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Gouache is widely used by artists who want the ease of a water-soluble medium with the bonus of opacity. Either alone or married with other mediums, gouache plays along for exquisite results.
Reflections and refraction are all around us! Get inspiration, tips and recommendations to create awesome photos including these components, which are seen in many different styles of photography: landscapes, architecture, street photography, vehicles, art and more.
What do an annoying house fly, the nearly endangered Mexican long-tongued bat, and a poop-eating butterfly have in common? Each creature, respectively, is the reason we can enjoy a bite of chocolate, a nip of a tequila, or the calming scent of lavender. Naturalist and educator Liana Vitali of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Maryland offers an entertaining glimpse into the lives of pollinating winged marvels—and how our lives depend largely on their unique and wild ways.
One of the most exciting, and sometimes challenging, things about learning how to draw is recreating what you see in three-dimensional space on two-dimensional paper. Using lines that recede to the horizon, explore basic linear perspective and create objects that visually jump off the page.
Over more than 500 years, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh’s royal palace, has witnessed many extraordinary events, including state occasions, balls and banquets, intimate dinners, secret meetings, and even a dramatic murder. In conversation, Emma Stead, the palace’s curator, and Deborah Clarke, its former senior curator and author of a book about Holyroodhouse, delve into the stories of its past occupants and look at its present use by the British royal family.
Quilting and embroidery are deeply personal crafts that weave individual stories, emotions, and memories into every stitch. Often imbued with heartfelt intentions and symbolism, each work reflects the artist’s unique journey. Led by textile historian Alden O’Brien, visit two exhibitions that showcase the power of local artistry. One is at the Maryland Center for History and Culture, and the other is at the American Visionary Art Museum.
Just south of Washington, D.C., two distinctive historic homes stand on the same property, showcasing contrasting architectural styles. One is a 19th-century Federal-style mansion, once part of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, while the other is a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Join Bill Keene, a lecturer in architecture and urban studies, for an exclusive tour of these architectural gems—the only public Wright house in the Washington, D.C., area and its elegant neighbor, Woodlawn.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join Smithsonian Studio Arts instructor Nick Cruz Velleman for a member-only small-group critique focusing on artwork in 2-D media. Be prepared to receive constructive feedback, ask questions, and engage in discussion on art theory and practice.
Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as naturalist and botanical horticulturist Keith Tomlinson leads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens on the East and West Coasts of the United States, Morocco, and Germany. Vibrant visuals illustrate how each site takes a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom. This program highlights South Carolina’s Brookgreen Gardens and Anima Garden in Morocco.
Lecturer and concert pianist Rachel Franklin guides a unique look at the monumental keyboard talents of four great composer-pianists and how their performing virtuosity influenced the piano works we enjoy today. In a 4-session series, she explores the creative minds—and hands—of a quartet of piano pioneers celebrated for their prowess as composers and musicians and concludes each session with a live performance of one of their works.
