As art teachers, we know there are wayyyy too many options of artists and styles you can teach about. You’ve got the greats, the non-negotiables, your favorites…but what about some modern artists that are active on social media? I have compiled a list of 10 of my favorite artists to follow on Instagram who constantly spark new ideas for projects I can do in my classroom with my students. An added bonus is, many of them have interacted with my posts too! So cool! They are in no particular order because I think they are all absolutely amazing and connect with many of my students, even ones who may not love art. Quick caveat: if you choose to share some of the Instagram pages with your students, verify that the content you will be sharing with them is appropriate.
Favianna Rodriguez
Favianna has this wow factor to her artwork and her portfolio. She has collabed with MANY brands and organizations. She loves nature, bright colors and makes art about things she’s passionate about.
Follow @favianna1
Jen Stark
I’m sure most of us are not a stranger to Jen Stark’s style that has a modern twist to Op Art and Bridget Riley (another fave of mine). EVERY TIME I show her artwork my students lose their minds! Her bright colors and organic shapes and lines blow them away. Plus there are so many different things you can do with her artwork or use it as a way to enrich a current project.
Follow @jenstark
Koda Witsken
Koda Witsken is a more recent find for me thanks to some co-workers. As soon as I saw her artwork, I was obsessed. She mostly focuses on murals and they often have a nod to the location where the mural is being made. Could be a fun way to tie in history of your state or things related to your school!
Follow @huemurals
Jaime Dominguez
Another fan favorite amongst my students, Jaime Dominguez! Jaime makes abstract, colorful paintings that connect to his LatinX heritage. His lines are crisp and have fun details added in, but still have a simplicity to them. I had a hard time picking which ones to show my students for inspiration!
Follow @jaimedominguezartist
Justin Vining
Justin Vining has a very fascinating story that seems to resonate with students. He tells it better than I do, so search that up! What I would consider his first known style of art were these whimsical landscapes where the buildings are curving and bending. Many of my students say it resembles a Tim Burton movie and they aren’t wrong, except for his color palette. In the last few years, he has transitioned his style to be more realistic and does a lot of en plein air and they are STUNNING.
Follow @justinvining
Erin Hanson
Alright…I’m going to say it. I’m obsessed with Erin Hanson’s work. So much so I almost convinced my husband to buy an original…but you know, teacher’s salary. She considers herself an “Open Impressionist”. I always explain that to my students as she is making Impressionism look more modern. After I grew to love her work and the bright colors, I had the opportunity to visit one of the places she often paints and holy cow she is doing it some amazing justice. Her portfolio is extensive and sure to reach a student somehow, some way.
Follow @erinhansonartist
Jen Aranyi
Jen Aranyi was brought up in an art teacher meeting in my district and I loved the simplicity of her artwork. Unfortunately, I couldn’t squeeze in a project based on her that year, but you bet I did the next year and the students love it so much. Even well after the project is completed, they are still drawing mountains, plants, crystals, etc. in her style. I also think they enjoy that she leaves some of it white…to them that seems like less work, but to me that means it requires more control to not get color on the white!
Follow @jenaranyi
Ana Maria Edulescu
Ana Maria Edulescu makes some amazing process videos of her work and how she covers literally every inch of her canvas and they are so beautiful. She paints a variety of subject matters. Another thing I love about her art is she puts that paint on THICK and it gives her paintings so much character.
Follow @anamariaedulescu
Frank Buffalo Hyde
Frank Buffalo Hyde depicts a lot of Indigenous images in his art but he puts a modern spin on it by throwing in pop culture items. Think if Indigenous art met Pop Art. One that always stands out to me is a hand holding a cell phone. It looks as if the view is looking at a buffalo and then there is popcorn in the back. The students think it is so fun! There are so many ways you could incorporate his art into your classroom.
Follow @frankbuffalohyde
Chris Uphues
Even if you don’t know who Chris Uphues is, you probably know who Chris Uphues is. He creates these awesome heart images that have different faces and facial expressions on them (what a great idea for Expressionism). These could also make for a cute Valentine’s project or even beginning of the year collaboration!
Follow @chrisuphues
Keep blending,
Hayley