Two, which he's been working on for the past six months.  Exploring themes of affection, boundaries and trust, and the general struggle for acceptance, it always shows two people locked in some sort of embrace. After completing his large wall, he then went out and explored the old part of the village and, as is tradition with the artists who paint here, finished a second painting on an abandoned door.

Scroll down for more images from the festival and a video that captures its unique spirit.

Civitacampomarano, a small village in central Italy, has used street art to stop its town's depopulation.

TAXIS

Anders Gjennestad (Strøk)

Now in its ninth year, the annual CVTà Street Fest brings international art to the town.

Alice Pasquini

TAXIS

Octavi Serra

This year, four artists brought new pieces of public art to the town.

Snik

Alice Pasquini

Anders Gjennestad (Strøk)

Octavi Serra

Watch this video to understand how the whole town contributes to the success of the art festival.

 

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A post shared by Cvtà Street Fest (@cvtastreetfest)

CVTà Street Fest: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images by Ian Cox. My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by CVTà Street Fest.

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READ: Street Art Festival Breathes New Life Into Semi-Abandoned Italian Town

MILLO (Photo: Clarke Joss Photography)

For the seventh year, international artists have taken over Scotland's third-largest city for Nuart Aberdeen. Eleven artists descended on the city in early June to create public art centered around the theme “Living Heritage.” In doing so, they continue to transform the fabric of the port city.

The organizers encouraged all of the artists to think about the ephemeral nature of their work and how the murals exist far beyond the final images that circulate online.

“I’d urge everyone, in this media-saturated world of pretty murals, to spend a little extra time thinking about what and who is behind these final hero shots and how they contribute to making the city a slightly better place to be in these trying times,” shared Nuart founder and curator Martyn Reed.

From Case Maclaim‘s realistic portrait of fellow artist Addam Yekutieli to Bahia Shehab‘s graphic interpretation of poetry, the finished works are a powerful reminder of our complicated times. Projects focusing on freedom, peace, disillusionment, and hope for the future all weave a complex narrative of current events.

Other standout work includes a large mural by Italian artist Millo, which incorporates photographs depicting historic local events. Scottish artist KMG also embodies local history with a set of three murals of Celtic goddesses at the Aberdeen airport.

This year's work adds over 10 permanent installations to the city, bringing Nuart Aberdeen's total to more than 60 public pieces of art scattered across the urban landscape. Scroll down to see more highlights from this year's festival.

For the seventh year, Nuart Aberdeen has brought public art to Scotland's third-largest city.

KMG (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Bahia Shehab (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Addam Yekutieli (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Hera (Photo: Clarke Joss Photography)

The theme, “Living Heritage,” asked artists to ruminate on the ephemeral nature of their art and how it impacts the city.

KMG (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Cbloxx (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Mahn Kloix (Photo: Brian Tallman)

MILLO (Photo: Clarke Joss Photography)

Addam Yekutieli (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Hera (Photo: Brian Tallman)

Nuart Aberdeen: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Nuart Aberdeen.

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READ: Street Artists Transform a Scottish City Into an Open-Air Art Gallery

Textile artist Vanessa Barragão continues to use her craft to showcase the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. The Portuguese artist, along with a small team of assistants, uses textile scraps that would otherwise be discarded to create her elaborate wall hangings. Reminiscent of coral reefs, they represent the complexities of life underwater.

While her studio was founded a decade ago, Barragão continues to stretch her creativity. Over the past year, she's increased her emphasis on environmental advocacy and sustainability, but that's not all.

“I've also been experimenting with new techniques and textures in my art process, like 3D artworks, aiming to enrich the sensory experience of my pieces,” Barragão tells My Modern Met. “This evolution reflects my dedication to using art as a medium for change and education.”

Part of this evolution also includes travel to the places that inspire her artwork. One such trip, which Barragão describes as “transformative,” saw her visit Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands. Known for its coral reefs rich with marine life, the archipelago had a profound impact on her creative output.

“Witnessing the vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life firsthand reinforced my commitment to marine conservation,” she shares. “The textures and patterns I observed during my visit have directly influenced the designs in my collections, aiming to capture the essence of these underwater worlds.”

Barragão's push to use her art to bring awareness to the environment appears to be paying off. Recently, Portugal donated one of her large tapestry's to the United Nations as a way to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“My goal is to highlight the impact of human actions on these delicate environments and to encourage a collective effort towards their preservation. Ultimately, I want my art to catalyze environmental consciousness, motivating others to engage in conservation efforts and to help protect our planet for future generations.”

Artist Vanessa Barragão uses textile scraps to create elaborate tapestries that highlight the beauty of marine ecosystems.

For the past decade, the Portuguese textile artist has pushed herself creatively in order to use her art as a vehicle for change.

A recent trip to the Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia, which is known for its coral reefs, was a transformative experience that influenced her greatly.

One of her large scale tapestries was even donated to the United Nations by Portugal as a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“My goal is to highlight the impact of human actions on these delicate environments and to encourage a collective effort towards their preservation.”

“Ultimately, I want my art to catalyze environmental consciousness, motivating others to engage in conservation efforts and to help protect our planet for future generations.”

Vanessa Barragão: Website | Instagram | Facebook 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vanessa Barragão.

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READ: Artistic Tapestries Highlight the Fragile Beauty of Marine Ecosystems