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Claude Monet (1840–1926), “Le bassin aux nymphéas,” c. 1917–1919. (Photo:
Christie's)

Claude Monet's dreamy paintings of water lilies are some of the most recognizable works of art ever created. The series Water Lilies depicts scenes from Monet's garden and pond at Giverny in France, rendered in expressive blends of blues, greens, and purples. However, while many can be viewed in Paris's Musée de l'Orangerie, others are less well known. In an exciting recent auction at Christie's, a Monet which had been held in a private collection for 50 years came to light, selling for an impressive $74,010,000. Known as Le bassin aux nymphéas or Water lily pond, the work was painted between 1917–1919, and “hails from an important period of renewal and experimentation in Monet’s painterly visions of the lily-pond,” according to the auction house.

This work was created in Giverny, depicting that iconic pond. It bears all the hallmarks of Monet's groundbreaking Impressionist style, which was influential on his contemporaries like Alfred Sisley and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Monet's work came to define the genre as it played with light and color. The style was rendered especially impressive on the large mural canvases Monet preferred to use later in life for documenting his beloved pond.

The new water lily painting's exciting emergence after five decades provides another glimpse into the private world of the artist a hundred years ago. It sold alongside works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, Arshile Gorky, Frida Kahlo, and Vincent Van Gogh—altogether, these masterpieces amounted to a total of $640,846,000 in sales at The 20th Century Evening Sale. Who knows if other masterpieces from private collections will emerge sometime soon, and what they will reveal about these great artists' legacy.

A painting by Claude Monet as part of his Water Lilies series, which has been unseen by the public for over 50 years, recently sold at Christie's for $74 million.

The 20th Century Evening Sale on Thursday, November 9, 2023. (Photo:
Christie's)

h/t: [CNN]

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READ: Long-Unseen ‘Water Lilies’ Painting by Monet Sells for $74 Million

French artist Saype recently brought a positive message of hope to Turkey as part of his Beyond Walls project. Eight months after the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquakes, he made his way to the Hatay province. This area is still struggling to rebuild after the natural disaster, and so Saype decided to find a way to send a message of hope from within the rubble.

After scouting for locations, Saype settled on the municipality of Defne as the location for his artwork. The 8,000-square-foot piece was created using natural pigments made of charcoal and chalk. This is the cornerstone of Saype's work, as he's dedicated to using eco-friendly material for his ephemeral artwork.

In the piece, two hands stretch across a now-vacant lot. Rendered in grayscale, they grip each other tightly. In the corner, a building still stands, battered and bruised from the earthquake. Rooms are exposed to the open air, while the belongings of those who once lived there are strewn about, abandoned in the aftermath. But Saype's hands are a reminder that we are never truly alone. “With my work, I hope I have shown you that there is a lot of work to be done,” Saype told the people of Hatay in a video he published on his last day of work. “But we do not forget, we are together.”

Saype decided to create this work in Turkey as a way to shine a spotlight on the continued effects of the earthquake. In particular, he wanted to execute his piece before the winter, when the harsh temperatures make the living conditions more difficult. And while he was aware of the devastation from what he's read about, he was still struck by the true effects that the earthquake had.

“It's a region of a million people that was completely wiped off the map,” he stated. But it was only when he arrived and started driving around that he realized the true extent of what had occurred. Now, thanks to a limited-edition print of the artwork he painted in Hatay, he's hoping to give back by raising funds for the community.

French artist Saype traveled to Hatay, Turkey, to create his latest piece of art.

He wanted to draw attention to the serious devastation that the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake caused.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Saype (@saype_artiste)

To create the artwork, he used natural pigments made from charcoal and chalk.

It's his hope that the artwork will remind the people of Hatay that they are not alone.

He is now selling a limited-edition print of the piece to benefit the local community.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Saype (@saype_artiste)

Saype: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Saype.

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Before photography, it was up to illustrators to accurately record plants and animals. In the 19th century, artist John Gould set out to capture all of the known species of hummingbirds at the time, which meant traveling to different continents to observe their appearances. Ultimately, these efforts culminated in A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of Humming-Birds, a five volume series of 360 hand-colored lithographic plates. While each of these illustrations is stunning on their own, Nicholas Rougeux took it upon himself to make a new way to enjoy Gould's magnum opus, by meticulously restoring each lithograph and artfully arranging them into a dynamic poster.

“The monograph is considered one of the finest examples of ornithological illustration ever produced, as well as a scientific masterpiece. Included in the lengthy introduction was also a complete list of 416 species,” Rougeux explains. After finding high-quality scans of the project via the Internet Archive, he set out to bring the lithographs back to their original vibrant state. “A key goal I had for this project was to find an interesting way to introduce the subject of hummingbirds to new visitors,” Rougeux writes. “I wanted to highlight the large variety of hummingbirds in Gould’s monograph on the home page as a way to engage visitors, so I planned to create a murmuration that included a hummingbird from each illustration. Ironically, hummingbirds travel alone and not in flocks, but displaying them in a murmuration still felt like a fun design exercise.”

Rougeux painstakingly arranged each hummingbird in the murmuration to ensure that each one was evenly spaced. He also wanted to display the group according to color, so that it starts with blue birds at the top and shifts into the brighter, warmer colored species. Additionally, while the original lithographs included a simple background with plants, Rougeux isolated each bird to fit into the mumuration. However, he still wanted to add some sort of setting for the hummingbirds, and created a watercolor mountain and cloud background in AI. “I have mixed feelings about AI-generated imagery but generating these images for this purpose felt like an interesting experiment that worked out well,” he says. The collage is enhanced by text labels which identify each species on the poster.

You can purchase this poster via Zazzle with a white or dark background.

Nicholas Rougeux restored John Gould's A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or Family of Humming-Birds and transformed the art into a poster.

Each of the hummingbirds is from Gould's original hand-colored lithographs from the 19th century.

Rougeux used the scans of all 360 plates from the Internet Archive and spent over 150 hours restoring them to their original colors.

It includes all of the hummingbird species that were known at the time.

Nicholas Rougeux: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Nicholas Rougeux.

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Photo: AI-generated via 123RF
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In our guide to buying art online, we introduced you to several platforms to help you start or build an art collection. But here, we're focusing specifically on where to find great paintings for sale. Whether you are interested in oils, acrylics, watercolors, or mixed media, you'll find the perfect canvas to hang on your wall with these online platforms. All of these online art galleries are designed to help you discover top-notch art from today's contemporary artists.

If you are looking to invest in original art and already have a favorite artist, it is worth looking at contacting them directly. Some of our favorite contemporary artists, like Erin Hanson and Iris Scott, make it quite easy to purchase original paintings directly, thanks to online shops.

But if you aren't quite sure what to purchase and want the guidance of a curator or just prefer the guarantee of service that an online gallery provides, there's no shortage of choices. Some galleries cater to emerging creatives, while others offer originals by famous artists—with price tags to match.

So, whether you prefer abstract painting or take inspiration from landscape art, there are canvases by talented artists in a myriad of styles, subjects, and mediums.

Here are 10 top-notch online art galleries that offer paintings for sale by talented artists.

Photo: 1stDibs

1st Dibs

This online marketplace is a favorite of interior designers for its carefully curated luxury finds. What makes 1st Dibs special is that it only works with carefully vetted sellers who are experts in their field. Think of it as a high-end vintage market, but online.  The art section allows you to sort by style, from Old Masters and Impressionist Art to Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism.

Art Finder

ArtFinder focuses on selling artwork from independent artists around the world. All artists have their work reviewed prior to going live on the platform. While you'll find limited-edition prints, sculptures, and drawings on the platform, there is also a large section of original paintings available. Since they work with up-and-coming artists, you'll find original art starting at an affordable price.

Artspace

Thanks to their extensive partnerships with galleries, museums, and foundations, Artspace brings the luxury art market online. Big names on the platform include Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Ed Ruscha. While their strong suit is in prints, there is also a large selection of paintings that can be searched by price point, dominant color, and subject.

Degree Art

Based in the UK, Degree Art is a fantastic way to buy original art and support rising talent. The platform has established itself as the market leader in UK student and graduate art sales, hand-picking and promoting the most promising talent. They ship worldwide and have a large range of paintings, many of which are quite affordable.

Photo: Good Black Art

Good Black Art

As the name implies, this platform is centered around promoting the most promising Black artists from around the world. Good Black Art focuses on emerging artists and also puts together group exhibitions. There is a shop on the website where it's possible to purchase work from the artists they support. You'll need to do a little digging, as there isn't a sort by medium function, but it's well worth it to find the hidden gems on this site, many of which are priced quite affordably.

Rise Art

Rise Art has an interesting business model where you can either purchase or rent original artwork. The painting selection is vast and if you need help narrowing down the choices, there is a quiz to help draw out your artistic personality. Or, you can take advantage of their Art Advisory services and let a curator help you select the perfect piece of art.

Saatchi

Saatchi Art is a great option if you are looking for original art from mid-career and emerging artists. There are nearly 700,000 original paintings for sale on the platform, so you are sure to find something to suit your needs. You can sort by medium, price, subject, style, and even country of origin, making it easy to surface original art that you'll want to hang in your home.

Singulart

Singulart‘s curatorial team looks for talented emerging and mid-career artists to place on its platform, which specializes in original artwork. Paintings start in the range of $250 and go up to $20,000, and there's also the possibility to commission original art from artists that catch your eye.

Tappan

The Tappan Collective’s mission is to make it easy for collectors to buy original paintings from working artists and to connect artists with collectors around the world. Its curatorial team of art world veterans scouts up-and-coming artists who are making their way in the art world and mid-career artists whose practices have taken an innovative turn.

Photo: Uprise Art

Uprise Art

Uprise Art is a New York-based platform that really nurtures its relationships with its artists and collectors. While there is a showroom you can visit in New York City, Uprise Art firmly believes that the future of art is online. Their thoughtfully curated collection of original paintings can even be sorted by color palette in addition to the standard filters. And if you need a helping hand, there is the potential to work closely with an art advisor to discover something in the particular style you are after.

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There are many ways that families show their love. It can be in the smallest moments, like a mother brushing her daughter's hair, or a father letting his child sit on his lap. Artist Soosh captures these tender fleeting moments in her beautiful watercolor illustrations.

Using a delicate color palette, she renders a variety of family dynamics, including siblings, parents and children, as well as grandparents. Her scenes are always domestic and full of love. The moments are small ones that everyone can relate to, like a baby's bath or dressing up in costumes. When asked about her inspirations, Soodh told My Modern Met, “People, for sure! I am a child before all. Since childhood, I tend to notice the smallest details about everything around me: still life, movements, tiniest of gestures. All of these give me ideas.”

The figures in Soosh's paintings always possess very warm, clear expressions. It is easy to feel the emotion of the unfolding scene just from a glimpse. And almost always, the message in these illustrations is an uplifting one about love and family. “Small and big acts of kindness that I have seen or done or become a recipient of boost my creativity and I am eager to capture glimpses of them on paper,” Soosh adds.

Soosh has two books available for purchase: Mermaid and Me and Dad By My Side. You can also purchase prints of her art via FineArtAmerica.

Artist Soosh depicts warm family moments in watercolor illustrations.

She captures the beauty of small moments between family members.

Her scenes are always domestic and full of love.

Soosh: Website | Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Soosh.

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Turkish artist Didem Yagci manipulates pieces of plywood into kinetic works of art. With numerous layers that look like nerverending steps, these sculptures echo the journeys people go on during their own lives and how they experience them in “infinite cycles.”

This idea is expanded on in Yagci's artist statement: “The overlapping, repetitive, twisting, and intersecting layers…refer to this cycle through the careful use of materials and colors.” While plywood is the primary material, she also incorporates plaster into her process. In addition to the textural element, color plays an important role. Each of her pieces—whether they are wall art or free-standing sculptures—features a bold and sometimes gradient coloration. The shade she chooses enhances the tactile aspect of the sculptures, highlighting the fanning of the wood pieces, or sometimes subduing it.

“Optical illusions and geometric forms,” Yagci's statement explains, “created by using wood and plaster in her works with a unique technique and color selection, express the achievements of a person in her inner journey in an abstract and metaphorical way.” While looking at these sculptures, the design seems to be in continuous motion, much like our lives and the lives of those around us.

Scroll down to see more sculptures and be sure to follow Yagci on Instagram to keep up to date with her latest projects.

Artist Didem Yagci creates mesmerizing wooden sculptures.

She arranges painted plywood panels together to create these striking designs.

As a result, each of these pieces looks like it is in motion.

The numerous layers echo the steps we take in our own lives.

They also echo how these experiences become infinite cycles.

Didem Yagci: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Didem Yagci.

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From now until February 2024, the Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan will be a spectacular display of lights. Over 5 million LED bulbs have been used to create a garden of glowing wisteria, cherry blossoms, and other flora. Visitors can wander the grounds and immerse themselves in a nighttime exhibition that changes theme three times over the duration of its installation.

Between October and mid-November, the Flower Garden of Lights ~Flower Fantasy 2023~ installation follows the Lights and Amethyst Sage theme. Some of the must-see sections of this transformed space include curtains of glowing ofuji, or great wisteria which are animated through their life cycle, and an LED water lily pond. Additionally, a new exhibit called Hometown of the Heart includes a projection of cherry blossoms floating over a tranquil rock garden. There is also the Flower Castle, featuring an array of LED fireworks and a garden of rainbow blooms.

Throughout December, the installation shifts into the Christmas Fantasy theme. While many exhibits remain the same, additional festive displays are added to the site, including Christmas trees and reindeer. There are will also be visits from Santa Claus, and special gifts for children. Lastly, from New Year's Day to Valentine's Day, the installation transforms into the Lights and Winter Peonies theme. During this time, visitors can witness colorful winter plum blossoms and wintersweet flower lights.

Scroll down to see more photos from this incredible installation, and be sure to follow Ashikaga Flower Park's Instagram for more updates.

Ashikaga Flower Park opened its Flower Garden of Lights ~Flower Fantasy 2023~ installation in October.

The immersive display features over 5 million LED bulbs.

There are several settings including a projection of cherry blossoms, and an animation of the cycle of wisteria flowers.

From October to mid-November, the installation will follow an Amethyst Sage theme.

The Flower Castle includes a vibrant garden and LED fireworks in the sky.

Throughout December the installation will change into a Christmas Fantasy theme.

Finally, between New Year’s Day and Valentine's Day, the installation will transform into the Lights and Winter Peonies theme.

Ashikaga Flower Park: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Ashikaga Flower Park.

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When walking through a gallery, you usually see artworks on the walls…not the floor. Well, studio Cre.a.i.tive explores what it would look like when a textile work extends across the ground. Using artificial intelligence, they produced an entire gallery of artworks that take up multiple surfaces.

The series, titled The Reflections of Lost Thoughts Art Gallery is inspired by the textile art of Faig Ahmed, who is known for creating surreal carpets that “melt” into puddles. While Ahmed's pieces have a traditional aesthetic, the AI versions from Cre.a.i.tive appear to possess an abstract quality. All of the works within the collection have a figurative quality, depicting a range of faces.

“While creating The Reflection of Lost Thoughts Art Gallery, I was inspired by the fluidity of nature, the mystery of dreams, and the inner worlds of people,” Cre.a.i.tive tells My Modern Met. “The dance of colors and patterns was inspired by the waves of the sea and other wonders of nature. I also followed the traces of people’s inner journeys while exploring their emotional and intellectual experiences.”

Scroll down to see more images from the collection, and be sure to follow Cre.a.i.tive on Instagram to keep up to date with their latest creations.

Art studio Cre.a.i.tive uses artificial intelligence to produce surreal designs.

The series The Reflection of Lost Thoughts Art Gallery is inspired by the works of Faig Ahmed.

Abstract carpets extend past the wall and melt across the floor.

Cre.a.i.tive: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Cre.a.i.tive.

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South African sculptor Anton Smit is known for his powerful artwork that centers around themes of reconciliation, glory, and suffering. Whether in a large or small-scale format, Smit's sculptures are a force of nature. Particularly powerful are his bronze sculptures of hands. These overlapping hands form small circles, or, as they are often titled, tornados.

Tornado and Whirlwind are a series of dynamic sculptures that speak to the interconnectedness of us all. It is only through the contribution of all the hands that the circle is made whole. This message is particularly meaningful in these trying times when wars rage, and people often point to our differences rather than our similarities.

Through his sculpture, Smit hopes to draw the viewer into conversation. This is certainly achieved with these hypnotic sculptures, which immediately pull the viewer in. In their stunning simplicity, the pieces ask us to ponder the fact that we are one of many. And that only together can we continue to thrive. This message can be carried over to many different relationships, whether they be interhuman, interspecies, or between humans and the environment.

While Smit's public sculptures can be viewed across Cape Town and Pretoria, as well as in international exhibitions, the best place to view his body of work is at the Anton Smit Sculpture Park. This unique outdoor gallery is located an hour outside of Johannesburg and was created by Smit in 2003. Spread over two and a half acres, the grounds also house Smit's studio, as well as an art gallery and art cafe.

South African sculptor Anton Smit is known for his powerful artwork.

In his work, a recurring theme of overlapping hands forming a circle is called Tornado.

The sculptures are visible both in galleries and in Smit's sculpture park outside Johannesburg.

The work forces viewers to ponder the connectedness of life on many levels.

See how Smit's work is spread across his impressive sculpture park.

Anton Smit: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Anton Smit.

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Since we first interviewed artist Dimitra Milan as a teenager, we've been able to see her artistry stretch and grow. From creating her own distinct style called abstract realism to teaching others how to harness their own creativity, Milan has consistently pushed her own boundaries. And now, she is back with her first new series of paintings in several years—Miracle in Bloom. This collection of abstract florals is a beautiful dive into Milan's life, as she recently became a mother.

“Becoming a mother is a transformative journey, punctuated with moments of profound love, patience, and resilience,” she writes. “The Miracle in Bloom series stands as an artistic testament to this deeply personal experience, inviting viewers to connect with the raw, unfiltered emotions that lie at the heart of each piece.”

The work uses Milan's signature mixed-media techniques, which she teaches in My Modern Met's online class Abstract Realism: Introduction to Mixed Media Painting. Lush blooms emerge from misty backgrounds as bumble bees and moths perch on the flowers. Taste and See, the largest painting in the collection harkens back to classical still life and flower paintings but with Milan's distinct twist. The work is particularly personal for Milan, as it evokes her faith during times of uncertainty.

This faith was tested when Milan's son Zion was born via a C-section, turning her hope to have a home birth on its head. While her disappointment was quickly replaced with love for her son, this change of plans prepared her for just how unpredictable children can be. And now, uncertainty is something Milan is still embracing as she navigates the highs and lows of motherhood.

“The series is a beacon for all mothers and parents, shining light on the miracles that unfold daily in the challenges and celebrations of raising a child,” the artist explains. “With every brushstroke and hue, it echoes the weight of experiences, bearing testimony to a mother's indomitable spirit and love.”

See the full collection on Milan's website and, if you want to get a step-by-step tutorial on how she works with mixed media, enroll in her online art class on My Modern Met Academy. Not only will you learn how to create an evocative layered background for your paintings, but Milan provides drawing and painting tips and lets you watch as she completes a mixed-media masterpiece.

Miracle in Bloom is artist Dimitra Milan's ode to motherhood after her son was born this year.

The abstract florals use Milan's signature mixed-media techniques, which she also teaches in her online art class on My Modern Met Academy.

The work chronicles Milan's experiences as a mother by using flowers to express her hopes, fears, and emotions.

Milan's evocative paintings are, in this way, a powerful tribute to all parents.

Dimitra Milan: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Dimitra Milan.

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