Top 5 Instagram Artists to Follow

Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Tracey McGrath

If you’re anything like me you love to admire other artist’s work. Instagram is a remarkable platform for artists to showcase their work. And it’s also a wonderful place where artists can share their personal stories, struggles, and creative processes.

I’m not a huge fan of spending hours on social media because well, there are other things to experience…but I want to share with you some of my favorite Instagram artists to follow. Check out their work and go buy some art!

Benefits of Viewing Art

Art is a part of humanity. It is a way that humans tell stories, express emotions, and convey moments in time. It moves us in ways that we cannot always explain. You like a piece of art or you don’t. That’s it. You don’t need to know why.

Studies show that just looking at art can help to calm your nervous system. It increases blood flow to your brain by 10% – about the same it does when you look at someone you love.¹ Other evidence shows that the positive emotions felt while viewing art help to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. And high levels of these cytokines are linked to poor health and chronic disease like as Alzheimer’s.²

Benefits of Making Art

You can also experience stress-reducing benefits by making art. It could be playing an instrument, coloring, or molding with clay. When you engage your mind with a focused activity like drawing you disengage from the monkey mind. This is the endless loop of worst-case scenarios that often trigger anxiety and fear. Making art can also help you stay more positive and hopeful. And creating art lowers the stress hormone, cortisol.³

#1 – Sarah Jane Tart

Sarah Jane Tart is one of my most beloved artists to follow because she inspired me to try acrylics. And if you’ve noticed I’ve totally fallen in love with them! Sarah’s paintings have the most lovely color palette. Her beautiful marshes and seaside paintings are perfect for anyone’s home.

#2 – Doggo Drawings

These paintings make you actually feel the emotion emanating from their animal subjects. These beautiful watercolor animal portraits are just divine. I love the colors and expressions the artist captures. Definitely check these out if you’re an animal lover!

#3 – Jennifer Paganelli

I’m a huge fan of color. It can immediately brighten up your mood and totally shift your day. Just like these colorful paintings will do for you. Check out her lovely Matisse-like florals and portraits!

#4 – Amanda Carol Eck

I love the color palette that Amanda uses for her abstract pieces. So beautiful with her carefully curated strokes and marks. And her framing adds so much to the beauty of her artwork.

#5 – Sarah Martinez

Here’s another shot of bright colors for you! Sarah’s pieces are oh so beautiful with her color choices and simple strokes. It’s amazing how a few strokes of color can totally change your mood.

Art is for Everyone

I hope you enjoyed viewing these artist’s work as much as I have. Sharing other artists’ work is a simple way that I can promote the benefits of art. You can check out more on the benefits of just looking at art in my article Art for Anxiety.

And if you’re inspired pick up a pencil or brush and make some art! I have two courses that can help you feel more calm and creative with simple mindful art exercises. For more information, you can check them out here!

Let’s Connect!

I am an artist using mainly acrylics to paint cute animals and calming nature scenes. I also dabble in portraits as well. You can view my artwork online here and follow me on Instagram here! Don’t forget to grab your free printable wall art here!

References:

1. https://www.uagc.edu/blog/how-looking-at-art-can-help-your-brain#:~:text=Each%20time%20you%20look%20at,sense%20of%20shapes%20to%20use.
2. https://news.berkeley.edu/2015/02/02/anti-inflammatory/