When you look really closely and analyze a painting, you soon realize that the base component of every work of art, be it the Mona Lisa or Starry Night, is color. In this way, art becomes an investigation, a scientific analysis.
This is the process you are invited to immerse yourself in when you look at the elaborate collages of Michael Mapes, an artist from Hudson Valley. The collages Mapes creates look like shelves crowded with tiny scientific specimens: scraps of fabric, glass vials, hair, herbarium, and colorful beads. Together, these seemingly unrelated objects form beautiful portraits and still lifes inspired by classical art.
Marvel at Michael Mapes’ intricate collages below, and visit his Website and Instagram page to view more of his works.
H/T: This is Colossal
Like a Flower in Bloom, This Glasshouse Unfurls in the Sun
This diamond-shaped glasshouse can open like a flower in bloom!
Reviving Classic Legends: Howard Pyle's Timeless Paintings
Let's explore the masterful paintings of Howard Pyle, a celebrated artist and illustrator from the 1800s.
Stephanie Rew Creates Lustrous Portraits Dipped in Gold
Admire 13 of Stephanie Rew’s fantastic gold leaf portraits.
The Visionary Art and Turbulent Life of Caravaggio
Caravaggio is one of the most renowned and celebrated painters today, but his life and art have a bigger story to tell than one would expect
Incredible Art - These Are NOT Pencil Drawings!
Alfred Cheng's artworks are not made with pencil or charcoal, as it appears at first glance. He creates intricate portraits using only nails and a single thread.
These Deliberately Messy Artworks Are Surprisingly Cool!
The paintings of this Italian artist may seem haphazard or messy at first, but they're surprisingly complex and fascinating!
Watch: This Visual Dance Act Is Out of This World!
The amazing dancing couple, Another Kind of Blue, bring new and exciting techniques to Britain’s Got Talent.
Artist Creates Incredibly Detailed 3D Paintings on Glass
The detail in these incredible 3D glass paintings of animals is unbelievable! See for yourself...
How It's Made: Glass Christmas Ornaments
Enjoy a quick history of Christmas glass ornaments and a deep look into how they're made!
The Most Beautiful Stained-Glass Pieces You Will Ever See
Synonymous with luxury and fame, his works are scattered everywhere in the U.S.: from the White House to, quite possibly, your nightstand.
See Old America Like Never Before With These Vintage Maps
A look at some glorious vintage illustrated maps from 19th century America that gives a great look of the country from back in the day.
Discover the Amazing History & Design of Fabergé Eggs
You've probably heard of Fabergé Eggs, but how much do you actually know about these unique historical jewels?
These Vases Are Made of Real Flowers!
We’ve all seen too many vases filled with flowers to count, but have you ever met a vase that doubles as a bouquet?
This Performer is Going to Take You on a Magical Adventure
A magical act that quickly made its way to my favorites' list.
Music Box: 16 Unforgettable Hits by THE DOORS!
This playlist captures 16 of the most popular songs by The Doors.
Iris Scott Uses Her Fingers to Create Incredible Paintings
Iris Scott is a modern impressionist who uses all of her 10 fingers to paint. Her artwork, as you're about to see, is absolutely wonderful!
The Blindfolded Swordsman - Intense!
Aaron Crow follows a long line of circus performers on the show, with a dangerous act that leaves the judges speechless.
Lifelike Animal Sculptures Made of Cardboard - Stunning!
Believe it or not, these realistic animal sculptures are all made of a material that is found in ample supply in most homes - old cardboard boxes.
Could You Believe This Art Is Carved Out of a Pumpkin?
The pumpkins are not your typical Halloween pumpkin carving.
This Elegant Gymnast Will Amaze You!
World renown Rhythmic Gymnast Evgenia Kanaeva shows us her perfect form in a remarkable display.
The Grace in This Performance Is Jaw-Dropping
This beautiful combination of dancing and acrobatic performance will totally take your breath away. Be sure to watch it right now.
These Stunning Photos Look More Dramatic Than Baroque Art
Check out these stunning underwater photos by Christy Lee Rogers.
As He Plays the Violin, My Heart Skips a Beat...
This beautiful performance is one you won't soon forget.
The Most Gorgeous Animal Paintings in History – 16 Pics
Explore the beauty of animals in these amazing paintings from over the years.
André Rieu Orchestrates an Incredible Duet!
What an extraordinary performance, as André Rieu orchestrates a song from La Traviata.
If I Didn't See This Artist At Work, I'd Never Believe Him!
Italian Artists Marcello Barenghi can create the most astoundingly realistic-looking hand drawings.
Henri Matisse: King of the Wild Artists Movement
Henri Matisse has a place in the Hall of Fame of avant-garde art. This article tries to explore why.
How Did He Do It? This Magician Leaves the Judges Baffled
Adam Wilber is bringing the fun back to magic, in this creative performance on Penn & Teller's: Fool Us.
WATCH: This Dance Is an Ode to Beautiful Mother Nature
This shadow dance, a tribute to nature, will move you to tears through its poignancy and thanks to its stark depiction of the reality that Mother Nature faces.
Have You Ever Seen Hand-Cut Paper Look So Beautiful?
These hand-cut paper artworks are simply stunning, because of their extraordinary level of detail. They have inspired me to give it a go myself!
These Human Voices Alone Resurrect a Totemic Rock Classic
Toto's Africa is one of my favorite songs. So I was thrilled to hear this stunning a cappella version ...
The Art of Stone Carving Has Been Brought Back to Life!
This amazing artist makes creating sculptures look almost easy, but watch the video to know the real heart and work that goes into it.
15 Incredible Paintings That Every Art Lover Must Know...
Here are some of the greatest paintings in art history. What do they mean to you?
The Most Gorgeous Painting of Our Beautiful World...
Richard MacNeil is an artist that captures the beauty of life in his oil paintings.
These People Took Their Hobby to the Next Level
These people are living examples of the mastery of a hobby.
Classical Music: Enjoy 50 of the Greatest Masterpieces!
This video collected together 50 of the most famous and beautiful classical music pieces in the world.
This Cirque du Soleil Performance Will Make Your Jaw Drop
It's no wonder that the Cirque du Soleil is the most famous acrobatic troupe in the world when they're capable of performances like these. Watch it right here.
A Beatles Salute You'll Never Forget...
If you like the Beatles, you're going to LOVE this video.
This Artist Recreated His Childhood Town & It's Impressive
Eddie Putera, creates stunning miniature dioramas to recapture his childhood. Take a look.
These Aren't Just Kids, They Are Incredible Dancers
These two kids are too young to be this good, aren't they??
10 Underrated Sci-Fi Masterpieces You Might Have Missed
Check out our recommendations for underrated science-fiction movies.
This Talented Cellist Invites to Hear Some TImless Music!
Prepare to be enthralled by special renditions of timeless classics Cellist Stefan Hause.
This 2-Year-Old Can Dance As Well As Elvis
He may be just 2-years-old, but this boy can dance like the King!
This Boy’s Story and Violin Skills Will Bring You to Tears
At the age of 4, Tyler was diagnosed with leukemia and was bullied for it in school. Playing the violin was a way for him to forget it all.
Not Only a Beautiful Shadow Dance, But Also a Story...
An incredibly talented shadow troupe performing an enchanting dance that tells a story...
11 Levels of Origami: A Fascinating Tutorial
Origami artist and physicist Robert J. Lang will show you 11 levels of complexity in creating paper folding art.