Weird Art for Weird People

It has traditionally been the role of art to speak truth to power, to challenge world views and to give inner demons an airing in the real world. In a way, art is supposed to be inherently weird, but this group leans into work that takes hostages and draws blood. It shows paintings that tell stories and heal life-long wounds. It draws inspiration from uncomfortable muses: horror themes, paganism, cosmic dread, esoteric theory, political responses. There are screams and distortions, but also quirky characters, felted miniatures and micro crocheted creatures, as well as anthropomorphic fetish issues. One sketch hints at creepy emanations from the subliminal. Another speaks of body image. One beautiful painting shares a powerful and poignant message about surviving a history of abuse. And then there's the cake that drips with dark obsessive love. 

Members: 330.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Uncomfortable themes.

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Safe Space for Artists

Art is easy. Until it's not. The paint flows freely until courage falters. Step into the circle of fellow artists to show what's cooking on your easel, or even just perculating in the uncharted fields of your imagination. Boldly share your experimental pieces. Share your journey and what art means to you. Share your fears and insecurities. Share your success stories. Share hacks about the medium you use. Ask questions: organizing hacks, advice, opinions, whatever. Crowd-source suggestions for titles. There are calls for motivational tips or works in progress. Some visuals are raw and visceral. There are many, many posts per day, as this is a lively community. Come here if you're feeling vulnerable. Draw inspiration from the well of the hivemind. Then go back to your work to create some more.

Members: 183k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Bird Art & Artists

There has to be a very special skill involved to successfully capture a creature that often moves faster than the eye can see. That's why I have a healthy dose of respect for each and every one of the bird artists featured in this group - whether professional or amateur. The media used vary from pencil, pen to watercolor and acrylics and the subject matters covers anything from the humble sparrow, the graceful kingfisher, the wise crow, the industrious woodpecker and the majestic osprey. If you have a fascination for avian wildlife, you would most likely enjoy adding this charming Facebook group to your newsfeed. On my visit, I also saw the Northern Cardinal, European Woodpecker, a humble robin in pencil, a macaw in watercolor, a Sri Lanka bush warbler, beautifully rendered in his natural habitat and a stunning Harris Hawk in colored pencils.

Members: 108.7k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

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Professional Portrait Artists

A beautiful young woman in graphite. The thoughtful gaze of an old man. The sparkling merriment that live in the eyes and soul of a musician. A freckled child holding her striped cat. A study that pays homage to a popular Netflix series. A self-portrait that captures the artist's amused gaze. A moody waif in watercolor. The close-up of an eye that brims with moisture and life. The carefree smile of a brown-haired boy. A rogueish centenarian betraying his continued love for life. An elegant woman resplended under her parasol. A war veteran showing off his medals Here and there, also a pet portrait. Not all of the work featured is by professional portrait artists, but each hint at the unique character of the subject in a way that is both compelling and insightful.

Members: 45k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None. 

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Industrial Heritage and Art

 The Industrial Revolution fundamentally changed our world and the culture of our communities. It created the immortal image of the blue-collar worker but also colored our world with rigidly structural imagery and the taint of pollution. It drives a mixed message of prosperity and decay, containing larger than life behemoths of industry and the work gangs that power them. Through the gaze of an artist, the human factor is amplified, highlighting a fascination with machinery, but also showing poignantly intimate moments swallowed from the relentless march of the machine. It encompasses the romanticism of rail travel, the ubiquitous presence of stark factory yards and the endurance of the human spirit. When I spotted a post by one of my favorite industrial artists, Ryan Mutter, I knew I had come to the right place. 

Members: 30.2k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

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World Watercolor Group

At first glance, watercolor painting may seem deceptively simple. It's portable enough to have been a valuable tool to the botanists and biologists of past centuries. With a few washes of color, you can cover your paper with impressions suggestive of any number of subjects. Those are the basics. But with a more expert hand guiding the brush, those blotches are infused with a wealth of detail, containing - as the saying goes - multitudes. There are floral studies that pulse with life. Portraits that capture the very essence of a subject. River views where ripples of water interplay with reflections of light. Street scenes that show the sharp, precise line of architectural structures or the messy chaos of humanity going about its daily activities. Paintings that demonstrate clearly just how versatile a medium this can be. The group is associated with the awesome Doodlewash blog created by watercolor enthusiast Charlie O'Shields, which features monthly challenges and showcases watercolor artists from around the world.

Members: 240.1k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

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The Trail of Painted Ponies Collectors Group

If you can't afford to own living horses and ponies, then figurines have to be the next best consolation. They don't need feed or visits from the farrier and most of them can be accommodated in the average display cabinet. For those unfamiliar with the company, The Trail of Painted Ponies was founded by author Rod Barker and had already released a startling range of over 400 collectible ponies, many of them designed by everyday artists guided only by their creative muse and their love for horses. There are even special celebrity designs from Dolly Parton, Ali MacGraw, Barbara Eden and Tony Curtis, and other partner initiatives to benefit. (If you live in the USA and you have an idea for an artist's horse, check out the company website for more details.) The Facebook Group is for collectors showing off their equine treasures, looking for display ideas or posting pony figurines for sale. It offers members and visitors the opportunity to acquire or admire retired models, such as the Blue Medicine pony, Tropical Reef pony, Lightning Bolt Colt or the Poinsettia Pony. The ponies are all so beautifully made - they are a joy to behold. 

Members: 4.9k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

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The Pastel Palette

I have a love for pastels, when it comes to creating art. The easy blending of color, and soft strokes allows for a very natural brand of realism. But the eye of the artist can still grab your attention with surprising perspectives and expertly rendered details. Examples? The hairy face of a chimpanzee. The interplay of sun and shadow as reflected on a toddler's face by the sunhat she's wearing, or in a riverbed. A bird's eye view on a small plane flying over a coastal cove. A dew-fresh pod of freshly harvested peas. The sun setting on a country park. An exquisite little bird perched precariously on a tree trunk. Dreamy, likelike portraits. A cowboy and his horses, having a moment. I'm really stunned by the skill and expertise displayed within the work shared by members. 

Members: 8.8k members, at the time of writing. 

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Mixed Media & Mixed Medium Art

A fusion of styles and inspirations. A bright and unexpected explosion of color. Found objects meeting paint and canvas. A few staves of sheet music peeking out from behind the colored folds of an imagined lady. New life growing in the heart of vintage elements. Black and white photographs. Re-purposed buttons. Art becomes so much more dynamic when it moves out of the confines of its framing. A unique energy dances across the pages when multiples blend into one. As I scroll through the creations of group members at Mixed Media & Mixed Medium Art, delight sits frequently on my shoulders, tugging at the corners of my mouth. It is easy to smile, in the presence of so much creativity. So much beauty. Visit often and stay inspired. 

Members: 19.7k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Cemetery Arts

 Tiddles's tombstone was what drew me in to take yet another look at this Facebook Group. Tiddles was a church cat, remembered in a lovely gravestone and monument. But Tiddles is not the only cat immortalized in this manner. Further down, "the beautiful cat endures". The macabre funerary art of a Czech ossuary. An automobile engineer's grave communicates his passion for wheels - in life and in death. The loveliness of early springtime in Savannah's Bonaventure. The famous Highgate cemetery in London. Angels, angels and more angels. Stone puppies frozen in a moment of play. A Hello-Kitty memorial for the tragic young victim of a murder. The popular mausoleum of a Persian poet. A remembrance for unknown soldiers observed in Copenhagen. An Argentine memorial garden pays tribute to musical stars such as bandleader Anibal Troilo and singer Carlos Gardel. There are flowers everywhere and even after all this time, admirers make sure that the cigarette between Gardel's fingers stays lit. A ray of sun lights the tombs of tranquil Yanaka cemetery in Tokyo. Guatemala's land of the joyful dead. There is so much beauty here.

Members: 75.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Some non-English text.

Go here to visit or join.

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Weird (and wonderful) secondhand Finds That Just Need to Be Shared

We all love a bargain, or even just the opportunity to peer at an anonymous someone's pre-loved treasures. After all, one man's trash, as the saying goes... Whether it's Goodwill, Facebook Marketplace or just some anonymous car boot sale, if you're stumbled upon something random and truly awesome, snap a pic and share your story to this fascinating Facebook group. Items range from the quirky and the gorgeous to the occasionally gory. There are plenty of ceramics, for some reason, but other finds include hand-crafted dolls, music boxes, salt and pepper shakers, antique lamps, art and an extensive collection of bowling balls, but you will also see vintage telephones, miniature cottages, whimsical paintings, antique silver mugs and even a many-spouted tea pot (or should we say tea pot shaped porcelain folly?). Scrolling through the posts filled me with awe for the most eclectic collection of random wonders. 

Members: 3.5 Million, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Paper Mache on the Wild Side

For most of us, paper mâché represents that embarrassing crime against the art establishment that somehow managed to sneak into our school curriculum. Paper mache is not smooth and sexy, like clay, nor mind-blowingly arresting like oil-paintings. But in the hands of the professionals or perhaps a dedicated amateur, you could be surprised at the results. Meet surprisingly realistic dogs or engaging cat families. Auto-biographical trophies, and jaw-dropping masks. A delightful carousel horse. A stylish collection of bunnies. Quirky white mice. The sheer versatility of the art featured in this group and the fun spaces they populate is mind-blowing and inspiring.

Members: 50.1k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Beatrix Potter Loves

Most people don't know this, but Beatrix Potter, now synonymous with Victorian children's literature, was also a pioneer in terms of creating a brand identity and earning a healthy residual income from merchandising opportunities. What began as a letter to a child, became the iconic Peter Rabbit, a charming creature inspired by one of the author's own pets, Peter Piper. Ms. Potter was also an enthusiastic naturalist and an award-winning sheep farmer, and before you mistake her for a straitlaced prude, there was an anecdote about the time she rewarded one of her animal models with hemp seeds, and inadvertently got him stoned out of his skull. Even now, more than a hundred years later, her creations remain as recognizable and beloved as ever. One need only look at the images found in this Facebook Group, which includes jaw-dropping fan-art alongside beautifully rendered originals. If you love the relatable innocence of small woodland creatures, this one's for you. 

Members: 116.4k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Dollhouse miniatures made from everyday things

The combination of lifelike tableaus in tiny scale, yet true to form can be fascinating and awe-inspiring. Welcome to the quietly obsessive world of miniature dollhouses, where everything is in the details. While you can purchase just about anything for your miniature dollhouse from Amazon, a little inspiration and a pinch of improvisation can really go a long, long way. There are delicate teacups fashioned from beads. A family dinner served in potted clay. A collection of realistic looking soft drinks, complete with tiny ice cubes and lemon slices. A plate of yummy-looking cookies. Wine glasses, potted plants, vases of roses and Christmas decorations. Even miniature toilet rolls. Staircases that will never see any foot falls. Haunting recreations from popular media or inspired by fandoms. 

Members: 322k, at the time of writing 

Trigger Warnings: None. 

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If it were possible to squeeze a thousand crafters from all around the world into one space to showcase their work, the result would probably be something similar to this delightful Facebook group The featured posts include a vast variety of styles and disciplines, ranging from gorgeously crafted dog collars, colorful felt slippers and crocheted animals (the real deal, NOT AI!!!) to leather vambraces and even a one-in-a-million stratocaster guitar. There are quirky Christmas decorations, jolly gingerbread men and bespoke gift ideas, as well as custom denim jackets, knitted socks, shawls, jewelry, painted pebbles and even an art project featuring a recycled doll's head. It really is a celebration of creativity and inspiration. 

Members: 621.2k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warning: None.

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To see a collection of bare, leafless trees clustered in a snow landscape is to be reminded that, however cold it gets, the world will endure, and other seasons lie dormant amongst their seeds. Some trees cast dreamy shadows into ancient woods and attract the magical remnants of other worlds. Other trees carry a heavy load of summery splendor or hold the secrets of our yesterdays safe within their gnarled bark. And the beauty of riverside trees reflected in the water. Trees enhance the world with their serene and eternal presence. Or perhaps an English poet said it best. "Wild is the music of autumnal winds among the faded woods. " -William Wordsworth. Trees can be so many things, which is probably why landscape painters are so fond of them. This is a stunning Facebook group with an amazing collection of art. 

Members: 18,4k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Collages

Before photoshop and AI, there was the collage. A humbler and more honest method of adapting and combining different and sometimes conflicting elements into something new. A successful work is something that blends seamlessly to become a world wholly its own. Artists share their techniques and even how they went about sourcing different components of their work, or tell stories about the inspirations behind their masterpieces. The layering adds texture and depth. From bold splashes of color to gently harmonious attempts at visual storytelling. The beauty of the collage is that it seems so accessible. It's a discipline where you add and add and add until the picture seems complete. It is visually rich and vibrant. And fun too. Don't forget that. Look at these images for long enough and you'll start looking for a scissors and something to cut up.

Members: 149.5k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

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Paul Klee

The diverse and highly individual work of the Swiss-German artist Paul Klee serves not only as a testament for his creativity, but also hint at a vast internal landscape populated in equal measure with expressions of his intellectual musings and moments of mischief. Unafraid of experimenting in different genres, media and indeed art movements, he had a life-long, passionate love affair with color that informed many of the 9,000 works of art he left behind. As did an early education in music and a deep interest in literature. His epitaph speaks of the sense of wit and whimsy that characterized his very being: "I cannot be grasped in the here and now, for my place is as much among the dead as the yet unborn. Slightly closer to the heart of creation than usual, but still not close enough." This Facebook group share works that are beguiling in their simplicity, or subtle and complex in their shifting palettes. There are also posts that focus on his lesser-known creations, his writings and his more unusual inspirations. 

Members: 137.6k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Mild nudity.

Go here to visit or join.  

Photo Credit: Wiki Commons

Mia's Bayeux Tapestry Story

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world's most famous pieces of handcraft. And it tells the story of one of the most significant events in English history - the 1066 invasion of William of Normandy. The original is believed to be around 950 years old. To single-handedly reproduce this incredible piece of cultural art is no mean feat, but that is exactly what the self-taught, Swedish-born artist Mia Hansson has set out to do. To tell the story of this incredible project (which started in July 2016), and to share media about its tie-ins, she had created this Facebook group. The posts offer fascinating insights into the scale and effort involved in bringing the work to life. 

Members: 5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

Mia's website: https://www.miasbayeuxstyleart.uk/

Mia's other Facebook Group: https://web.facebook.com/groups/miasdrawingandsewing?_rdc=1&_rdr

Dandelion Appreciation Society

There is something absolutely irresistible about dandelions that calls up memories of the innocence of childhood and the wonder of nature. If you are looking for a daily dose of that wonder in your social media newsfeed, then this is the perfect Facebook group to scratch that itch. The vast majority of posts here are visual in nature, featuring photographs, art and inspirations focussed on the humble dandelion in her many guises. Here and there you will glimpse fairies or woodland creatures, and there is also an info-graphic on the health benefits of dandelions. 

Members: 71.6k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

Photo Credit: Herbert/HG Fotografie at Pixabay.