Even those unfamiliar with the world of painting could probably name at least three famous painters. Some of those names might include Van Gogh, Velázquez, or Goya, for example.
But could you name three famous female painters in history?
Just like in other "male-dominated" fields, women painters were often relegated to the background or even rendered invisible, despite using brushes to express themselves, just like their male counterparts. In fact, the talent of many of these female painters was only recognized over time, sometimes even posthumously.
That's why, in this Canvas by Numbers post, we want to pay tribute to not three, but five female painters who, due to their talent equal to or greater than that of men, left an indelible mark on 20th-century painting.
Frida Kahlo
Possibly, the Mexican artist born in the first decade of the 1900s is one of the most well-known painters of the 20th century and is often mentioned among the famous female painters who reshaped modern art.
Although her art was labeled as surrealistic, Frida Kahlo said that she was not painting dreams but her own life, a life marked by certain illnesses and the loneliness she suffered as a child.
Some of the most famous works of the Mexican painter, mostly self-portraits, include "The Two Fridas," "Diego and I," "Henry Ford Hospital," and "Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird." Many of these are considered part of Frida Kahlo most famous painting collections admired today."
Georgia O’Keeffe
Georgia O’Keeffe, born in 1887 in Wisconsin, is one of the most representative women in American painting. Her main modernist paintings depict landscapes of New Mexico, skyscrapers, and flowers.
O’Keeffe left behind more than 2,000 works, earning her the title of the mother of American modernism. Her notable paintings include "Red Canna," "Abstraction White Rose," "Grey Line with Black, Blue and Yellow," and many others, leaving a lasting influence among female artists painters.
Tamara de Lempicka
The next female painter on our list is the Polish artist Tamara de Lempicka.
She was known for her portraits of men and women from high society, especially in her early and mature years. However, her shift towards expressionist painting, which emerged in the first two decades of the 20th century, led the painter to lose prominence on the international scene.
Among her notable paintings are "Self-Portrait," "The Musician," "Girl with Gloves," and "Kizette in Pink." Her bold style earned her recognition among famous painters in history, especially in the modernist period.
Hilma af Klint
The Swedish painter Hilma af Klint was the precursor of abstract painting, a title often mistakenly given to Wassily Kandinsky. In fact, this woman painted her first abstract works five years before the Russian artist published "Concerning the Spiritual in Art."
In her last will, Hilma af Klint communicated her wish for her paintings not to be exhibited until at least twenty years after her death, as she believed that her art would not be appreciated by the critics of her time.
Can you imagine what would have happened if this painter had participated in movements and exhibitions? Her visionary work now inspires both modern admirers and beginners exploring easy paintings for beginners.
Helen Frankenthaler
Helen Frankenthaler was born in New York in 1928 into a fairly well-off family. She was a female painter who was knowledgeable about Picasso's and Pollock's work, even reproducing the latter's technique (abstract expressionism).
The artwork that made her become a famous painter was the picture "Mountains and Sea" created by her in 1952, when she was 23. Later, starting from 1959, she started making a more prominent appearance in international exhibitions, where she received numerous awards and nominations.
She passed away in 2011, leaving us important works of abstract painting such as "Grey Fireworks," "Small's Paradise," and the already mentioned "Mountains and Sea," among others, which continue to inspire great painters today.
Want to find out if you have what it takes to be a painter?
The truth is that few of the great painters in history, whether male or female, had easy beginnings. Yet with perseverance, they eventually became the artist that everybody has heard of, even those who were unaware of the art world before.
Just as a traveler makes their path as they go, a painter creates their painting as they paint, and even more so if they have the little help we offer at Canvas by Numbers. With this help, you can paint a picture from scratch, even if you have no knowledge of painting.
This help is the paint by numbers, a system that involves applying the corresponding paint to the numbered area of the canvas. Step by step, stroke by stroke, you'll see the picture appear before your eyes—almost like creating a scratch painting of your own.
Below, we've listed our top collections of paintings, divided by themes. Discover your favorite and get started!
Paintings for Beginners
The perfect collection for those picking up a paintbrush for the first time and wanting easy paintings for beginners.
"Dog Lying in the Snow" by Franz Marc
"Abstract Monkey"
"Anemones" by Stefan Luchian
View the complete collection of paintings for beginners to paint.
Landscape Paintings
Paint your own landscape and travel without leaving home while gazing at it! This is ideal for anyone wanting to try easy landscape painting.
"Farm in Brittany" by Paul Gaugin
"The Harvest" by Vincent Van Gogh
"Le bras de Jeufosse" by Claude Monet
View the complete collection of landscape paintings to paint.
Famous Paintings
Step into the shoes of the most famous painters by reproducing their works.
"Impression, Sunrise" by Claude Monet
"Venus" by Sandro Botticelli
"Mother and Child" by Gustav Klimt
View the complete collection of famous paintings to paint.
Can't find the painting that inspires you? Take a look at our complete collection here!
And what about a new way to create a painting? Explore our Diamond Paintings collection and let your imagination and creativity soar!
Conclusion
These five female artists have not only broken the boundaries in the male-dominated world of art, but they have also changed the landscape of painting in the 20th century.
Their personal challenges, unique perspectives, and bold innovations gave the art world the masterpieces that are still inspiring generations. When we acknowledge their efforts, we are not only honoring their talent but also their bravery and imagination that made them popular worldwide.
FAQs
1. Why were women painters often overlooked in history?
The art world traditionally has been dominated by men in the past; therefore, women had no access to training, exhibitions, and recognition, and as a result, a number of great artists were neglected.
2. Which of these painters influenced modern American art the most?
Georgia O’Keeffe is regarded as the mother of American modernism, leaving a significant influence on modern art in the U.S.
3. Are these painters’ works accessible to the public today?
Yes, most of their works are exhibited in museums all over the world, and some of them are available in reproductions by painting enthusiasts and collectors.
