Unleashing Adventure: Outback Trail Rides in Belize and the Mesmerizing Horseback Bodypaint Project

Introduction:

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush jungles of Belize with Outback Trail Rides. In this blog, we delve into the exhilarating experience of horseback riding and bodypainting amidst the captivating wilderness. Join renowned artist Trina Merry and her friend Becca as they push the boundaries of art and nature, creating a mesmerizing blend of human form, horses, and the jungle river.

Unleashing the Adventure:

Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through the untamed wonders of Belize's lush jungle trails with the Outback Trail Rides team. Feel the surge of adrenaline as you saddle up and ride alongside experienced guides, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of nature. The rhythmic hoofbeats resonate through the air, harmonizing with the rustling leaves and the enchanting melodies of exotic birds, creating a multisensory experience that transports you to a world of pure adventure.

With their extensive knowledge and expertise, the Outback Trail Rides guides ensure your safety and lead you to hidden gems of natural splendor that lie off the beaten path. Discover secret waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and pristine landscapes that will leave you in awe at every turn. Traverse rugged terrains, ford sparkling rivers, and navigate dense foliage as you forge unforgettable memories in the heart of the jungle.

The Outback Trail Rides experience is more than just a horseback ride; it is a thrilling escapade that connects you with the spirit of the wild. Lose yourself in the serenity of the surroundings, let go of the stresses of everyday life, and embrace the freedom that comes with exploring the uncharted wilderness.

Whether you are an experienced rider or a novice seeking new adventures, the Outback Trail Rides team caters to all skill levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. So saddle up, breathe in the fresh jungle air, and let the untamed beauty of Belize's trails ignite your spirit of adventure. Get ready to create lifelong memories in a land where nature reigns supreme.

The Artistry Unveiled:

Immerse yourself in the captivating collaboration between art, nature, and the spirit of adventure as renowned bodypainter Trina Merry ventures into the breathtaking jungles of Belize. Accompanied by the adventurous model Becca, who traveled all the way from Chattanooga, Tennessee, this dynamic duo embarks on an exhilarating horseback bodypainting project unlike any other. In this unique endeavor, Becca's body becomes a living canvas as Trina expertly blends her into the lush jungle river, perfectly mirroring the hues and textures of the surrounding rocks.

The addition of horses adds an enchanting dimension to the photoshoot, as these majestic creatures become integral participants in the artwork. The graceful interaction between Becca, the horses, and the natural environment creates a harmonious visual narrative that captures the essence of the jungle's beauty and the profound connection between humans and animals.

Through their collaboration, Trina and Becca push the boundaries of artistic expression, merging the realms of bodypainting, equestrianism, and natural exploration. The resulting photographs are a testament to their exceptional creativity, technical skill, and ability to seamlessly blend the human form with the wonders of nature.

Prepare to be captivated by the stunning imagery that emerges from this extraordinary adventure, as Trina Merry and Becca redefine the possibilities of bodypainting with horses. Witness the transformation, the artistry, and the sheer joy of immersing oneself in the vibrant tapestry of the Belizean jungle. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the beauty of the natural world while pushing artistic boundaries in an unforgettable way.

The Unforgettable Photoshoot:

Immerse yourself in the captivating visual narrative captured by a skilled photographer during the horseback bodypaint project in the jungles of Belize. These extraordinary images immortalize the enchanting fusion of art, nature, and the equestrian spirit. With every frame, the profound connection between Becca, the horses, and the surrounding environment comes to life.

The photographs depict a story of adventure and beauty, showcasing the seamless integration of body art and the untamed jungle backdrop. Each image encapsulates the essence of the experience, capturing the transformative power of blending human form and natural elements. Becca, expertly bodypainted to match the textures and colors of the jungle river rocks, becomes a living canvas that harmonizes with the environment.

The horses themselves play a vital role in the visual narrative, embodying grace, strength, and an innate connection with their surroundings. Their presence adds an element of majesty and awe to the photoshoot, further accentuating the bond between humans, animals, and nature.

These photographs invite viewers to embark on a journey of imagination, transporting them to the heart of the Belizean jungle. They evoke a sense of wonder, evoking emotions of awe, admiration, and appreciation for the beauty of nature and the artistic expression that emerges from it.

Through the lens of a skilled photographer, the horseback bodypaint project is immortalized, leaving a lasting impression on those who witness the captivating images. The harmonious blend of artistry, equestrian spirit, and the natural environment creates a visual tapestry that is both mesmerizing and inspiring.

Whether you were present during the project or are discovering it through these photographs, you are invited to experience the magic, adventure, and beauty that unfolds when creativity, nature, and the bond between humans and animals intertwine. Let the images transport you to a realm where imagination knows no bounds and where the power of art and nature combine to create extraordinary moments frozen in time.

Conclusion:

Outback Trail Rides in Belize offers a unique adventure that combines the thrill of horseback riding with the enchantment of bodypainting. Trina Merry's artistic vision, coupled with the natural splendor of the Belizean jungle, creates an experience that is truly unforgettable. Whether you seek adventure, artistic inspiration, or simply a chance to connect with nature, this horseback bodypaint project will leave you in awe. Embark on this extraordinary journey and discover the mesmerizing beauty that unfolds when art, horses, and the jungle converge.

Unveiling the Extraordinary: Camouflaging Body Art Amidst Majestic Glaciers

Introduction:

Step into the world of immersive body art as we embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the breathtaking landscapes of an Iceland glacier. Join renowned artist Trina Merry for an unforgettable private photo tour hike with Local Guides, where the human body becomes one with nature through the transformative art of camouflage.

Unveiling Nature's Masterpiece:

In this captivating blog, we invite you to embark on an immersive journey into the extraordinary world of bodypainting amidst the majestic glaciers. Prepare to be mesmerized as we delve deep into the artistry of Trina Merry, a master of her craft, as she skillfully merges the human form with the ethereal icy landscapes.

Witness the seamless fusion of the human canvas and the breathtaking surroundings, as Trina Merry's brushstrokes bring the icy hues, textures, and contours to life on the human body. Experience the awe-inspiring transformation as the model becomes one with the glacier, blurring the boundaries between art and nature.

But the journey doesn't end there. Explore the meticulous process behind this remarkable feat as we unveil the intricacies and challenges faced during the bodypainting session. Discover the deliberate color choices, precise brushwork, and the delicate balance between blending and contrasting elements, all aimed at creating a truly harmonious union between the human form and the icy landscape.

As we delve into the journey, you'll gain insights into the dedication, patience, and artistic vision required to push the boundaries of art. Trina Merry's relentless pursuit of perfection, combined with her deep connection to nature, results in a remarkable outcome that transcends traditional artistic norms. Prepare to be inspired as you witness the remarkable interplay between the human form and the awe-inspiring glacier environment.

Join us as we celebrate the fusion of art and nature, where the human body becomes a living canvas that tells a profound and captivating story. Through this exploration, we invite you to reimagine the possibilities of bodypainting and experience the transformative power of art in the most extraordinary settings.

So, get ready to be swept away by the breathtaking visuals, the artistic prowess, and the unyielding spirit of creativity. Immerse yourself in this unique journey that will leave you inspired, moved, and forever changed.

Local Guides: Your Gateway to Adventure:

Indulge in an unforgettable adventure as we explore the captivating beauty of the glacier with the expert guidance of Local Guides. With their unrivaled knowledge and deep connection to the region, they will lead us through hidden trails and reveal stunning viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the icy wonderland. Brace yourself for a journey that goes beyond the surface, as our expert guides share their insights into the geological wonders that make this location truly remarkable.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this glacier paradise, where every step unveils a new spectacle of nature's grandeur. Traverse the glacier's shimmering surface, witnessing its ever-changing landscapes, jagged ice formations, and translucent blue hues. Learn about the glacial forces that have shaped this pristine environment over centuries and gain a profound understanding of the delicate balance between its awe-inspiring beauty and the challenges it faces.

But this adventure is not only about nature's splendor. It is also a celebration of the seamless blend between nature, art, and exploration. As we journey through this magnificent landscape, Trina Merry, the renowned bodypainter, will harness her artistic prowess to harmonize the human form with the glacier's majestic presence. Witness the convergence of two art forms as Trina expertly camouflages a woman into the glacial surroundings, creating a living masterpiece that blurs the boundaries between human and nature.

Together, this collaboration between Local Guides and Trina Merry ensures a transformative experience that intertwines the wonders of nature with the boundless possibilities of art. It's an opportunity to connect deeply with the environment, to appreciate its splendor, and to recognize our role as both observers and participants in its preservation.

Throughout this remarkable journey, you will be captivated by the enchanting beauty of the glacier, enlightened by the expert knowledge of Local Guides, and inspired by the artistic vision of Trina Merry. It is a harmonious union of exploration, education, and artistic expression, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Prepare to be immersed in a world where nature's magnificence meets the creative brilliance of the human spirit. Join us on this extraordinary adventure, where the glacier becomes both a backdrop and a muse, and where the boundaries between art, nature, and exploration dissolve into a seamless tapestry of wonder and inspiration.

The Art of Camouflaging:

Explore the captivating world of camouflage bodypainting, a mesmerizing form of contemporary artwork that seamlessly blends the human form with the surrounding environment. Originating from the rich history of body art and inspired by nature's beauty, this technique pushes the boundaries of creativity and challenges traditional notions of art.

Camouflage bodypainting is an art form that aims to create optical illusions, using the human body as a canvas to mimic and blend with the textures, patterns, and colors of the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the military practice of camouflage, contemporary artists like Trina Merry have elevated this technique into a stunning form of artistic expression.

Rooted in the desire to merge art with the environment, camouflage bodypainting celebrates the inherent connection between humans and nature. By skillfully applying pigments, brushstrokes, and intricate detailing, artists transform the body into a living masterpiece that harmonizes with its surroundings.

This artistic style has its roots in various indigenous cultures and ancient civilizations, where body painting was used for ceremonial purposes, storytelling, and spiritual practices. From the indigenous tribes of Africa to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, body painting served as a means of expression, identity, and connection to the natural world.

In contemporary times, artists like Trina Merry have revitalized and expanded the possibilities of body painting, incorporating innovative techniques, modern materials, and conceptual elements. Through their artistry, they blur the lines between the human body and the environment, creating captivating visual illusions that challenge perceptions and invite viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Camouflage bodypainting not only showcases the skill and creativity of the artist but also invites viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level. By merging the human form with the landscape, it prompts us to question our relationship with nature, our role as stewards of the environment, and the delicate balance between human presence and the natural world.

Trina Merry, with her extensive experience and artistic vision, has become a leading figure in the realm of camouflage bodypainting. Through her expertise, she captures the essence of the environment and transforms the human body into a living canvas that becomes part of the natural landscape.

Join us on this extraordinary journey into the world of camouflage bodypainting, where art, nature, and the human form converge in breathtaking harmony. Discover the history, techniques, and inspirations behind this captivating art form and gain a deeper understanding of the profound connection between the human body and the natural world.

Capturing the Essence:

Uncover the enchanting allure of the photo tour hike, where every step unveils a new chapter in the captivating journey of camouflaged body art. As the skilled photographer expertly frames each shot, they masterfully preserve the transient beauty of the camouflaged artwork. Through their lens, they capture the ethereal moments that encapsulate the harmonious union of art, nature, and the human spirit.

The breathtaking images immortalize the intricate fusion of the human form and the natural landscape, freezing in time the enchantment and wonder of the camouflaged artwork. Each photograph becomes a testament to the artistic vision, technical precision, and emotional depth behind the body art.

In these captured moments, the storytelling capacity of body art shines through. Each photograph weaves a narrative, inviting viewers to delve into the profound connection between the human body, the surrounding environment, and the artist's creative expression. Through the interplay of light, shadow, and color, the photographs encapsulate the essence of the camouflaged artwork, evoking emotions, sparking imagination, and igniting a sense of wonder.

These images serve as visual records of a fleeting and ephemeral art form, allowing us to revisit and relish the spellbinding beauty that transcends time and space. They serve as a testament to the transformative power of body art, showcasing its ability to blur boundaries, challenge perceptions, and evoke a profound appreciation for the interplay between art and nature.

As you immerse yourself in the breathtaking photographs, you will be transported into a world where the boundaries between art and reality blur. Each image captures the essence of the camouflaged artwork, inviting you to embark on your own journey of interpretation, reflection, and discovery.

Join us as we celebrate the artistry, the storytelling, and the sheer magic captured through the lens. Experience the power of photography in preserving and immortalizing the fleeting beauty of camouflaged body art, and witness firsthand the profound connection between art, nature, and the human spirit.

A Transformational Experience:

Immerse yourself in the transformative power of becoming one with the surroundings and delve into the profound connection between art and the environment. As Trina Merry masterfully camouflages the human form into the awe-inspiring glaciers, a deeper narrative unfolds—one that prompts reflection on our relationship with nature and the pressing issue of global warming.

Glaciers, once mighty and expansive, have become a poignant symbol of the effects of climate change. Through the unique artistry of bodypainting, we are invited to explore the emotional and psychological impact of blending into these majestic landscapes. It serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature, and the urgent need to address the challenges of a changing world.

This extraordinary experience allows us to contemplate the consequences of human actions on the environment, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving our natural wonders. By visually merging with the glaciers, we confront the fragility and vulnerability of these icy giants, evoking a sense of responsibility and a call to action.

As we witness the seamless fusion of human form and icy landscapes, we are reminded of the intricate interconnectedness between ourselves and the natural world. The experience of blending into nature breaks down the barriers between human and environment, revealing our shared destiny and the need for collective efforts to protect and conserve our planet.

Beyond the visual spectacle, this transformative experience offers a sense of liberation, connection, and awe. It allows us to tap into the primal and innate connection humans have with the natural world, awakening a profound appreciation for the beauty, power, and resilience of our Earth.

Through the art of bodypainting amidst the glaciers, we are prompted to reflect on our place within the larger ecosystem and the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of climate change. It serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in preserving our planet for future generations.

Join us on this captivating journey of self-discovery, environmental consciousness, and artistic expression. Experience the emotional and psychological impact of blending into nature, breaking the barriers between human and environment. Allow yourself to be inspired, moved, and empowered by the transformative power of art and the urgent call to address the challenges of global warming.

Should you book with Local Guides?:

Local Guides offers an exceptional and immersive experience that showcases the beauty and wonders of the natural world. Their unrivaled knowledge of the region and deep passion for the environment make them the perfect companions for exploring breathtaking landscapes. From hidden trails to stunning viewpoints, they guide you on a journey of discovery, providing valuable insights into the geological marvels that surround you. With their expertise and dedication, Local Guides create a seamless blend of nature, art, and exploration, ensuring an unforgettable and enriching experience. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or someone seeking a unique adventure, Local Guides will take you on an extraordinary journey that leaves you inspired and connected to the world around you.

Conclusion:

Embark on a remarkable journey that transcends the conventional boundaries of art and nature. Trina Merry's bodypainting expertise, coupled with the expertise of Local Guides, ensures an unparalleled experience of merging body art and the stunning glacial landscape. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable fusion of art, nature, and the indomitable spirit of human creativity.

GoCampers Campervan Review: Unleashing Creativity and Freedom While Traveling Iceland's Ring Road

GoCampers Campervan Review: Unleashing Creativity and Freedom While Traveling Iceland's Ring Road

Embark on an unforgettable journey around Iceland's Ring Road with GoCampers Campervan and renowned bodypainter Trina Merry. Discover the freedom of campervan travel, an ideal 6-day itinerary, and breathtaking body paintings created amidst Iceland's natural wonders. Choose GoCampers for a seamless Ring Road experience filled with adventure, art, and the beauty of Iceland's landscapes.

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MERRY x LOVE

Projects between world champion bodypainter Trina Merry and contemporary pop artist Lana Love

Malinche

Merry and Love met 6 years ago developing an off-B’way musical workshop turned Netflix Documentary, called Making Malinche with Hans Zimmer and Nacho Cano.  This musical is based on the love story of Malinche and Hernán Cortés and the merging of their two worlds.

Bodies of Evidence: Living Art at the Getty Villa

Merry painted Love and 11 other models for her performance at the Getty Villa.

She connects the ancient fascination with the human figure to the art of optical illusion as she uses the human body as a canvas for exploring the intriguing forms, textures, and patterns of the Getty Villa. In this daylong demonstration, observe live models being painted from head to toe, then discover site-specific interventions that transform the site as bodies morph into artworks, disappear into the architecture, and emerge from the Villa's gardens.

Lost Boys Music Video

They recently collabed on Love’s music video “Lost Boy” - where Merry painted Love as a 24k gold goddess.

Lost Boy tells the story of a girl who turns pain into beauty and strength. The new single see’s the US hip-hop-infused pop artist open up on her previous experience of sexual assault and offer a voice for others who’ve been through a similar situation. “I wanted to create a world where the divine feminine is reclaimed.”

SXSW Performance with Dippie’s NFT Art

Merry painted Love for her topless performance with NFT art creator Dippies (Digital Hippie) at their picnic event outside SXSW NFT conference.  Love was compensated for her performance with a one-of-a-kind Dippies NFT “Funk Empathy”. Bridging the gap between digital tech and human experience, Merry body painted a t-shirt featuring Love’s NFT in about an hour. 

“We wanted to address the freedom NFTs are bringing to contemporary art culture. What a better way than to bring one to life,” says Trina Merry.

SXSW Cowgirl Prank

Merry spent 3 hours painting on a western vintage-inspired bubble gum pop pink fit with turquoise trim, bedazzled with rhinestones on Love. Wearing only a thong, nipple coverings, and bodypaint, Love walked around the streets of Austin during SXSW to see if anyone would notice. 

They created this optical illusion bodypaint prank to cheer people up during the pandemic at this legendary tech-meets-art festival. They turned heads as attendees did double takes, smiled, and even cheered. Love serenaded and danced with attendees.

“It was an all-eyes-on-me moment”, said Love, “It was so liberating”.

Merry and Love walked up south Congress finishing at the bridge with bats flying overhead at sunset, overlooking the Austin City Skyline and Texas capital building. 

What’s Next:

Merry & Love are collaborating on a top secret immersive human sculpture performance in San Francisco in May. 

15 Female Painters Every Art Lover Should Know 

15 Female Painters Every Art Lover Should Know 

History has forgotten and ignored some of the most brilliant artists in the world because of their gender. Women have been pushing boundaries within the industry for hundreds of years. Yet the most widely recognized painters – from Leonardo Da Vinci to Pablo Picasso to Van Gogh – tend to be men.  Even today, while female artists match and perhaps even outnumber working male artists, they are continually not given the recognition they deserve. 

Although we can’t go back to change history we owe it to them as art lovers to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to art. These women have worked hard to pave the way for future generations of women to be seen in the art community. Thanks to their efforts, the conservative boundaries have been pushed and there are plenty of well recognized female artists who paint bodies. 

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1653)

Art historian Ann Sutherland Harris argued that Gentileschi was the first western female artist to significantly impact the art of her time. She painted Biblical scenes in the Caravaggist style of Italian Baroque art with women as her primary subjects. She depicted dynamic, often violent images to highlight the strength and beauty of the female body. Some art scholars believe that her subject matter was inspired by trauma after she was raped by another artist, but no one knows if this is true. She was the first woman admitted to the Accademia de Arte del Disegno, which gave her some level of independence as it allowed her to purchase art supplies and sign contracts without her husband’s permission. She became one of the most popular portrait artists in Italy, with support from the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo II de Medici and King Charles I. After her death, she was excluded from historical art accounts due to her gender. Much of her art was misattributed to her father, Orazio Gentileschi, who was also a painter with a similar style. Her work was rediscovered in the 20th century by a Caravaggio scholar, and she is recognized today as a pioneer in women’s art. 

Adélaïde Labille-Guiard (1749-1803)

Labille-Guiard was a renowned portrait artist and miniaturist leading up to the French Revolution. She primarily worked with pastels and oils and her style was influenced by the Rococo and Neoclassical movements. Her stunning use of light and texture in her portraits, particularly in painting fabric, makes them life-like. She exhibited regularly at salons including the Salon de la Correspondance and was accepted into the Royal Academy in 1783 with support from Louis XVI’s aunts, Mesdames Adélaïde and Victoire. At the time, Louis XVI limited the number of female artists in the Royal Academy, and Labille-Guiard openly fought against this. She hoped to create more opportunities for women in art and mentored painters including Marie-Gabrielle Capet. Her 1785 work, Self-Portrait with Two Pupils, demonstrates her commitment to supporting younger women in art. 

Mary Cassatt (1844–1926)

Cassatt was the only American painter to exhibit her work with French impressionists, as well as being one of the very few prominent women in the movement. An early feminist, she pursued a successful art career and supported the women’s suffrage movement in America. Her paintings depict domestic scenes of women and children, with the primary focus on the mother. Through her subject matter, she quietly asserts the personhood of women and the dignity of domestic tasks. Cassatt was an outspoken supporter of the women’s suffrage movement in America. She pursued art as a career despite resistance from her father and male classmates and teachers at art school who discriminated against her for her gender. Born in Pennsylvania, she left home to study in Paris, where she received art lessons at the Louvre and joined the Paris Salon. She befriended Edgar Degas, who helped her join the French Impressionist group in 1877. Later in her career, she stopped identifying as an impressionist and developed a new style with influences from American and Japanese art. 

Hilma af Klint (1862–1944)

Klint was a groundbreaking Swedish abstract artist well ahead of her contemporaries. Her work was inspired by spiritualism with a colorful geometric style that is completely removed from visual reality. She believed that painting allowed her to connect with a higher power. Her work predates Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Kazimir Malevich, the male artists that are credited as pioneers of abstract art. But Klint believed that the world was not ready for her work, and it remained largely hidden. It was not exhibited in public until 1986 in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the exhibition The Spiritual in Art -- Abstract Paintings (1890-1985). In 2018 and 2019, Klint’s work broke records at the Guggenheim Museum when her show brought over 600,000 visitors. 

Suzanne Valadon (1865–1938)

Both an artist and a muse, Valadon is one of the most well-documented and visible female painters in art history. She appears in works including Renoir’s Dance at Bougival (1883) and Edgar Degas’ The Tub (1886). Valadon was passionate about art from a young age, but because she could not afford training, she worked as a model to reach famous artists. Although she had close relationships with many French impressionists, her art style was not labeled with any specific art movement. Her paintings consisted of nudes, portraits, still lifes, and landscapes, with bold, expressive colors and textured unblended brush strokes. She explored nudity and sexual pleasure in her paintings of women’s bodies, which was daring at the time for a female artist. She transformed the traditional nude by depicting womens’ bodies in a more realistic (rather than fetishistic) light, thereby challenging the voyeuristic male gaze. Her legacy influenced future female artists to reclaim the nude genre and create their own, more realistic interpretations. Valadon’s work was an early and integral step towards the acceptance of artists who paint bodies. 

Tarsila do Amaral (1886–1973)

Often credited with inventing Brazilian modern art, do Amaral is by far Brazil’s most famous 20th-century artist, although not internationally recognized until recently. She traveled to Paris in the 1920s to study art and learned techniques from Cubists such as Andre Lhote. When she returned to Brazil, she integrated the Cubist style with Brazilian subject matter including people, animals, tropical plants, cacti, and sunny Brazilian landscapes. Her signature style consists of exaggerated, geometric shapes and vibrant colors. She is also a master of making paintings of women’s bodies. In her nudes such as Anthropofagia (1929), she plays with shapes and scale to uniquely portray the human body. One of her most known paintings is titled “Abaporu,” which means cannibal, and represents one culture cannibalizing another culture. In this work, do Amaral called for Brazilians to digest European influences and techniques and transform them into a new, national style. 

Laura Wheeler Waring (1887–1948)

Waring was a prominent portrait artist during the Harlem Renaissance. Her portraits commemorate the achievements of black American historical figures. She studied art in  Philadelphia and throughout Europe. Her style is influenced by the French painters Monet, Manet, and Cézanne in her use of light, color, and brush strokes. She founded the art and music departments at the State Normal School at Cheyney, which was later called Cheyney University, and taught there for over 30 years. Her work was featured in the US’ first exhibition of African American art in 1927. In 1943 the Harmon Foundation in New York City commissioned Waring for the series Portraits of Outstanding American Citizens of Negro Origin. Among her well-known portrait subjects for this project were W.E.B. DuBois, George Washington Carver, Marian Anderson, and James Weldon Johnson. Today, her works reside in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Archives

Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986)

One of the most influential women of the modern art movement, O’Keefe is often regarded as “the mother of American modernism.” She is most famous for her enlarged close-ups of flowers, which resemble female genitalia. According to O’Keefe, this resemblance was unintentional, but regardless, her works are distinctly feminine and sensual with bright colors, rounded shapes, and smooth lines. She also depicted desert landscapes and animal skulls, which were inspired by the natural beauty of New Mexico and Navajo culture. O’Keefe resisted identifying as a feminist artist because she did not want her gender to be a focal point of her art. She hoped that people would just view her as an “artist” rather than a “woman artist.” She eventually went blind from macular degeneration and painted her last unassisted painting in 1972. While blind, she relied on her imagination to decide what to paint. She continued to produce art for the rest of her life with the help of assistants. Much of her work is preserved today at the Georgia O’Keefe Museum in Santa Fe.

Tamara de Lempicka (1898–1980)

Lempicka was a famous Art Deco portrait artist and queer woman. She was born in Poland, then went on to travel throughout Europe and live in St. Petersburg, Paris, the US, and Mexico. Her art flourished in the 1920s and she was commissioned to create portraits of wealthy and influential socialites. Her portraits feature modern, liberated women and much of her work is strikingly sensual and homoerotic. Her paintings are highly stylized and utilize geometric patterns, bright colors, and high gloss. Much of her work is strikingly sexual, homoerotic and often included paintings of women’s bodies. In La Bella Rafaela (1927), Lempicka depicts Rafaela, a sex worker who was one of her lovers. She is one of the earliest and most well-known female artists to portray lesbian relationships in her work. 

Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)

Frida Kahlo is one of the most widely recognized female artists in the world today. Many historians view her as a forerunner of feminist art. She was strongly influenced by her Mexican heritage and took inspiration from Mexican folklore. Kahlo experienced many tragedies throughout her life, including polio, a miscarriage, and a life-altering trolley accident, and used her art as an outlet to express her pain. Her signature style includes surrealist imagery, bright colors, and florals. She often depicted herself wounded with exposed internal organs as a metaphor for her suffering and selfhood. During her lifetime, women who expressed intense emotions were usually demonized or dismissed as insane. But Kahlo’s work was highly respected and thus allowed more women to show their pain and suffering while still being taken seriously. Today, she is a role model for female artists everywhere and an important figure in Mexican history. Much of her work is displayed at the Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico City. 

Louis Bourgeois (1911–2010)

Although most famous for her sculptures, Bourgeois was also an influential painter. She was born and educated in Paris and spent most of her working life in New York City. She was fascinated with psychology and explored existentialism and the subconscious in her works. While her art contains elements of surrealism, Bourgeois argued that she was not a surrealist, but rather an existentialist. Recurring themes in her paintings include gender, sexuality, pregnancy, childbirth, naked bodies, and male and female genitalia. She used mostly reds and pinks and painted with Gouache on paper. This method allowed the ink to bleed on the paper, giving her works a fluid style with similarities to abstraction. Bourgeois was active in politics as a feminist, socialist, and LGBT+ ally. She consistently challenged gender norms, particularly in her 2008 painting, The Maternal Man, which shows a pregnant male body. She used her art to fight for equality up until 2010 (the year of her death) when she partnered with a gay activist group, Freedom to Marry. 

Leonora Carrington (1917–2011)

The British-Mexican artist was one of the most prominent women in the surrealist movement. Carrington lived in England, France, Spain, and the US, but eventually settled in Mexico City. She took inspiration from Celtic and Central American mythology and is known for her use of anthropomorphism, metamorphosis, the occult, and the macabre. She was also a writer, and these themes appeared in her stories, which were mostly dark comedies. During her time in France, she socialized with Parisian surrealists including Andre Breton, Salvadore Dali, and Pablo Picasso. The movement was heavily male-dominated, and some art historians view its portrayal of women as objectifying, especially when their bodies are fragmented to draw attention to specific parts. Carrington presented a more feminized view of surrealism by depicting powerful, individualistic women and goddesses in her works. She was one of the last surviving surrealists when she died in 2011.

Joan Mitchell (1925–1992)

Mitchell was an abstract expressionist most known for her oils on canvas. She painted landscapes from memory, but rather than the actual image, she visualized her feelings associated with it. She used powerful, textured brushstrokes and layered vibrant colors. She studied painting in Chicago and Paris, then moved to New York and became an integral figure in the New York avante-garde art scene. In 1929, she relocated to Paris and spent the rest of her life in France. In 1982, she was the first American woman artist to have a solo exhibition at the Musee d'art moderne de la Ville de Paris. Mitchell mentored young artists later in life and established the Joan Mitchell Foundation in her will to support growing artists. 

Yayoi Kusama (1929–Current)

Best-known for her use of polka dots and vibrant colors, Yayoi Kusama’s work does not fit into any established art category. Her unique style has far-reaching influence that inspired pop artists like Andy Warhol and other contemporary, feminist, and performance artists even today. Kusama uses multiple mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture, performance, fashion, writing, and installation. She has even used body paint in the past, painting her signature polka dots on models. She was born in Matsumoto, Japan and had a difficult childhood with an abusive mother and an absent father. By age ten, she started having vivid hallucinations. She coped by drawing them, using art to work through her trauma and mental illness. She studied art in Matsumoto and Kyoto in the “Nihonga” style and learned ancient Japanese painting techniques. Kusama moved to the US in 1957 and settled in New York City to pursue art. Georgia O'Keeffe, who was her friend, helped start her career by generating interest in her work. She embraced the hippie culture of the 60s for its emphasis on creative freedom, hedonism, and anti-war sentiments. In the early 1970s, she moved back to Japan to focus on her health and continues to work from there today. Her work is still just as influential in the twenty-first century and her artwork sells for record-breaking prices. She has even led to her partnerships with mainstream fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. 

Mickalene Thomas (1971–Current)

Thomas is a New York-based mixed-media artist who explores the relationship between gender, race, art history, and contemporary popular culture. Her style utilizes bold colors, patterns, and textures with unique materials including rhinestones. The rhinestones in particular symbolize femininity and artifice. Her paintings and photographs are primarily portraits and full-body paintings of black women. She subverts the classical female nude in her style to reclaim agency in its depiction of femininity and sexuality. Her work celebrates black beauty and culture, which has been historically overlooked in western art. She is featured in contemporary and modern art museums including The Museum of Modern Art in New York and San Francisco, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo. For more information about Thomas and her work, visit her website.

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