This is not a typical blog post…because we have a really exciting announcement!

Sparketh was chosen to participate season 13 of Shark Tank! Our episode will air on October 22nd at 8 EST! We are beyond excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to watch Tim Samuel and Dwayne Walker (Sparketh Co-founders and owners) tell the sharks about our online art classes for kids and teens!

AND THE SPARKETH TEAM DOESN’T EVEN KNOW THE OUTCOME (except for Tim and Dwayne, of course)! Did they sink? Did they swim? Did Mr. Wonderful take a bite out of them? We don’t know, but we can’t wait to watch and see!

If you’ve never watched Shark Tank before, here’s how it goes: a panel of extremely successful, well-known, and wealthy entrepreneurs (AKA the “sharks”) give budding entrepreneurs the chance to share about their business and ask for investments in their companies and/or inventions! It’s a really informative and fun show about business, creativity, courage and entrepreneurship. It’s also family-friendly and can be a fun way to get kids thinking about how to pursue their own unique dreams.

The Sparketh team is planning to tune in and watch the episode together on Friday night, and we hope you’ll watch with your family, too! You can watch the episode when it airs on ABC, ABC.com or Hulu + Live TV. You can also catch it the next day on Hulu!

Thank you, Sparketh family, for being part of our story so far. Whether Shark Tank is a sink or swim, we wouldn’t have made it to this point without you, and you’re really what it’s all about! 

The post Sparketh to be Featured on Shark Tank! appeared first on Sparketh.

This week, we’re exploring current art topics that all touch on a similar question: “Why do artists create?”

We’ll check out one artist whose dream in live is to live in a home made of his own art, and another who views art as a way to mediate experiences. In celebration of World Mental Health Day, we’ll explore why creating art is good for your mental health. You’ll get some viral tips to help you in your art method! 

Art News: Life in House of Doodles

At some point in our childhoods, we’ve all probably doodled on the walls. Most of us got in pretty big trouble for it, too. However, Sam Cox (known professionally as “Mr. Doodle”) was always encouraged to draw on the walls of his room. Today, as an adult, he’s taken it to a whole new level.

Mr. Doodle, a professional artist whose work has sold for up to almost $1 million per piece, has now officially completed what he calls his “best piece of work.” The work? His house!

Over two years of effort, the artist has covered his entire $1.5 million home in doodles. Not just the walls, either.  Mr. Doodle has also covered bedding, appliances, and even the toilet in his signature, black-and-white doodles. He also painted his stove, which he admits may have rendered it un-useable. (I guess he and Mrs. Doodle will be eating out a lot.)

When talking to the host of BBC Breakfast, the artist describes being able to live in a home made of his art as “a sort of paradise for me.”

Why He Creates/Doodles: 

Cox told BBC News that doodling is “almost like an out-of-body experience. You’re just indulging yourself in this free-flowing state of creation.”

Mr. Doodle gives us some interesting insight on reasons we create. Perhaps it comes partially from a desire to meditate, to flow with a particular state of mind, or to create a world of our own imagining (literally, in his case.)

Check out the video below to see this artist’s completed home!

Inspirational: Creating for Your Mental Health

Monday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Did you know that regularly practicing creativity is a vital part of maintaining good mental health? Research shows that art, in particular, supports mental health by:

Viral Art: Game-Changing Art Hacks

As you create art this week, check out today’s featured viral art video from TikTok! This short video has some mind-blowing art hacks that will save you time, help you try new techniques, and stretch the life of some your favorite art supplies.

@sparketh

Legitimately learned about the watercolor hack yesterday… 25 years old #artistsoftiktok #arthacks #arttips #arttricks #didyouknow #myart #arttok

♬ Okinawa Pier – FloFilz

Have you tried any of these tips at home? Which is your favorite? 

You Can Also Watch it Here!

Art News: “Art on Video” Series Dives Deep.

“What is art to the artist?” As we’re touching on today, there can be a variety of answers to that question.

This is a topic that is also currently being explored as part of a new documentary series, entitled “Art on Video.” This series is a collaboration between ArtNetNews and Art 21.  It’s fascinating because it dives deep into the thought processes of current, headlining artists.

In the series, each artist gets the chance to describe their inspirations in their own words. The most recent episode follows photographer  Diane Severin Nguyen. 

Nguyen’s art is more than photography, though. Her creations also involve a unique type of performance art. In her work, Nguyen mixes the natural and unnatural, transforms substances into unrecognizable objects, and creates photos that capture fleeting, transfigurative moments (like lighting something on fire).

Art 21 writes: “Another kind of creative alchemy happens in her studio where the artist choreographs ephemeral processes like burning and everyday substances like Styrofoam to make her enigmatic photographs. Intentionally obscuring the identity of her subject materials is core to the artist’s larger project. ”

Why She Creates: As an artist, Nguyen says she feels it is her responsibility to take in the “psychic garbage of the world.”  She also takes concepts that have social value and reduces them back into physical materials that can be composed and photographed. Primarily, this artist seems to view the creative process as an important type of mediation between the physical world and our experience of it.

I am looking forward to keeping up with this new series and discovering what makes different types of artists tick. Will you watch? 

Check it out, here!

Inspirational: You Create Your Art Because Only YOU Can.

“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”- Albert Einstein

I love these words from Albert Einstein, who definitely knew the value of creativity! Whatever reason you create art, it’s likely to be just as unique as the special perspective you bring to the world. I hope you remember that as you go about your week, and pinpoint your own unique reason for being creative.

See you back here next week for next Friday’s edition of Art Club!

The post Reasons We Create- Sparketh Art Club appeared first on Sparketh.

Today, we’re sharing about an amazingly talented 10 year old artist and an upcoming art challenge/contest for kids and teens! We’re also uncovering some spooky hints left by the ancient Egyptians about a long-long mummy! Lastly, you’ll find some viral (and adorable) TikTok drawing tutorials to get your October started out right.

Art News: Andres Valencia is THE Art Prodigy to Watch

A lot of young boys like Pokemon and G.I. Joe, and Andres Valencia is no exception. He is also a prodigious 10 year old artist whose pieces have sold for over $100K per creation.

In a very short time, Valencia has become a key artist to watch. Andres started selling his artwork professionally last December. According to Smithsonian Magazine, he was the youngest ever artist to show at Art Miami, and has since attracted celebrity buyers such as: Jordan Belfort, Brooke Shields, Channing Tatum and Sofía Vergara.

As recently as June, Adres had a solo exhibition at the Chase Contemporary gallery in SoHo. All 35 of the artist’s works were sold, each between $50,000 and $125,000 (per The New York Times.)

Artistic Influences:

Andres’ Cubist style is inspired by legends such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, George Condo, and Picasso….as well as Pokemon and his favorite, Click N’ Play army action figures. You can see some of his pieces in the video below!

Words of wisdom:

I love this young artist’s attitude in terms of creation. He told The New York Post: “I paint in little pieces. I work on it for an hour or two. Then I go do something else. I come back to it the next day and keep adding more.”

What a great attitude for all artists and creatives to remember! It can be easy to give overwhelmed by large creative projects, but you can do amazing things in just an hour per day!

Follow this artist on Instagram:

Keep up with this artist’s work by following him on Instagram here.

Art Contest: “Sparktober” is a month-wide art challenge for kids and teens!

At Sparketh, we’re gearing up for one of our most popular annual art contests -Sparktober- taking place throughout the month of October! In the Sparketh Community, we sponsor several art contests per year, but one of the reasons Sparktober is so much fun is that it’s a daily art prompt challenge + contest, too!

How it works:

Each day of October, there is a one-word art prompt for artists to take as inspiration and translate any way they want into art. Any medium and all levels of detail are welcome! Every day (or at the end of the month) artists can share their work with our online art community!

For kids and teens who are 18 and under, the creative challenge is also an art contest! At the end of the month, one young artist will be chosen to receive a $100 gift card to an art supply store of his or her choice!

Here are the prompts for October 1-October 31!

How to Enter:

To participate in the challenge, join the Sparketh Community (link here) and start creating and submitting for the daily prompts in October! While the contest/prize is only for those 18 and under, we hope that artists of all ages will join in on this month of creativity!

Art News: Ancient Hieroglyphics Contain Clues to a Famously Lost Tomb?

The Egyptians were ahead of their time in many ways, including their advancement in art and art preservation. Art was part of their daily life: their means of recording events, worshipping their gods and rulers, and honoring their dead. Egypt has given us some of the oldest, and best-preserved art of the ancient world.

When many people think of ancient Egyptian artwork, they envision the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti. This priceless work of art is a life-size bust dating back to 1351–1334 BC.   It’s remarkable for several reasons: it’s stunning in both its quality and preservation, and it shows us a rare, realistic image of the famously beautiful queen.

Nefertiti Bust, Egypt, Tell el-Amarna, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1351–1334 BC

A prominent Egyptologist, Nicholas Reeves, believes he may have found clues to the hidden location of Queen Nefertiti’s long-lost mummy. He believes that these clues are hidden within hieroglyphics found in King Tut’s tomb. (King Tut was the famed child-pharaoh and step-son of Nefertiti.)

Reeves says a pattern in the hieroglyphics may hold the key to finally locating the queen. The cartouches- carved oval tablets in the hieroglyphics – show King Tut being buried by Ay, his successor. Further investigation revealed that these had been painted over other cartouches that showed Tutankhamen burying Nefertiti (from the Guardian.)

Reeves believes that these depictions would not have been included as mere decoration, but have more to do with the location of Nefertiti’s tomb. Therefore, is possible that archeologists may be able to use these ancient clues to locate the lost mummy of Nefertiti.

I’m hoping this means we can soon learn more about this famous queen and life of ancient Egyptians! How about you?

Read more on this story here.

Art Ideas: Learn How to Draw All the “Cute Fall Things” on TikTok!

Sometimes you just need to draw something simple, fun and…well, cute!  Today’s featured TikTok artist has created a fall-themed series that will inspire you to doodle every day of autumn! The below video shows a quick and easy way to draw an adorable fox cartoon in less than a minute! I don’t know about you, but I always have trouble with foxes. (They either come out looking like a cat or a dog).

As you can see on the page, there are plenty of other doodle ideas to learn from this series! Give @planwithines a follow on TikTok for daily art ideas this season!

@planwithines

Replying to @eddemongirl a ~loose~ interpretation but still an easy way to draw a Fox #bujo #art #artinspo #bujoinspo #fallart #falldiy #halloween #halloweendiy #homeinspo #fox #foxes #drawing #easydrawing #tutorial #drawingtutorial #howtodraw

♬ gilmore lala – <3

A prodigious artist who creates an hour a day, the Sparktober daily art challenge, the ancient Egyptians who worked art into every part of life, and fun daily doodles of cute fall things…I’m sensing a theme here!

While this wasn’t deliberate, I think it’s a good reminder that creativity happens with consistency. As creatives, we may not always feel inspired. However, the best work happens when we put in time and effort, every day! I hope that was a good reminder for you, too (it was for me!) Stay creative and consistent, readers! See you back here for next week’s Art Club!

The post October Art Contest and Artistic Mummies! Sparketh Art Club appeared first on Sparketh.

Today, we’re debating whether AI art is a tool or a threat, learning a viral painting trend that anyone can do at home, and talking about a famous portrait (which has been STOLEN.)

Creative Debate: Will AI Replace Artists or Give Them New Tools?

Humankind has considered a lot of possibilities when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. Will AI develop its own unique consciousness? Help us reach new heights? Take over the world? Create a simulation that we will all live in while they use us up like batteries??? (Hope not).

But there’s a new – very current – question to consider when it comes to AI and creativity:

Will AI one day replace artists, or – at minimum- change the practice and value of art as we know it? 

This question springs from the creation of new AI art tools like Midjourney and Dall-E 2.

What they are:

These are AI tools that can actually create unique art based on selected parameters and specifications. They can create works that features any subjects you chose, in any setting, doing anything! These tools can even implement a famous artist’s style into the original creation by accessing and retaining information about color and style from the internet.

It’s amazing technology, but it also brings up some serious debates in the art world:

The issues:

1. Can we call such creations true art?
2. If we can, what are the implications for the future of art…and artists?

Perspective #1: Tools are simply tools.

No matter the tools that we may use to express our creativity, we humans have always seen ourselves as the creative masterminds behind creative endeavors (such as art). And many people see AI art tools as just that – tools: ones that can and will take our abilities to new, unimagined levels of awesome.

Perspective #2: AI art crosses an important line.

Because the dividing line between what tools and people can do has long been rooted in humanity’s creativity, these AI tools can be seen as crossing that line.  Many are concerned that, in this case, the AI becomes the real artist and makes most of the creative choices. If so, does this begin to de-value artists and change the way we view the worth of art?

What do you think, readers? Is AI art simply another tool in the artist’s toolbelt? Or does this new AI flip the switch: becoming the real artist while the person typing commands acts more like the machine? 

The below video does an excellent job investigating how this technology works and exploring some of these questions. I really appreciated that an artist and non-artist both gave Dall-E2 a try and compared their results to tackle these issues.

Check it out and decide where you stand in the great AI art debate!

One thing is for sure, we live in a quickly advancing digital age that has and continues to shape our world. The art world is – and will continue-to adapt along with it.

Trend to Try at Home: Acrylic Paint + Q-Tips

Now for something a little lighter and unobjectively hands-on…Q-Tip painting!

Most of us have a box of Q-Tips somewhere at home. After all, they are pretty much good for everything! ( And even though the box says not to stick them in your ears – admit it- you totally have.) This week, let’s add to the list of amazing things Q-Tips can do: help you paint beautiful trees.

In this week’s viral YouTube Short, an artist shows how you can use Q-Tips + acrylic paint to beautiful build and layer colors for leaves. It’s an effortless way to level up your tree painting skills.

Want to try painting some vibrant fall trees instead? To celebrate the first day of fall (September 22) one of the artists on the Sparketh team also created the below video this week. This one is a longer, more step-by-step take on the Q-Tip, tree-painting process. It does a great job of showing how you can build color from dark to light with acrylic paint to create an easy autumn painting!

Challenge: Check out these videos and try your own Q-Tip painted trees at home this week!

Art News: Famous Portrait Stolen! Owners didn’t notice.

Winston Churchill’s iconic portrait has been stolen, and he doesn’t look too pleased about it! Roaring Lion, the famous photograph by Yousuf Karsh, is one of the the most well-known and widely reproduced portraits in the world. Winston’s hard stare (which was a result of the photographer taking away his ever-present cigar), has become the image with which we identify the no-nonsense historic figure and world leader.

The Roaring Lion, Winston Churchill Photo by Yousuf Karsh, bromide print, 1941.

The original photograph has lived at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottowa, Canada for the past several decades. The hotel was a place of special significance to the artist, who gifted the establishment with a large collection of works.

Last month, however, an employee of the hotel noticed that something about it seemed…off. The frame that held Roaring Lion looked different than the other hotel frames. An examination of the signature determined that the portrait at the hotel was not the original. At some point, the original Roaring Lion was swapped for one of its many reproductions!

By asking for photographs from over the last several months from guests and employees, investigations have determined that the original was actually swapped out approximately 8 months ago (8 months!) It is thought to be an inside job, and police are investigating it further.

My thoughts: whoever stole this portrait will have to face their guilt while meeting Winston’s furious gaze. It’s all very Portrait of Dorian Gray.

Viral: Is Art School Overpriced?

“Is art school overpriced?”

This week’s viral TikTok video asks the question, and then blasts us with mind-blowing art skills. A

Art school was not what I was thinking about while watching this artist’s stunning black and white creation. Instead, I was wondering how someone’s brain and hands can work like that! But if art school could teach can help brains and hands do that, it’s pretty priceless. And that’s the point of the question, right?

In this blogger’s opinion, honing creative skills is always worth an investment, because creativity is one of the best things about being alive! What do you think, readers?

@psychegod

Is art school overpriced? Probably #fyp #art #artist #artschool #foryou #usc

♬ Notion – The Rare Occasions

On that note, I’m wishing you all a very happy and creative week! Catch you next week for more creativity resources and art news!

The post The AI Art Debate, Painting with Q-Tips, and Angry Winston Churchill appeared first on Sparketh.

Today: we’re sharing NASA’s current art contest, discussing an FBI art case that Indiana Jones would love, and ogling at an 800 pound hunk of butter art.

Featured Art Contest: NASA Art Contest for Kids Age 4 -12

Art and science have a lot more in common than many people may think. Both involve testing theories, exploring curiosity, and making constant innovations. In recent years, NASA (you’ve probably heard of them) has been making an effort to engage the next generation of creative minds. And of course, that includes your artistically-minded kids and students!

Right now and through October 27, NASA is hosting an art contest for kids, age 4 – 12!  Students can take inspiration from 4 main topics:

• Rockets and Spacecraft
• Living and Working in Space
• Exploring the Solar System
• Astronauts

There are three separate submission categories for the contest (based on age of the child submitting), and each category will have a 1st and 2nd place prize.  The winning artwork will be featured in a NASA calendar! You can find out more about contest rules and submission guidelines in the link below.

NASA Art Contest Rules and Submissions

Art News: The Case of the Mysterious Medusa Mosaic!

It sounds like a Nancy Drew novel, or maybe an Indiana Jones movie,  but it’s current news in the art world! The FBI recently discovered an ancient Italian mosaic which has been missing for decades.  The 2oo-pound mosaic of Medusa was discovered in a Los Angeles storage building, where the FBI determined it has been concealed since the 1980s!  No one knows how the owner of the storage unit obtained the mosaic, although the piece last appeared in cultural property records in 1909.

The enormous mosaic piece was cut (and stored) as 16 separate pieces. When put together, it reportedly forms an image of  Medusa–the monstrous, snake-haired Gorgon of ancient mythology.

Special agents Elizabeth Rivas and Allen Grove worked to investigate the mosaic and return it to its place of origin. They collaborated with Italian officials to return the fragile artifact to Rome, where it will be studied and carefully restored.

According to special agent Grove (via CNN): “The mosaic was handcrafted from an age where people put an amazing amount of care and effort into it. It really speaks to the ingenuity and creativity of the time,” Grove said. “It’s not meant to be in Los Angeles. The mosaic belongs to the people of Rome. It allows us to understand a bit about the history of humans 2,000 years ago.”

One day, maybe we’ll see a photo of the fully restored mosaic art. Maybe we’ll even discover more about it’s cultural significance to Rome!

As for me and my mystery-loving brain… I want to know about the mosaic’s lost years!

Why was it in a storage unit in L.A.?

What was the owner planning to do with 16 heavy puzzles pieces of an ancient artifact?

What adventures did this work of art experience in its approximately 100 years of being “lost?”

What do you think, readers?

Trending Art: Butter Sculpture. Would you try it?

Did you know that butter sculpting is a thing? While you may not hear about it much, it’s actually a long-held tradition, dating back to ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture. Here in the United States, you’ll mainly find butter sculptures at state fairs, where they’ve been a more recent(ish) tradition held over the last 150 years. Last week, the below sculpture was presented at The Great New York State Fair. The piece is in response to the theme: “Refuel Her Greatness – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Title IX.” It was sculpted over a period of 10 days by Jim Victor and Marie Pelton and is made out of 800 pounds of butter. 800 pounds!

Behold it below. The process is pretty amazing to watch!

The sculpture celebrates female athletes, showing a progression of differently aged girls and women competing in physical challenges. Sadly, now that the exhibition is over, all of that butter will be melted down. Because you can’t eat just butter that has been an art exhibit, it will be recycled by a methane converter and recycled into renewable energy.

Here’s my creative challenge to you, readers. The next time you are at the grocery store, buy a block of butter and some large potatoes. Practice butter sculpting on a mini-scale, and then recycle your art directly onto that potato. You honestly have nothing to lose from this.

Viral: Artistic Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II Flood the Interweb.

Last Thursday, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at her Balmoral home. In last week’s blog, I discussed her legacy on the art world in the past century. In the past week, however, that legacy has only continued to grow. Why? The world continues to honor the monarch’s legacy with some amazingly creative works of art content on social media. The following Youtube Shorts, each paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, were viral this week. Each of them show astounding amounts creativity and talent.

Which one is your favorite?

https://youtube.com/shorts/fexFuS1QKhQ?feature=share

That’s a wrap on this week’s latest in creative content, readers! We hope you’ll join us again next Friday for the latest creative challenges, art content, and art news! As you go about your life this week, remember: you can be creative in everything (and anything) you do!

The post NASA Art Contest, A Creative Case for the FBI, and 800 Pounds of Butter! appeared first on Sparketh.

Today: we’re paying tribute to the Queen, investigating a mysterious 500 year old margin doodle, and sharing some trending art strategies you can check out at home!

Art News: The Art of Being Queen Elizabeth II

Yesterday, on September 8, the world received the news that Queen Elizabeth II passed away in Balmoral, her Scotland home. She was 96 years old. Queen Elizabeth was the longest ruling monarch in British history. However, she was more than that. Since her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth has become a beloved icon, a symbol for the British anthem of “Keep Calm and Carry On,” (and the Western World’s unofficial fancy grandma).  In her long lifetime, Queen Elizabeth also made a lasting impact on the art world.

Queen Elizabeth was “one of the most recognisable and also one of the most painted figures of her era or any other, depicted by some of the most interesting artists of the day from Pietro Annigoni in 1955 to Lucian Freud in 2001 and by photographers ranging from Cecil Beaton to Annie Leibovitz.” (The Art Newspaper )

This article from Culture Trip shares some of the most iconic portraits of the Queen, painted by some of the past century’s most noteworthy artists, in a huge variety of art styles that reflect the Queen’s face alongside the world’s changing times.

Cecil Beaton: Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation Day (1953)

The many portraits of the Queen, in their wide variety of  art styles, represent more than just the woman behind them. These portraits show us how the world has changed over the generations of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.  Through the span of her rule, these portraits reveal how the Queen has been a fixed point by which society views itself.

Over the 7 decades of her monarchy, the face of Elizabeth II became iconic: a visible image of stability, calm, and grit during uncertain times. Through her role as Queen, she made herself a symbol, a living art form. History – and art history- will remember her long and steadfast reign. Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth II.

Chris Levine: The Lightness of Being (2014)

Read more about Queen Elizabeth II’s life and her relationship with art from the articles below:

The Art Newsletter: Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, the British Sovereign Who Perfected the Fine Art of Monarchy

The Culture Trip: Portraits of Queen Elizabeth that Everyone Should See

Trending Art: Fun & Easy Self-Portrait Trick

Speaking of portraits, we have a trending self-portrait art challenge for our young (or older) artists to try at home.

This TikTok shows artists who are a little intimidated by the self-portrait a fun and easy way to create a beautiful and vivid one. Yes, it involves some tracing. (But don’t call that cheating!) Instead, this challenge is a great way to learn about facial planes, combining contrasting colors, and shading/highlighting on the face. Try this art trick at home for yourself! It’s an awesome one for all ages and levels.

@sparketh

To enter this art contest, you must be 18 or younger! Winner will receive $100 valued in art prizes- join the Sparketh Community if you haven’t yet and would like to enter! #artcontest #selfportrait #myart #arttok #drawingtutorial #howtodraw #artforbeginners

♬ original sound – Sparketh

Serious question: What DO you define as cheating in art, by the way? (Beyond stealing someone’s work and calling it yours, of course.) Is there even such a thing? Pop your thoughts in the comments!

Latest Art News: Michelangelo in the Margins?

I don’t know if any of you are guilty of this, but I was a big-time notebook (and text book) doodler all the way through college. And hey, research says that doodling in class can actually help improve memory and focus, so no shame!

This week, the art world has been captivated by a very special 15th century margin doodle (shown below) found in a copy of Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Why? According to art scholar James Hall, the figure that was sketched there (500 + years ago) is none other than Michelangelo!

In this upcoming book, The Artist’s Studio: A Cultural History, Hall explores his evidence for this further, writing:  “The sculptor, hitherto unrecognised, can only be Michelangelo during or shortly after his triumphant achievement carving the David (1501-4).”

Hall goes on to state that the artist of the doodle wasn’t just sketching Michelangelo as he worked on David, but making a commentary as well.  The sketch is right next to the section in Divine Comedy where Dante decides to take the “high path to Hell.”

Could this be a prelude to a modern day meme?

The artist’s studio: a cultural history, James Hall, Thames & Hudson, 288pp, hb

Not only is this an insightful discovery to make about a master (and work) that we are familiar with, but it presents a fascinating mystery, too! I don’t know about you, but my brain is buzzing with questions:

• Who was this mysterious margin doodler?
• How did he (or she) know Michelangelo?
• What inside scoop did the doodler hold on the sculpture process of David? 

What do you think, Art Club readers??? Write me a story about the Mysterious Margin Doodler in the comments!

Creativity Resource: Painting Along in VR

Do you have an artistic kid that constantly loves to practice, but maybe you’re running out of storage space for the practice pieces? (Or maybe you can relate to that yourself.)  Do you have a Quest 2 or PCVR?

If yes, and yes, you’ll LOVE this.

Vermillion is an oil painting simulator designed for VR! It’s available on Quest 2 and PCVR. It is SO INCREDIBLY RELAXING, and it’s also a great way to practice painting techniques. You can blend your own colors and apply different levels of pressure to impact the textures. You can even paint alongside your Web browser, giving you access to your favorite online art classes, or Youtube or TikTok tutorials. Yes, that means you can paint absolutely all the “happy little trees,” your heart desires. You can even make a print of your best work.

Try it the next time someone in your house is stressed out! I promise it will help!

Learn more about Vermillion via their Website, here.

What’s your favorite way to be creative? Sometimes people undermine creativity activities or the arts, but you and I (and Albert Einstein) know that creativity is a very special form of intelligence–one that deserves our time, interest and appreciation! More than that: it’s fun! As you head into a new week ahead, I’m wishing you moments to celebrate creativity and all of the amazing joy it brings to your life!

The post The Art of Being Queen, A Mystery Margin Doodler, and Painting in VR! appeared first on Sparketh.

How to Draw an Original Character

1. What world does your character live in (setting)?

To get started with drawing an original character, first ask yourself where (and in what time) your character lives! Does your character exist in our world and time, or is your character from the past, future (or an alternate reality)? You might want to create an OC that would fit into a universe you love, like Star Wars, Marvel or Studio Ghibli.

In drawing and writing, knowing what world and time your character lives in is a great place to start. Establishing the answer to this question can prompt all kinds of other questions about your character’s visual design, such as: clothing, backstory, and what style you’ll use when you start drawing!

2. What is your character’s origin story?

We are all impacted by our beginnings, and your original character’s design will be, too! To make a more interesting and complex original character, ask yourself some important origin questions, such as:

• What was your character’s childhood like?
• How many family members do they have?
• Was their family rich or poor?
• Did they grow up safe and happy, or were there struggles?
• What was their family dynamic like?
• Were they close to one family member? Did they clash with another?

Also think about how these things might affect your character’s main goal or aspiration (another key question coming up soon)!

3. What are some basic facts about your character?

Once you’re starting to get a grasp on your character’s backstory, it’s a good time to figure out some basic information that will impact your original character drawing. Here are a few basic things to establish about your character:

• Age
• Gender
• Style
• Job/Role
• Basic personality: list a few good qualities as well as some bad ones!
• Don’t forget to consider quirks! These don’t have to be good or bad, they can just be funny, unique and memorable. The more specific, the better! (Ex: Garfield is a cat is obsessed with lasagna.)
• You could decide your character’s personality type using the Enneagram or Meyers-Briggs!
• It may even help to bring in some D & D concepts and decide your character’s basic personality alignment: Chaotic Good, Neutral Good, Lawful Good, Chaotic Neutral, True Neutral, Lawful Neutral, Chaotic Evil, Neutral Evil, and Lawful Evil.
• Does your character have any special powers or abilities? If so, is this something you could show in your drawing?

Note: I know that many people -especially kids – like to answer these basic questions as the first step in character development.  However, figuring out backstory first can give you more interesting and thoughtful answers!

4.What is your character’s goal/mission?

At this point in the process, you probably have a good grasp on who your original character is (whether you’re drawing them, writing them, or both!) What makes your character more dynamic, adding interest to their story and visual representation, is their mission! Considering your character’s personality and backstory, come up with a goal for your character. Again, specific is best! (Ex: In Wandavision, Wanda’s goal is to protect herself from more grief and trauma by using her telepathic abilities to create a fictional reality. This goal reflects her backstory, her abilities, and her personality.)

Think about how you can show your character’s mission in how they look. How will their goals affect their appearance, dress, and any objects they carry with them? How can you tell their story in a visual way? Make notes because it’s time to start drawing!

5. Now it’s time to draw, experiment, and draw it again!

Now you have a really good mental picture of who your original character is, and it’s time to get visual. Take into account all of the factors you’ve decided about your character, and choose a few specific things that you want to clearly show in your drawing.

Try different poses, hairstyles, clothing, each time considering how each change reflects – or doesn’t reflect- the character you’re trying to create! If you have are a Sparketh student, we have several courses that can help you practice drawing different portrait styles, hair textures, and facial features! Below you’ll find just a few to try out!

Basic Tips for Drawing Different Hair Textures

Hair Textures

Learning Facial Proportions

Facial Proportions

How to Draw a Manga Style Character

Manga Character

As you experiment with drawing some different drafts of your character, you’ll hone in on the poses and expressions that fit them the best! If your character has powers, you may try showing that a few different ways. The best way to find out exactly how you want your OC to look is to draw several different versions!

Whether you are drawing an original character to help you with your writing, or writing about your character to help your drawing, you’ll find that these two creative practices really work well together! In learning how to draw – or write- an original character, it’s important to know who they are, where they come from, and where they are going! We hope that these questions and tips help you get started on creating your own original characters. If you’re a teen or kid artist, we’d also love to see your creations! In addition to online art classes for kids, Sparketh also hosts a totally free community for kids and teens to share their artwork. You can join our free community here! Happy drawing!

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In a society that’s constantly changing – and with new jobs in rapid development – the ability to innovate, explore and create will be required of all of the future’s leaders. In addition to setting the youngest generation up for career success, regular creative practice also develops greater confidence and self-esteem in young people.

Creativity Builds Confidence

Creativity – and specifically art- has been shown to have many positive impacts on developing thoughts and emotions (read about some of them here!) Among other things, regularly practicing art can directly impact a child’s confidence and self-esteem. This has been observed by teachers and parents for years, and contemporary research also supports it to be true! If you’re a research person like I am, check out this 2019 study by Hei Wan Mak and Daisy Fancourt of University College London (and its supporting resources!)

More into conclusions? The research indicates that when a child consistently engages in creative activities  – particularly with his or her parents- this has a direct, positive relationship with a child’s self-esteem. This relationship has nothing to do with the child’s artistic ability. It just has to do with regular practice!

The relationship between creativity and confidence is multi-faceted. However, there are several specific things that happen in a child’s life when he or she creates art on a regular basis, many of which contribute to a greater sense of confidence and self-esteem! Here are just 5 of the  ways that creating art builds confidence in kids and teens.

1. Creating art provides a safe space for thoughts and feelings.

Growing up is hard, and talking about all of the things you’re feeling and processing can be even harder! The practice of creating art provides kids with a way to release feelings, and express thoughts, that they may not even fully understand. Creating art is also extremely meditative, which allows you to have conversations with yourself while you paint, draw (or whatever kind of art you’re into.) As Dwayne Walker, one of Sparketh’s co-founders, says: “Creativity is the compass needed to navigate your sea of emotions.”  Regular creative practice helps kids to understand themselves better, which likely contributes to developing a strong sense of self-awareness and confidence.

2. Creating art encourages you to express your ideas to other people.

This point goes right along with the last one. Regularly creating art doesn’t just help you to better understand your own thoughts and feelings. It also helps you to express them to other people. It’s a given that art is an outlet for self-expression. Self-expression teaches us (and others) that our unique ideas, feelings and perspectives matter. Sharing our ideas with others through art is definitely a confidence-building practice. While this is true for kids, it’s also true for adults, too!

3. Creating art focuses on the process of turning vision into reality.

In this article about the mental health benefits of art for kids and teens, I discussed how art can boost decision-making skills. Think about it. Whenever you make art, you are answering a series of questions for yourself. Most of these decisions aren’t complex. They involve making choices such as: What color? What medium? Which brush? What subject? Which line, where?

While these aren’t (always) hard decisions, they do require certainty, knowing your own mind, and figuring out how to produce a desired outcome. Each question answered in the artistic process is ultimately teaching the artist how to turn his or her vision into reality.

These things play a big role in fostering self-esteem and confidence. Furthermore, each decision made by the artist has an immediate and visible result–this can make you feel very powerful as you see how your choices have a direct impact!

4. Creating art encourages a sense of pride and self-worth.

Creativity is fulfilling. It’s a natural, and unique, facet of human nature that we desire to create art…and it always makes us proud when we complete a piece! This is one of the first things kids do naturally, right? Think of the way that toddlers immediately run to show their parents a drawing. The pride of completing an artistic work only grows along with the artist.

I think that some of this has to do with the pride that we get from showing ourselves that we can learn new things. There are always new things to learn in art. You can never be “done” learning. Art is all about learning, taking old concepts and applying them in original ways. The ability to demonstrate learning, express our unique art, and share it with others is one of the most fulfilling and confidence-boosting experiences for artists of all ages (from age 2 – 102).

5. Art encourages connection with others.

Art is often considered a solo activity. However, it’s actually more about connection than many people realize. Art is never a one-way conversation. Think about all of the art you’ve seen in galleries, in local art shows, or in your own group of artsy friends. It’s true that we create art for ourselves, but we also create it to be shared with, and experienced by, others! Artistic communities- both physical and virtual–  also give artists a chance to connect through art and encourage one another. By providing a way to bond with others, regularly creating art boosts confidence while encouraging relationships and connection!

Regular creative practice fosters confidence and a strong sense of self in so many ways, especially for kids and teens! If you’re looking to help your child or teen to become more confident, regular art practice could be boost he or she needs. We offer portable, scaffolded online art classes for kids and teens on our Website, Sparketh.com! Check it out to find out more about our classes and membership benefits! 

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Whether you’re a hardcore original trilogy fan or a lover of prequels and sequels alike, May the 4th gives you a chance to share your Star Wars enthusiasm with others through dressing up, movie marathoning and – of course- creating Star Wars themed art! Our small creative team at Sparketh wanted to get in on the fun and share some Star Wars art ideas with you all. Below, you’ll find inspiration for creating Star Wars art that reflects your love of the Force (and characters who know how to use it.)

Adorable ‘Chibi’ Darth Vader 

It’s everyone’s favorite bad guy…but cuter! In the short video TikTok below, Sparketh art instructor, Amy,  provides inspiration for how to create a cute, “chibi” Darth Vader painting using watercolor techniques. All he needed was a little bit of love, right? Now look at him, adora-Vador.

@sparketh

Couldn’t skip out on a Star Wars themed post for May 4th! If you enjoyed this, check out the link in our bio for hundreds of creative resources for young artists! #arttok #maythe4th #darthvadar #starwars #starwarsart #watercolor #myart

♬ Scenes where Darth Vader and monsters appear(782200) – Hollywood Labo

Learn How to Draw 3 Cute Star Wars Characters

Sparketh art instructor and community host, Becca, created this tutorial to show kids how to draw 3 of their favorite, adorable Star Wars creatures. These quick tutorials are easy to follow. In the end, you’ll have awesome cut-outs of some of your favorite characters! Gift your drawings to other Star Wars loving friends or use them as decorations for your movie marathon.

Create a Stunning Portrait of Your Favorite Character

Maybe you’d like to flex your creative muscles and embrace a more involved art challenge this May the 4th! In the below video, Sparketh’s Youtube artist, Maria, tackles a beautifully detailed, soft-pastel portrait of Princess Leia. Princess Leia is an iconic character, known for her no-nonsense attitude and bravery. In many ways, she was ahead of her times in terms of female characters in film. If you love this character as much as we do, check it out and get some ideas for how to create your own Leia portrait with soft pastels.

Celebrate, Grogu style!

In this quick video, watch as Amy creates a stellar, gouache painting of Grogu–looking like he is celebrating Star Wars Day in high style! Many people like gouache paint because it has some qualities that are like watercolor and some that are more like acrylic.  Consider this as a prompt for how you may bring two different art mediums together in a new way as you celebrate Star Wars Day. After all, the Force has two sides, doesn’t it? There must be balance!

@sparketh

May the 4th BE WITH YOU! #starwars #babyyoda #yodaart #maythe4th #myart #guache

♬ original sound – Sparketh

As Yoda says, “Do or do not. There is no try.” Art is kind of the same way. You just have to go for it, and that’s the only way you learn! We hope you do some Star Wars art this May the 4th!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us by tagging us on social media: Instagram (@sparkethdotcom), TikTok (@Sparketh) & Facebook (@Sparketh)!

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We’re inviting students to participate.

We are inviting all student artists (18 and under) to create and share artwork that reflects peace and/or that supports peace in Ukraine. Since we are a community for kid and teen artists, we encourage students to learn a little bit about Ukrainian life and culture and discover some of the beautiful things about it. The focus with this month’s prompt isn’t war, but peace. Instead of war-torn images, we want to promote images of peace, hope, and good things about this nation to honor and preserve.

If you would like to submit your work in our free virtual community, you’ll just need to join (with this link) and follow the instructions for this month’s challenge once you are approved. Our host (art instructor, Becca) will be there to greet you and answer any questions you have.

Learn more about Ukraine and its culture.

In this blog post, I’m sharing a few special things about Ukraine’s vibrant, creative culture. We hope to give kids and teens a chance to reflect upon the situation in the Ukraine in a hopeful way–a way that supports peace and focuses on beautiful things that deserve protection. We think its important for young people to feel connected to the larger world and to have the opportunity to find their creative voice about things that matter.

Below, you’ll find some resources and information about Ukraine to inspire you to create your own art for the Peace for Ukraine art challenge in the Sparketh Community. We hope you’ll join us over there and share your creations to support Peace for Ukraine!

1. Pancake Week (Maslenitsa)

Do you love pancakes? In Ukraine, there is a week long festival in March to say “bye” to winter and “welcome” to spring. This is called Maslenitsa (Pancake Week in English.) Pancake week is celebrated by other Slavic cultures, so it isn’t unique to Ukraine. However, it is very beloved there! Pancake week is celebrated in Ukraine with dancing, singing, tournaments –and feasting on plenty of pancakes of course. In Ukraine, the pancakes are similar to what we would call a crepe in the U.S., and they are filled with delicious things like Nutella, fruit and cream. Pancakes are chosen for this feast because the circular shape is symbolic of the sun and the sunnier days ahead that spring will bring.

2.  Sunflowers

Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine. A strong and happy flower, these blooms share much in common with the culture of the Ukrainian people, who are known for their grit as well as their love of celebrations. Since the war in Ukraine began, sunflowers have quickly become a symbol that represents the strength of the Ukraine and the nation’s resistance against the Russian invasion. Artists in both our Sparketh Community and our creative team have painted sunflowers to support the Ukraine. The video below can give you some ideas for how to paint your own sunflowers with acrylic paint.

3. Embroidered Clothing (Vyshyvanka)

The people of Ukraine are known throughout the world for their beautiful, brightly-colored, embroidered clothing, called Vyshyvanka. This beautiful, wearable art is more than just a fashion statement. It’s also a historical part of Ukraine’s culture. Each color and pattern has a meaning, and in ancient times a person’s Vyshyvanka was thought to protect them from harm. Learn more about this special Ukrainian custom in the video below.

4. Painted Eggs (Pysanka)

We dye eggs for Easter here in the U.S., but Ukrainians have long been known for their meticulously decorated Easter eggs.  Ukrainian egg painting (Pysanka) involves careful planning, applying layers of beeswax, and dying eggs multiple times to create colorful and detailed patterns on the surface of the egg. Just like with Vshyvanka, the many symbols used on the eggs all represent something specific. This is a truly impressive Ukrainian art form that is creatively inspiring!

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Whether your creative passion is painting, writing, music, digital content creation (or one of the numerous other creative endeavors), the internal pressure to only create your best can grow until it becomes the thing all creatives fear the most: the dreaded creative block.

And because we creatives take so much pride in our work, a creative block is beyond frustrating. It can be personally devastating. Even worse, a creative block can become a tricky cycle, messing up for your creative flow for days, weeks, months, or even years….IF you let it.

So don’t let it!

If you are a creative person, you will inevitably face a creative block at some point. It’s simply the nature of the beast. The trick is to not let it stop you from creating– and to get back into a creative flow as soon as you can.

At Sparketh, we’re all about nourishing creativity for kids, teens (and adults too). Every member on our team is a creative, and we get how frustrating it can be to find yourself creatively stumped. We also know how important it is to not let those moments get you down for long.  If you’ve recently had a creative block interrupt your flow, here are 10 tips to help you get it back!

1. Practice Everyday

This tip is #1 because it is literally the #1 most important thing you can do to get back into a creative flow. Because guess what? When you’re not feeling creative, it’s even more important to keep creating! And here’s a little secret: once you start creating everyday, inspiration will begin to make more regular appearances, too. Practice is fertile ground for creativity.

Artists and writers often refer to the creative Muses of Greek mythology, sometimes even giving procrastination an excuse by saying things like: “I’m just waiting for the Muse to strike.” The truth is that we give “the Muse” a pretty poor environment when we’re not working our creative muscles regularly. When you make a habit of practicing everyday, you’re pretty much telling your personal (theoretical) “creative Muse” that your door is open to inspiration.

The other important aspect of this tip is to be realistic in your daily goals. Don’t say, “I’m going to paint/write/practice the violin for 3 hours a day,” if you know that’s not something you can realistically work into your life. Start smaller. Keep it doable. Give yourself no excuses for not following through. Practice everyday.

2. Get inspired by others’ work.

In an interview for our Website, Sparketh‘s co-founder and CEO, Dwayne Walker said: “Creativity is always an extension of you. You can only create as far as you know, which is why it’s always important to keep learning.”

One of the best ways to be more creative (and get your creative flow back) is to dive deeply into learning and studyng the work of other creatives! If you’re a writer, read as much great writing as possible. If you’re a visual artist, go spend some time at your local museum, check out some of your favorite artists’ work in a book or online,  or take an online art class to learn something new in a hands-on way. You’ll almost always find that it’s natural to get inspired when you’re learning and studying others’ work.

3. Limit Yourself

“Limiting” or “narrowing in” on specific subjects, techniques, or work spaces can prompt creativity and increase your creative focus. Sparketh art instructor (and TikTok content creator) Amy contributed this clever tip. Speaking especially to visual artists, she demonstrated how (for example) limiting the subject that you are drawing or painting can allow you to try approaching the same subject in a variety of styles and techniques. If you find a subject/technique combination that speaks to you, you can “limit” yourself even further by trying some variations within those confines. You can apply this principal to whatever your creative interests are!

You can also limit your surroundings by going somewhere specifically for the purpose of creating, or limit your time by utilizing timers and setting deadlines. Setting these kinds of limits with your daily creative time can help you get into a creative flow more easily, no matter what your creative passive is. For more on this tip, you can watch Amy’s video, here.

4. Create gifts for the people in your life.

Another strategy that can motivate you to create is to find a simple, low-pressure creative project that you can do quickly, repeat often, and give away. This can work well alongside the “narrowing in/limiting yourself” technique, while also giving you external motivation to create.

For example, at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, I got into the habit of making literary-themed watercolor bookmarks for my friends and sending them off in the mail. Each one only took me about 20 minutes. Every time I set out to make one, I automatically had a specific prompt: “What is that person’s favorite book?” I also had the fulfilling satisfaction that comes from making something for a friend. A lot of people found ways to get creative making things for people they cared about during this time of isolation. Some people baked for others, or made friendship bracelets, participated in TikTok dance challenges with friends, or played songs for people on Zoom.

I’m not saying we need to be in a pandemic/isolation to do this. However, I think that this time forced people to get creative about connecting, which resulted in a creative surge for many. There’s something very motivating and satisfying about using your creative interests to show someone you care.

5. Try a different setting.

Are you a morning person or a night person? Do background noises help you focus, or are they a distraction? Do you need privacy to be creative, or do you work best surrounded by other people?

We are all so different when it comes to finding the optimum creative environment. When you are trying to get into the habit of practicing creativity everyday, experiment with some different background settings. You may want to try getting up early, when everything is quiet. Or maybe working in a busy living room with the TV on makes you feel less pressured and more comfortable. Maybe it helps you out to go somewhere different- like a park or bookstore- to be creative (like in tip #3).

Sometimes, I’ve even found that sitting somewhere random in my house can help me be more productive (like on the floor of a room I’m not in very often). Play around with some different times and spaces and see what works for you to get you in a creative mindset.

7. Keep a journal or a sketch diary.

A great way to get in touch with your creative mind is to let it talk to you! Keeping a daily journal or sketch diary is an awesome, low-pressure way to get in touch with thoughts that you might not even be aware of.  This is also a daily practice (*cough* tip #1) that is totally doable.

You’ll find that once you get in the habit of observing and documenting via a written or sketch journal, inspiration seems to come from everywhere. Your brain will naturally begin to start looking at things from a creative perspective. A documentation of things that stick out to you can also reveal your hidden interests and prompt new ideas!

8. Make a plan and tell others.

We all do better with deadlines and accountability.  Being creative can often be a solo activity, so you end up being responsible for motivating yourself. This is one of the reasons that it can be so hard to get back into a creative flow after experiencing creative roadblocks.

When you don’t feel very creative, you may tell yourself “you’ll do it tomorrow.” Those “tomorrows” can add up. If this is something you’ve experienced, then this tip is for you: make a specific plan for your creative goals, and tell others about it.

Technology can help, too! Some people create digital calendars that will send them bossy e-mails everyday to remind them of their goals. Many creatives share their general and specific creative goals with friends on social media, alongside daily updates. Some people even livestream their worktime to stay focused and accountable.

However you approach it, making a plan and asking for accountability can help you stick to your daily practices and ultimately get into a better creative flow.

9. Give yourself permission to create something bad.

When you feel creatively empty, remind yourself that, “something is better than nothing.”  So often, the creative roadblocks that we face comes directly from the pressure that we create for ourselves. If you’re lacking inspiration, you may feel terrified of creating something bad, or of being faced with the feeling that you’ve lost your skills.

However, the truth is that something – anything -you create is going to be better than nothing! Remind yourself of some of the other tips we’ve already covered, and how creative practice can be a creative prompt in and of itself (even if what you create isn’t that good!)

The poet Maya Angelou, once said: “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Use whatever little creativity you have inside of you (even when it doesn’t feel like much.) It will never be wasted. The best creatives have to create a lot of mediocre stuff before they come up with masterpieces, so give yourself permission to create something bad! You’re in good company.

10. Surround yourself with fellow creatives.

I mentioned that creativity can often feel like a solo activity. Many times -in practice- it is. However, creativity is also something brings people together.  We’re always creating with the intention of sharing with, and communicating with others. Connection, therefore, is really at the heart of creativity.

Surrounding yourself with other creatives (in your same area of interest, or otherwise) can be an important source of inspiration, accountability, and community. A great way to start connecting with other creatives is simply to tell others that you are one. Talk about your art, or your writing, or music (whatever it is!) And ask other people if they like to create, too! I bet you’ll find, pretty quickly, that you’re not alone. Not only is that a  good feeling, but it’s also a constant source of creative inspiration and encouragement.

If you’ve been struggling with any creative roadblocks lately, we hope that these 10 tips helped you out! At Sparketh, our desire is to nourish creativity and create an online space where kids and teens can be their most creative selves. We think that being creative is one of the most important things you can be, and we’re here to help you in your creative journey. 

The post Get Your Creative Flow Back with These 10 Tips! appeared first on Sparketh.

Black History is Part of Art History

All of the artists discussed in today’s post are exceptionally talented, so maybe you’re wondering: “Why qualify it?” 

It’s true that you don’t always need qualifiers when talking about great art and artists. However, sometimes looking at the work of a particular group of artists can help you see and understand things that you otherwise could not.

The fact is that Black History has uniquely and significantly influenced art history. Moreover, it’s a side of art history that statistically has not received the exposure or representation that it deserves. It’s important that we talk about – and help change- that.

Representation: Past and Present

Historically, members of the Black community have been underrepresented and/or unacknowledged for their contributions to the art world. Even in recent times, black artists have been strikingly absent in art galleries around the United States.

A 2019 study (you can read it here) showed that, as an average, about 85% of the professional art shown in galleries was created by Caucasian  men. While it should be noted that women and all racial minorities received low representation as well, Black/African American artists made up the lowest proportional percentage–only 1.2% of the art on display in galleries around the nation was created by black artists. 

Being Part of the Conversation

There may be more than one reason for these findings. The study indicated that historical bias, difficulty identifying artists of the past, and a contemporary shortage of black artists are all potential contributing factors. However, as I think about this study and its implications, here are 3 practical conclusions we can take away from these findings:

 1. Representation always plays a role in the next generation. When kids see people who look like them in a certain career or following a particular dream, it can help them envision themselves doing that thing, too. Representation is powerful fuel. When there’s a lack of representation, however, it can be more challenging for kids to envision themselves in a particular role. There may be a contemporary shortage of Black artists (as the study also indicated), but there is also reason to suspect that the historic lack of representation for Black artists has do with that.

2. Art allows us to understand new concepts and perspectives in a way that bypasses language. Therefore, it’s even more important to showcase work by a greater diversity of artists. If we want art to tell the truth, it’s important to tell as many true stories as possible.

3. To improve the situation, we need to talk about it.  Since that 2019 study was published, museums around the nation are making more of an effort to diversify their exhibits by: representing a greater variety of artists, focusing more on Black artists, and talking openly about about why these changes matter. In aiding this endeavor, it’s important for us to remember black artists who have made an impact in art and history, and to recognize those who are currently using their talent to bring new perspectives to the world.

Black History Month: 5 Artists You Should Know

Here are just 5 of the many amazing black, American artists who have shaped the past, and are shaping the present, through their creativity.  I hope you enjoy learning a little bit more about each of them.

1.  Alma Thomas (1891 – 1978)

Born in Georgia in 1891, Alma Thomas moved to Washington DC in 1907. She would make a lasting impact on the nation’s capital,  nurturing artists and art appreciation there for many years to come.   Alma Thomas taught children in her school and church to create – and appreciate – art for almost 40 years!

In the 1960s, as a retired teacher, Alma Thomas began to develop her artistic style in a different direction. She experimented with abstract styles, color, and movement, creating the uniquely colorful, mosaic-like style that defines her work today. Much of her art was inspired by the bright flowers in her hometown and by man’s first trip to the moon. In a time of unrest and division in America, this artist chose to focus on joyful elements of life. She said: “Through color, I have sought to concentrate on beauty and happiness, rather than on man’s inhumanity to man.”

Today, her painting, “Resurrection,” is displayed in the White House dining room. It was the first work by a Black woman to be added to the White House collection of art. To this day, Alma Thomas remains well-known, not only for her beautiful creations, but for her personal legacy of warmth and joy.

2. Augusta Savage (1892- 1962)

Despite the fact that she often faced challenging circumstances, this Black female sculpture was a profoundly influential artist and art teacher. Augusta was a major figure in the the Harlem Renaissance art movement, and was the first director of the Harlem Community Art Center. She was also commissioned to sculpt a piece for the New York World’s Fair (1939) which symbolized the musical contributions of African Americans.

Despite her own significant contributions to the art world, this award-winning artist considered her role as an art teacher to be her greatest legacy. Augusta Savage was an inspiring person who reminds us to also continue to learn and to support others’ learning as well. The video below shows some rare footage of this artist at work!

3. Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960 – 1988)

Jean-Michel Basquiat lived a short, but prolific, life.  Born in 1960 to a Puerto Rican mother and a Haitian-American father, Jean-Michel was a self-taught artist who studied both art and the world and diverse cultures around him. As a young child, he became fascinated with human anatomy, which would become a running theme throughout much of his work.

In the 1970s, Basquiat became known for the thought-provoking graffiti art he painted on buildings all over Manhattan. He tagged them with the anonymous title, “SAMO.”  By the age of 21, the artist was creating art full-time, using whatever materials he could get his hands on. Anatomy, historical themes, identity, and oppression all played a role in his work. He continued to grow in acclaim and popularity and gained a rare status as a young and extremely successful contemporary artist. Despite his fame and success, however, Basquiat struggled with addiction. He died of an overdose in 1988 at the age of 28.

As recently as 2017, one of Basquiat’s untitled works sold for $110 million–the highest price on record for any work by an American artist. Jean-Michel Basquiat was a leader in the art movement of Neo-Expressionism, and his work continues to influence contemporary art and culture.

4. Bisa Butler (1973 – Present)

Bisa Butler is a unique contemporary artist based in New Jersey. Though she was trained a painter, Butler is best known for the art she creates in the form of detailed quilts. Butler combines vivid color choices, realistic details, historical photographs and traditional crafting methods to produce her textile masterpieces.

This artist is passionate about history, family heritage, community, and migration. The scenes that she creates reflects those themes, but so does her medium. Quilting has strong ties to women of the past and to Black History, too. Therefore, Butler’s work weaves together imagery and material to bring the past to life. She layers the fabrics in her work in a way that mimics layers in painting.

Bisa Butler combines textile crafting with artistic skill to tell the histories of Black families and figures in a previously untapped way. It will be exciting to see how her approach to art and historical crafting shapes future artists who are also interested in exploring the past. Check out the below video to see how she creates her amazing pieces.

5. Kehinde Wiley (1977 – Present)

Kehinde Wiley is a contemporary artist who is based in New York City. He’s best known for his striking, naturalistic portraits of Black men and women. His portrait style follows many of the conventions and poses of the Old Masters of painting. However, he focuses on subjects that have not been traditionally represented by this style (young, black men and women).  Wiley’s beautiful work illuminates multiple facets of his subjects. Through his historically-inspired poses and style, the artist also draws attention to dynamic themes like status, race, and representation.

Despite the fact that this artist’s portraits are photo-realistic and often mimic historical posts, his subjects are often presented in front of more dream-like backgrounds, full of bold colors and patterns. Often, the details in the background contain significance to the subject being painted.

In 2018, Kehinde Wiley was commissioned to paint the  portrait of former President Barack Obama for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. This made him the first black portrait artist to have the honor of painting a U.S. President (see more about this portrait in the video clip below). Wiley is also the founder of Black Rock, an artist-in-resident program in Africa that he started in order to better connect with African culture and foster artists and creativity there.

We hope you enjoyed learning about these 5 inspirational Black artists and their work. At Sparketh, we strive to show kids that art and creativity are for everyone. Anyone can be an artist!

We know that traditional art classes are expensive, and can be difficult to find depending on where you live. Making professional online art classes more affordable and accessible is a big part of our mission and our origin story. You can read more about that part of our story in these interview with Sparketh’s co-founders Dwayne Walker (Sparketh’s artistic visionary) or Tim Samuel (Sparketh’s idea architect).

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