Art trends come and go, but no matter the era, portraits are a foundational subject for artists. As far back as 5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians were making portraits of their royalty and deities. Even the invention of photography couldn't keep artists from depicting faces in their works. Some of the most iconic 20th-century artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol played with portraits to redefine art itself.

There are several reasons why making portraits endures today. Humans are social by nature, and biologically compelled to find each other endlessly fascinating. There's no quicker way to build an emotional connection between a viewer and a work of art than featuring our wide range of expressions. While iPhone cameras make it easier than ever to take a selfie, a drawing or painting can expressively highlight characteristics of a subject and reveal deeper truths. Conveniently, there's never a dearth of faces to sketch, especially when it comes to self-portraiture. There's a reason why so many artists have self-portraits and its not simply vanity or egotism, but often sheer practicality. You never have to worry about getting more reference photos or accidentally insulting someone when you practice drawing your own visage.

Faces are universally are complex subject and creating a portrait can feel like a real accomplishment. However, despite their challenging aspects, there are also some basic principles that makes portraits accessible to the newest of art students. Especially with Melissa de Nobrega and My Modern Met Academy, portraiture is made simple. The artist will take you through the basics of anatomy, proportions, and shading in bite-sized lessons that demystify the practice. In her online course, titled Portrait Drawing for Beginners: Learn How to Draw Anyone You'd Like, new artists will forget any fears they have thanks to de Nobrega's clear instructions and guidelines. By the end of the class, you'll be excited to get started on your next portrait.

In the online class Drawing for Beginners: Learn How to Draw Anyone You'd Like, you'll be able practice your drawing skills like all the great artists through the centuries.

Artist Melissa de Nobrega will help you understand bone structure and how to use it to refine your portraits.

Watch to learn more about her class:

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok

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Hand lettering by Danison Fronda

Have you ever wanted to incorporate more art into your everyday life? Are you looking to throw the best birthday party this summer? Maybe you want to finally organize your space or up your gardening game? Try out hand-lettering, a versatile drawing skill that has plenty of real-world applications.

Unlike calligraphy, hand-lettering doesn't rely on you having great handwriting or a whole set of special pen nibs. So even if you have the illegible scrawl of a doctor or you’ve decided not to buy any more art supplies until you use up what you already have, hand-lettering could be the creative outlet for you.

To make it even easier to get started, My Modern Met Academy offers an introductory hand-lettering course—Write Out the Future: Hand Letter an Inspiring Phrase—taught by Danison Fronda.

There are various crafts and projects that use hand-lettering to elevate them. Scroll down to see four of the most common types of projects you can use hand lettering for and then get a sneak peek at Fronda’s class to dive into this beautiful art.

Here are 4 projects you can use hand-lettering for:

Greeting Cards

Photo: AtlasStudio/Depositphotos

There's always a reason to send a card to someone. It could be their birthday or wedding, or maybe you just want to let them know you're thinking of them. Sending them a greeting card you illustrated yourself will be a cherished surprise hidden in a pile of bills and junk mail.

Garden Labels

Photo: Struvictory/Depositphotos

Remember which herbs you planted where with adorable labels that make your garden seem even more idyllic.

Party Supplies

Photo: FreddyNapoleoni/Depositphotos

From invitations to seat placements to gift bag labels, there's always room for more personalization at a party. Being able to create your own materials can help keep the budget down and also allow for maximum customization to fit any party themes.

Motivational Illustrations and Journals

Photo: rawpixel

Whether you want to send a friend a pick-me-up or could use a reminder each morning to go after your goals, hand-lettering can make for beautiful art that keeps your eye on the prize. It is also a great complement to bullet journals to keep you engaged with your habit-trackers when the joy of achieving your accomplishments begins to lag.

If you're ready to get started, check out artist Davison Fronda's class on My Modern Met Academy.

This introduction to hand lettering class contains multiple short lessons that can be reviewed whenever needed.

Fronda will guide you through the alphabet and teach you several different strokes for lettering.

By the end of the course, you'll be ready to make your own word art.

Danison Fronda: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Danison Fronda.

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Father's Day is around the corner and it can be hard to pick out an interesting gift for dad. If you don't want to gift wrap another tool set or “surprise” him with another tie, My Modern Met Academy has the solution for you. Give your dad the gift of creative expression through our creative catalog of online classes. To make it an even better gift giving experience, we are currently having a sale for Father’s Day. From June 11 to June 16, 2024, save 15% on all of our creative classes by using the code fathersday24 at checkout.

My Modern Met Academy offers classes in mediums ranging from paint to photography. Maybe your dad is the type to always be busy with work or fixing things around the house, but you know he's an art lover. He'll appreciate the push to learn the basics when you gift him a class. Give your dad something he would never think to get for himself, starting with the class Drawing 101: Learn the Building Blocks of Sketching. This course goes over the fundamentals of drawing—from supplies to essential techniques—that will help them gain the confidence to sketch any subject they like.

If sketching isn't his style, there are plenty of other classes that we offer at My Modern Met Academy, all taught by professional artists, designers, photographers, and more. Check out previews of some of the classes below, and be sure to use the code fathersday24 for 15% off through June 16, 2024, at 7:59 p.m. EDT. And if you have no idea what your pops would like, we offer gift certificates that will let them choose. (Gift certificates are not part of the Father’s Day sale.)

My Modern Met Academy is having a sale for Father's Day. Save 15% on all online classes when you use the code fathersday24 through June 16, 2024. Here are some of the classes available to take:

Architectural Illustration for Everyone: Draw Buildings in Ink and Colored Pencil

Enroll in Architectural Illustration for Everyone: Draw Buildings in Ink and Colored Pencil. 

Introduction to Pet Photography: Capture the Spirit of Your Furry Friend

Enroll in Introduction to Pet Photography: Capture the Spirit of Your Furry Friend.

Drawing 101: Learn the Building Blocks of Sketching

Enroll in Drawing 101: Learn the Building Blocks of Sketching.

Abstract Realism: Introduction to Mixed Media Painting

Enroll in Abstract Realism: Introduction to Mixed Media Painting.

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok

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READ: Give Dad the Gift of Creativity When You Shop My Modern Met Academy’s Father’s Day Sale

Whether you're a self-identifying crazy cat person or dog parent, or you prefer to admire animals from afar, chances are there is at least one critter that moves you. Soaring eagles are majestic; otherworldly octopuses inspire fascination; even your local raccoon might have caught your eye (along with your trash). Animals have been the subject of artworks for 40,000 years with pigs, bulls, and horses all making appearances in the most ancient cave paintings discovered. And now in My Modern Met Academy‘s online art class, titled Animal Portraits in Colored Inks, you can explore the natural world from home or create a meaningful homage to your beloved pet.

Taught by award-winning illustrator Anna Sokolova—who has worked with the likes of Netflix and Maison Margiela—the online art class is a perfect introduction to the medium of colored ink. The artist's thorough explanations make working with ink approachable for everyone. She goes through the basics of how to come up with a dynamic composition, as well as how to use color and tone to fill portraits with personality. Sokolova emphasizes making portraits that are aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally captivating.

Enroll now in Animal Portraits in Colored Ink: Tell a Visual Story That Conveys Emotion and create your own colorful menagerie on your own schedule. Our learning platform also allows you to rewatch lessons as many times as you want in order to perfect your work. These delightful pieces will surely inspire you to keep on creating long after you finish the class.

Illustrator Anna Sokolova has an online course, titled Animal Portraits in Colored Ink, in which she walks students through the process of creating an artistic animal portrait.

Sokolova explains how to get the most out of your materials to create unforgettable art.

After completing the course, artists will feel confident in both their technical skills and their ability to create exuberant scenes.

Watch a preview of the class:

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It’s always a good time to learn something new. And the best part? You don’t need to leave the comfort of your home to hone your skills. And now you're in luck because all of My Modern Met Academy‘s classes are on sale for 15% off with the code memorialsave. Our Memorial Day Sale is now running from May 25 to May 27, 2024. Our courses with professional artists from around the globe are all online, so you can take a break from all the barbecues for some creative me-time, or sign up now and watch later.

From drawing and painting to photography and crafts, there are plenty of options for you to find a new art project to spark your creativity this summer. Not sure where to start? If your summer is going to include lots of time in nature, consider our course Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-Of-a-Kind Art to help turn your outdoor adventures into your net artistic expression. Or if you're planning on traveling to new destinations, you might want to document your trip with more than just Instagram photos. Maria Zamyatina's Mixed Media Thread Painting: Learn to Embroider Your Travel Memories instructs you in both watercolor painting and embroidery to record your travels in a more slowed down and meaningful way. Either class will help you preserve your memories for years to come.

Scroll down for more classes that we offer through My Modern Met Academy, and be sure to use the code memorialsave for 15% off all of our creative courses. The sale ends May 27, 2024, at 7:59 pm EDT.

My Modern Met Academy is having a sale for Memorial Day. Save 15% on all online classes when you use the code memorialsave through May 27, 2024. Here are just some of the available classes:

Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art

Enroll in Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art.

Mixed Media Thread Painting: Learn to Embroider Your Travel Memories

Enroll in Mixed Media Thread Painting: Learn to Embroider Your Travel Memories.

Realistic Portrait Drawing Made Easy

Enroll in Realistic Portrait Drawing Made Easy.

Animal Portraits in Colored Inks: Tell a Visual Story That Conveys Emotion

Enroll in Animal Portraits in Colored Inks: Tell a Visual Story That Conveys Emotion.

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok

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Nature is undeniably inspiring to countless artists. Maybe you too want to capture a landscape that you associate with happy memories or aspire to visit someday. If so, artist Elyse Dodge is the perfect teacher to get you started with her My Modern Met Academy class, Acrylic Landscapes: Reimagining Mountains as Polygons. Dodge is known for her contemporary take on landscapes, and will share the entire process for how she composes a work.

One of the first major steps is picking out a scene to paint. Between your own photos, social media, and Google image search, you might be struggling to pick the perfect reference image.

Scroll down for three helpful tips to get started.

Here are three tips to help get you started painting geometric landscapes like artist Elyse Dodge.

1. Make sure the reference photo you select has layers.

Photo: ENSIFERUM/Depositphotos

Having something in the foreground such as flowers draws a viewer in and makes the painting feel more immersive. Typically, the main subject of a landscape painting is either in the middle ground or background. Having mountains be the focus in the background pulls the eye in and creates a sense of depth. This depth is not only more interesting to the eye, but helps communicate how awe-inspiring a scene is. As a painter, having clear layers also helps you break down the image so that you don't feel intimidated by the emptiness of a new canvas.

2. Look for discernible polygonal shapes.

Photo: AIISHA/Depositphotos 

If you want to paint like Dodge does, you need to be able to break some of you features into smaller polygons. That's a lot easier when you already have bigger ones naturally in the scene. In the above photograph, the mountains and even the trees have outlines that are triangular. This makes for a more effortless process translating the reference to your painting on your canvas.

3. Find a photo with a range of values, light to dark.

Photo:TOM@TNPHOTO.CA/Depositphotos

Be sure to find a reference that has a good range of values, from light to dark. Contrast makes the picture more dynamic and is more fun to play with as you come up with a range of tones for your polygons. Value differences make a painting more lively by suggesting luminosity.

Ready to dive into this type of art? Sign up for Elyse Dodge's Acrylic Landscapes class to get her expert tips and be guided into painting a beautiful landscape.

Get a peek into the course below.

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Photo: NEWAFRICA/Depositphotos

As May is in full swing, it's finally feeling like spring. More and more people are headed outdoors, enjoying the warmer weather. While spending time outside, this is the perfect time to be on the lookout for flowers to pick. And on rainy days, you can keep on celebrating the season by pressing flowers and making lush compositions to keep spring in your home year-round.

Not all flowers are as easily pressed as others though. To help you decide on which blooms to collect, we compiled a list of great spring options with input from professional artist and My Modern Met Academy instructor Anna Zakirova.

Once you've collected your treasure trove of botanicals, sign up for My Modern Met Academy's Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art. In the class, Zakirova will walk you through the flower pressing process so that novices can commune with nature at home and create unique pieces. Over the hour-long class, students will gain a deeper appreciation for natural beauty while simultaneously flexing their creative muscle.

Here are five flowers that become beautiful springtime souvenirs when turned into pressed art.

Photo: Anna Zakirova

Pansies

Depending on where you live, pansies may already be in bloom and will continue coming into bloom until mid-summer. Zakirova is expecting these flowers to bloom in her garden in about a week and admits, “I love their cute look and the variety of colors.”

Photo: GUZEL/Depositphotos

Bird Cherry Blossoms

There are several species of these florals across the world and they tend to blossom from April through June. Zakirova loves to press these blossoms even when they aren't fully opened yet. “These flowers retain their sweet scent even when they dry out,” she shares.

Photo:KSENA32/Depositphotos

Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-me-nots bloom mostly in April and May, so don't wait too long to seek these blue beauties out. While they have a short season, they are self-spreading and perennial—meaning even if you forget about them in the garden, they'll keep coming back.

Photo:JESSICAHYDE/Depositphotos

Bluebells

These mid to late spring bloomers are in flower for about five weeks before going dormant. In the UK, they are often found in ancient woodlands and are associated with mischievous fairies in mythic folklore.

Photo: ih82/Depositphotos

Violets

Despite their name, violets come in a range of tones. Not only will they add a pop of saturated jewel tones to your art, but they make excellent edible decorations.

Ready to press some flowers? Head over to My Modern Met Academy's Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art, where you'll learn all the steps to keep your spring flowers in bloom year round.

Instructor Anna Zakirova teaches all about pressing botanicals and how to make stunning compositions.

Get a peek into Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art:

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok

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Parents can be a challenge to shop for, and moms are no expectation. What do you get for the woman who has given you everything? It’s said that experiences bring greater joy than things, which is the perfect excuse to get your mom started with online learning. Through My Modern Met Academy, our e-learning platform, you can give your mom the gift of knowledge through drawing, painting, crafts, and photography. And just in time for Mother’s Day (in the U.S.), we’re having a sale. From now through May 13, 2024, at 7:59 pm EDT, save 15% on all of our creative classes when you use the code iloveyoumom15 at checkout.

So, what will you get for mom? If your favorite lady loves flowers, we’ve got a fun class for her to try called Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art. Taught by instructor Anna Zakirova, the class teaches students how to press a variety of flowers and turn them into one-of-a-kind works of botanical art. This includes the iconic rose and approaches to pressing daisies.

For something completely different—but still great for beginners—gift your mom a hopeful hand-lettering course. Titled Write Out Your Future: Hand Letter an Inspiring Phrase, instructor Danison Fronda demonstrates the basics of hand lettering and how to cultivate your own writing style. The final project is lettering the phrase, “I am still learning.” It’s a great reminder that we’re never too old to try something new.

Scroll down for more classes available on My Modern Met Academy. Once you find a course that you like, don’t delay as this sale will only last through Mother’s Day. Remember to use the code iloveyoumom15 to save 15%. It will then be in your course library where you can watch it as often as you like.

*Discount excludes gift certificates and bundles. This discount is not cumulable.

My Modern Met Academy is having a Mother's Day sale. Save 15% on all online classes when you use the code iloveyoumom15. Here are some of the classes available to take:

Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art

Enroll in Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art.

Dappled Light: Learn Abstract Painting with Acrylics

Enroll in Dappled Light: Learn Abstract Painting with Acrylics.

Write Out Your Future: Hand Letter an Inspiring Phrase

Enroll in Write Out Your Future: Hand Letter an Inspiring Phrase.

Crochet Crash Course: Fiesta Fringe Bag

Enroll in Crochet Crash Course: Fiesta Fringe Bag.

Drawing 101: Learn the Building Blocks of Sketching

Enroll in Drawing 101: Learn the Building Blocks of Sketching.

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok

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Whether it's Claude Monet‘s impressionist landscapes, Hilma Af Klint‘s mystical visual imagery or Jackson Pollock‘s drip paintings, chances are you love at least one artist who uses abstraction in their work. If you've been searching for inspiration to push your self as an artist, or even to try your hand at painting for the first time, consider My Modern Met Academy‘s Abstract Painting Bundle. There's no better time than now to experiment creatively and find a new outlet for personal expression.

Our bundle of three classes—Dream Your Own Abstract Acrylic Floral Paintings, Dappled Light: Learn Abstract Painting with Acrylics, and Acrylic Painting Masterclass: Explore Color & Abstract Landscape Painting—costs just $95. With three different artists teaching you how they make their own distinctive acrylic works, you'll be sure to learn new techniques and refresh foundational skills. Over five and a half hours, you'll be introduced to mixing acrylic paints, stretching your own canvases, and turning reference images from nature into singular visions that no one but you could imagine.

Included in our package is one of our newest classes, Acrylic Painting Masterclass: Explore Color and Abstract Landscape Painting, taught by Polish artist Luiza Niechoda. The painter creates geometric but moody landscapes that update timeless landscapes with a contemporary twist. And through her class, you too will get to create two complete landscape paintings while gaining a greater understanding of color theory.

Along with the Masterclass, you'll also get to produce art with expert professionals Nitika Ale and Megan Elizabeth. Ale's abstract florals will help beginners learn basic painting techniques. More advanced students will appreciate practicing loosening up their brushstrokes to create lush floral bouquets. Under Elizabeth's tutelage, students will refine their understanding of light and value in her Dappled Light course.

By purchasing the Abstract Painting Bundle for $95, you're saving 20% as opposed to the full price of buying the classes individually. Whether you have never gessoed a canvas before or are already a seasoned painter, this bundle will guide you to your next level of artistic achievement.

Get a sneak peek of each class below and then head over to My Modern Met Academy to enroll today.

Explore new painting techniques with our Abstract Painting Bundle.

Our bundle saves you 20% off the regular price of taking each class individually.

After finishing all of the courses, you'll have at least 4 new works to add to your portfolio.

Artist Nitika Ale will push you to play with color in Dream Your Own Abstract Acrylic Floral Paintings.

In Dappled Light: Learn Abstract Painting with Acrylics, Megan Elizabeth will help you face your fears and embrace new techniques.

Artist Luzia Niechoda will offer tips that even experienced artists will appreciate in Acrylic Painting Masterclass: Explore Color and Abstract Landscape Painting.

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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For a fun, freeing creative experience, why not try working with mixed media? Combining different mediums can open up new creative possibilities. Whether you want to use ink, paper, acrylics, wood, or found objects, mixed-media art gives you permission to break all of the rules. If the idea sounds intriguing but you aren't sure where to start, My Modern Met Academy is here to help.

In our online class, Abstract Realism: Introduction to Mixed Media Painting, we give you all the tools needed to create a piece of mixed-media art. Taught by artist Dimitra Milan, who has been a successful working artist since she was a teen, the hour-long class is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with new techniques.

During the course, Milan will use a variety of acrylic paints, inks, markers, and pencils to create a beautiful artwork in a style she calls abstract realism. You'll be able to follow along throughout the creative process, even getting a mini drawing lesson as she completes the painting. As an added bonus, Milan is also full of advice and wisdom about how to keep yourself creatively loose and how to use both sides of your brain as you work.

Join in on this experience today by enrolling in the class over on My Modern Met Academy. If you still aren't sure, scroll down to get a preview of what the class entails.

Dive into the world of mixed-media art with this online art class by My Modern Met Academy.

Taught by artist Dimitra Milan, it's a fantastic way to discover new creative techniques.

Using acrylics, inks, pencils, and markers, you'll create a stunning piece of art.

This online class can be viewed at any time, and each lesson can be watched again and again.

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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