Pen and Ink Drawings

There is something relentless and unforgiving about the use of line in art. Lines are not soft, although they can soften, given the right degree of contact. Lines can be precise, delicate or severe, but a gentle wash of ink can modify. These are my thoughts as I am admiring the skill and character of each of the studies posted in this Facebook group. Ink can be used for quick impressions, or to execute detailed portrait or landscape studies. There are even startlingly well rendered subjects done in nothing other than blue ballpoint pens. While the vast majority of works are of landscapes or cities, there are also still lifes, portraits, and even imagined imagery. 

Members: 12.3k, at the time of writing

Trigger warnings: None

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Assateague Island Pony Pictures

The Assateague Island off the east coast of America is world famous for its herds of feral ponies that were immortalized in the much-loved children's book Misty of Chincoteague written by Marguerite Henry and published almost eighty years ago. This barrier island comprises of several national parks - the Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park on the Maryland side and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the Virginia side, and the topic of whether the feral equines of the island should be named Assateugue horses or Chincoteague ponies is a matter of debate, but this Facebook group is more interested in sharing the photographs of visitors and residents to the island. The cute foals, of course take center stage, but there are also photographs of adult horses interacting. According to legend, the horses of Assateague are descended from a shipment of Spanish horses that were shipwrecked here. If you love horses, you would really enjoy this space. I did.

Members 60.5k, at the time of writing

Trigger warnings: None 

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Sketch in Travel

The discovery of this Facebook group made me smile the moment I realized what it was about, because it combines two of my favorite themes - art and places. If you haven't figured it out (it's pretty easy), it's about sharing the quick sketches you make about the places you visit in your travels. As I'm looking through all these charming pieces of artful expression, it occurs to me, that this used to be an integral part of travelling, in an era before photographs and cameras became ubiquitous and it's really, really wonderful to realize that in some small way, it is still a thing. See sketches from Tokyo, Krakow, Egypt, Lisbon, Paris, Arizona, New York, Thailand, India, Madagascar, Prague, Wales and Birmingham. 

Members 16.5k members, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Snapshots of the World

In an older version of the world we live in, people sent postcards to friends and family, or tacked their memories in photo albums. Today, sharing is immediate, and if you're smart, you'll save your best one for a photo-sharing Facebook group like this one, where you can anonymously browse through the curated memories of random strangers. Immerse yourself in beaches, city-scapes, canals and flowers. Soak up the sunset or gaze at a distant galaxy. See the full moon from several different wind directions on the same night. See woodland creatures or wild horses. Be dazzled by reflections of light. Calling all you armchair travelers to enjoy a thousand different moments of this beautiful planet we all call home. 

Members: 110.9k, at the time of writing

Trigger warnings: None.

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Gypsy Cob Owners Group

With their two-tone coat color and distinctive shaggy mane and tail, the Gypsy cob, also known as the Gypsy Vanner is one of the equine world's best loved breeds. These charming and showy horses are popular for pleasure riding or just as pets. Which is why it is not at all surprising that there's a Gypsy Cob Owner's Group to share the awesomeness of cob horses around the world. Share photos of your beloved equine darlings. Ask questions about care and, of course, tips on how to fluff up those gorgeously feathered hooves. Post zany two-of-a-kind cob-and-owner snapshot. Above all share the love.

Members: 41,7k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None

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Prince Albert, Queen Victoria & Their Family (1800-1918)

It is difficult to imagine the 19th century without calling it the Victorian era. Queen Victoria, her clever, industrious husband and their nine children are central to everything that era stood for and their offspring spread out across the royal houses of Europe. This facebook group shares historical photographs of the direct and extended family members and descendants of Victoria and Albert, but there are also swoonworthy royal dresses, as well as historical factoids. You will probably see many princes, princessses, dukes, duchesses, counts, countesses and more that you've never heard of, and don't forget to read the comments to some of the posts, which are interesting in and of their own. If you are into royalty, and/or history, you'll probably enjoy this community.

Members: 60.4k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: Royalty

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People Incorrectly Correcting Other People

Although they mean well, grammar nazis can be annoying. The same goes for social justice warriors. Or anyone who tries to win an argument on compromised logic But if you look at some of the posts in this group long enough, it may hurt a little.So Especially with the mathematical ones. The good thing is that inevitably, you will learn a lot, bash a few misconceptions on their heads and grow more informed. The down side is that you might be unmasking your own stupidity in the process. Your ego may take a knock here or there. Some posts will make you laugh and/or feel superior. And the schadefreude can be strangely satisfying.

Members: 2.8 million, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Some of this may hurt your ego.

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