Celebrating Women’s History Month: Inspiring Women Artists of All Ages

March is Women’s History Month, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women artists throughout history. While many famous artists are men, there are countless women who have made a significant impact on the art world, often overcoming societal barriers and personal struggles to achieve success in their craft. This month, we’d like to spotlight some of these inspiring women artists, especially those who gained recognition later in life, like Grandma Moses.

Grandma Moses, c. 1950

Grandma Moses (1860-1961) was a self-taught artist who began creating paintings in her 70s after giving up embroidery due to arthritis. Her work depicted rural scenes and daily life in a naïve, folk-art style that resonated with audiences. She gained widespread popularity after an exhibition in New York City in 1940 and went on to become one of America’s most beloved artists. Her optimistic and nostalgic paintings continue to inspire people today.

Another fascinating woman artist is Mary Cassatt (1844-1926), an American painter who spent most of her career in France. Cassatt was a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement and specialized in portraits of women and children, often depicting intimate moments between them.

Tea by Mary Cassatt, 1880, oil on canvas, 25½ × 36¼ in., 
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

She became friends with Edgar Degas and exhibited her work at the Salon in Paris. Despite facing sexism and criticism from male critics, Cassatt persisted in pursuing her art and carving out a place for herself in the male-dominated art world.

Frida Kahlo’s (1907- 1954) powerful self-portraits and depictions of Mexican culture have made her one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. She was known for incorporating personal elements into her works, drawing from her experiences with chronic pain and disability as well as her political activism. In addition to her artistic contributions, Kahlo also broke gender stereotypes by openly expressing her sexuality and rejecting societal norms for women’s behavior. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and feminists alike.

Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird (1940), Harry Ransom Center

Another notable female artist is Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986), an American painter known for her large-scale flower paintings and desert landscapes. O’Keeffe’s bold, abstract style and use of vibrant colors made her one of the most important artists of the 20th century. She continued to create art well into her nineties and remained a feminist icon until her death.

Georgia O'Keeffe, Ram's Head White Hollyhock and Little Hills, 1935, The Brooklyn Museum

So what can we learn from these inspiring women artists? First and foremost, we can learn that it’s never too late to pursue our creative passions. Many of these women didn’t begin their art careers until later in life, and they still managed to achieve great success. We can also learn the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. These women faced numerous obstacles, including gender discrimination and health issues, but they didn’t let that stop them from pursuing their art.

If you’re feeling inspired by these amazing women artists, why not try your hand at creating your own artwork? At Accidental ArtMaker, we offer a variety of products created by women owned businesses that can help you get started with creating art, including DIY paints, IOD moulds, and stamps. You could use our DIY paints to create a bright, colorful flower painting like O’Keeffe, or try your hand at a landscape painting inspired by Grandma Moses on a sideboard. Our watercolor sets are perfect for creating delicate, ethereal pieces like Cassatt’s portraits. Create a gallery wall with our Iron Orchid Designs products.

In conclusion, let’s take this Women’s History Month as an opportunity to celebrate the amazing achievements of women artists throughout history. By learning from their experiences and using their work as inspiration, we can all be empowered to pursue our own artistic dreams.