A new study from adventure travel company Explore Worldwide reveals which locations around the world are the most popular when it comes to inspiring works of art.
The connection between art and travel is undeniable with explorers taking artistic inspiration from their surroundings, as well as artwork inspiring people to travel to new places.
With this in mind, Explore Worldwide have released new research which reveals that California, Paris and New York are the places people are most keen to have artworks of, according to Etsy data at least.
The travel company analyzed over 600 global locations on the arts and crafts shopping platform to find which place in the world has inspired the highest number of art works.
Top 10 Places Around The World Inspiring The Most Artwork
| Rank | Location | No. of Etsy Artwork Listings |
| 1 | California | 142,604 |
| 2 | New York | 141,047 |
| 3 | Paris | 103,061 |
| 4 | Texas | 89,530 |
| 5 | London | 77,261 |
| 6 | Florida | 72,719 |
| 7 | Hawaii | 72,265 |
| 8 | Washington | 56,902 |
| 9 | Colorado | 49,610 |
| 10 | Arizona | 43,660 |
- California: With an impressive 142,604 Etsy artwork listings, California emerges as the top destination that inspires the most artwork. Known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant creative scene, the Golden State captures the hearts of artists from around the world. From the sun-soaked beaches of Southern California to the towering redwoods of Northern California, this state offers a vast range of natural wonders that serve as a constant artistic muse.
- New York: Right on the heels of California, New York proves itself as an ever-inspiring artistic powerhouse with an impressive 141,047 Etsy artwork listings. From the colorful murals of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods to the sleek galleries of Chelsea, New York offers an artistic backdrop that constantly pushes boundaries and fosters creativity. Whether it’s strolling through Central Park, exploring the vibrant street art of the Lower East Side, or immersing oneself in the bohemian ambiance of Greenwich Village, New York is a city that never fails to inspire.
- Paris: The Louvre Museum, home to the enigmatic Mona Lisa, and the Musée d’Orsay, showcasing an impressive collection of Impressionist masterpieces, are just a glimpse into the artistic riches that Paris offers. The meandering Seine River, the vibrant colors of the flower markets, and the bohemian ambiance of Le Marais all contribute to the irresistible charm that fuels the creative spirit in the French capital.
- Texas: In the heart of the American Southwest, Texas surprises with its artistic prowess, securing the fourth place with 89,530 Etsy artwork listings. From the vibrant street art of Austin, the state’s capital, to the dramatic landscapes of Big Bend National Park, Texas offers a captivating tapestry of artistic subjects. Moreover, the Texan spirit of independence and creativity permeates the state, fostering a thriving artistic community that embraces a wide range of mediums and styles, as reflected by the wide tapestry of Texas-inspired artwork available on Etsy.
- London: Rounding off the top five places inspiring the most artwork is the iconic city of London, which boasts an impressive 77,261 Etsy artwork listings. Steeped in history and brimming with cultural diversity, the British capital offers a creative playground for artists. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the vibrant street art of Shoreditch, London seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, providing endless inspiration. The charming neighborhoods of Notting Hill, the serene beauty of Hyde Park, and the buzzing atmosphere of Covent Garden all contribute to London’s artistic allure. In this city creativity knows no bounds, artists and travelers are encouraged to explore, experiment, and let their imaginations soar.
To further celebrate the close relationship of art and travel, Explore Worldwide has created an incredible gallery of AI artworks, that reimagines some of these popular travel locations in a totally new and original way.
The new images reveal how famous landscapes may have been painted if they had been visited by the likes of Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, Hokusai, Van Gogh, René Magritte and more.
Famous Travel Destinations Reimagined in Famous Painting Styles
Rome in the style of René Magritte
René Magritte transforms Rome’s Colosseum into a surreal dreamscape according to AI, creating an enigmatic take of one of Rome’s most iconic buildings.
California in the style of Claude Monet
The skilful brushstrokes of Claude Monet which are usually seen in impressionist paintings of French pastures and beaches are reimagined using AI on this West coast scene of low mountains, palm trees and scrubland shrubs.
Tokyo in the style of Frida Kahlo
Through AI, Frida Kahlo infuses this Tokyo cityscape with her own distinct perspective, moving the noise of the busy urban environment into the background in order to celebrate the delicate human form and spirit.
New York in the style of Salvador Dali
Times Square in New York was created in Salvador Dali’s unmistakable style using AI, with his characteristic melting elements and surreal imagery taking center stage. This reimagination of the Big Apple invites the viewer into a captivating dreamscape of one of America’s most famous cities, capturing the hectic but intoxicating vibrancy and hustle of the city, whilst blending reality and imagination.
Mykonos in the style of Hokusai
This beautiful scene of Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek islands, pays tribute to traditional Japanese woodblock prints, with AI capturing Hokusai’s distinctive style to provide a hypnotizing reimagination of Mykonos’ famous Cycladic architecture.
Paris in the style of Beryl Cook
AI’s rendition of Beryl Cook painting Paris delights the viewer with a truly whimsical re-imagining of the Eiffel Tower. Known for her vibrant and lively scenes of everyday life, this creation injects Cook’s unique humor and charm into this iconic French landmark.
Michael Edwards, Managing Director at Explore, says of the project: “Our study into the most art-inspiring destinations truly inspired us, and it’s been fascinating to use AI technology to transform some of the world’s most recognizable landscapes into the style of famous artists.
Whilst the landscape subject and the artist style are both super familiar, their combination and juxtaposition helps us see places we know in a completely new and exciting way! We hope our new travel gallery inspires people to sketch, paint or photograph their travels in a new light, as well as providing some new and fresh wanderlust for popular locations.”