Artists to Know: 10 Female Artists to Discover

March 9, 2021 Jessica Johnson 0

We’re honored to partner again with the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in their Women’s History Month initiative to help you name #5WomenArtists. Join us each week of March to get to know more female creators and add new names to your list.

The 10 creators highlighted below offer imaginative escapes alongside refreshing perspectives on the many facets of femininity — from storybook scenes that unleash a childlike sense of wonder to armored goddesses from otherworldly realms reminding you of your inner strength.

While 46% of visual artists in the U.S. are women, they earn 74 cents for every dollar earned by male artists. This is just one of many staggering statistics demonstrating an ongoing lack of representation of women in the arts. Joining forces with NMWA, we’re sharing the names and works of the many female artists like these that we’re proud to partner with.

Whether you’re looking to add minimalistic charm or empowering typography to your space, keep scrolling to discover a wide range of styles and subjects.

1. Iris Scott

During a trip to Taiwan, Iris Scott ran out of clean brushes and inadvertently discovered her passion for finger painting. “A few swipes of oil paint at the tips of my fingers and I was hooked.” Using only her hands, she creates impressionistic oil paintings of lifelike landscapes, sweet pets and mysterious wildlife that exude a sense of natural wonder through their vivid colors and organic texture.

Oil painting of a brown shaggy dog shaking water off itself by iCanvas artist Iris Scott — *“Beaded Threads”*

Oil painting of two peacocks by iCanvas artist Iris Scott — *“Beaded Threads”*

Click here to see more of Iris Scott’s art on iCanvas.

2. Catrin Welz-Stein

Catrin Welz-Stein’s love for folklore, surrealism and children’s books shines through in her whimsical work often featuring celestial symbols and fantastical elements. From woodland fairies to otherworldly beings, she brings storybook scenes to life, creating art that’s perfect for daydreamers of all ages.

Wall art of an elephant with two white owls on its back with twinkling lights around them by iCanvas artist Catrin Welz-Stein — *“Riding Through The Night”*

Wall art of a girl's silhouette lassoing a crescent moon by iCanvas artist Catrin Welz-Stein — *“Riding Through The Night”*

Click here to see more of Catrin Welz-Stein’s art on iCanvas.

3. Lillian Liu

“[Photography] was a taste of freedom for the first time, in a way that let me experience all of my feelings through visual arts.” No stranger to creativity and the arts, pianist and photographer Lillian Liu takes beautiful portraits to another level with ornate, otherworldly touches that cross over into the realm of fantasy. From armored warrior princesses to saint-like empresses, her portraits have the power to take you on an epic adventure.

Photography of an Asian woman in blue with a blue parasol by iCanvas artist Lillian Liu — *“Blue Dragon”*

Photography of an Asian woman with orange flowers and butterflies surrounding her by iCanvas artist Lillian Liu — *“Blue Dragon”*

Click here to see more of Lillian Liu’s art on iCanvas.

4. Burcu Korkmazyurek

Contrasting edgy elements like human skulls and jewel shades with bright botanicals and tropical tones, Burcu Kokmazyurek’s earthy collages are a thing of dreams. Based in Istanbul, Turkey, she creates digital patterns and designs for everything from art canvases to charcuterie boards. Whether your style is more rock ‘n’ roll or classic chic, her versatile collection has something for everyone.

Wall art of black and gold pattern behind red and white flowers and green leaves by iCanvas artist Burcu Korkmazyurek — *“Gatsby And Floral Pattern”*

Wall art of green leaves, red flowers and a snake against a pink background by iCanvas artist Burcu Korkmazyurek — *“Gatsby And Floral Pattern”*

Click here to see more of Burcu Korkmazyurek’s art on iCanvas.

5. Heather Renaux

Heather Renaux describes her creative process as a disappearance into circus tents, turbulent sea waters and story nests inhabited by magical fauna. Diving into the depths of her imagination, she paints folksy surrealist scenes with a bit of lighthearted whimsy. From woodland fairies to underwater sea creatures, the worlds she creates remind us of childhood tales and mystical possibilities

wall art of a little girl with tall blonde hair floating away holding onto balloons by iCanvas artist Heather Renaux — *“The Journey”*

Wall art of a guitar with the word dream on it sprouting wildflowers by iCanvas artist Heather Renaux — *“The Journey”*

Click here to see more of Heather Renaux’s art on iCanvas.

6. Rongrong DeVoe

“There is nothing like creating something new in my mind and seeing it come alive on my sketchbook, on a pillow, or even a mural.” Driven by her love for fashion, Rongrong Devoe left Shanghai for New York City with hopes of fulfilling her dreams. Now internationally known, Rongrong creates stylish sketches illuminated by flecks of watercolor perfect for every fashionista, makeup guru and beauty buff. You may have seen her work in Chanel, Dior, Maybelline and Target campaigns.

fashion illustration of a mom and daughter in robes reading books together by Rongrong Devoe — *“Fashion Mom And Daughter*“

Fashion illustration of cheetah print Louboutins against a black and white striped background by iCanvas artist Rongrong Devoe — *“Fashion Mom And Daughter*“

Click here to see more of Rongrong DeVoe’s art on iCanvas.

7. Emanuela Carratoni

A former architect based in Rome, Emanuela has always been attracted to organic shapes and stones found in nature. Blending both photography and digital art, her versatile works include everything from shimmering agates and moon phases to fierce feminine typography at the forefront of botanical patterns. Whether you want art that makes you reflect or art that boosts your confidence, Emanuela likely has created a print for your vibe.

Wall art of a pink sky with a vertical moon cycle dripping down it by iCanvas artist Emanuela Carratoni — *“Moontime Glitches”*

wall art of a minimalist plant and three hexagons by iCanvas artist Emanuela Carratoni — *“Moontime Glitches”*

Click here to see more of Emanuela Carratoni’s art on iCanvas.

8. Caia Koopman

A skateboard and 80s punk rock enthusiast, Caia Koopman combines edge with enchantment to create pop surrealist paintings of tattooed, nature-loving women. She credits her upbringing as a second generation conservationist for her incorporation of earthy elements, from birds and botanicals to plants and mythical creatures. You may recognize her work from her limited edition Oakley sunglasses line or a bottle of Trust Me Vodka.

Wall art of a white kitten with gray stripes and angel wings holding a skull yoyo against yellow background by iCanvas artist Caia Koopman — *“Sheila Kitty”*

wall art of a blue dragon fighting a white pony by iCanvas artists Caia Koopman — *“Sheila Kitty”*

Click here to see more of Caia Koopman’s art on iCanvas.

9. Laura O’Connor

Drawing (literally) on her experiences exploring New Zealand and South Korea, Laura O’Connor draws and paints minimalist illustrations of everything from pastel abstracts to quirky takes on everyday objects. Each of her pieces demonstrates her versatility in artistic range while keeping a delicate sense of charm that sets her style apart while making it applicable to decor of all kinds.

Minimalist wall art of a hot sauce bottle with a straw and a label saying have a good cry by Laura O'Connor — *“Hot Sauce Therapy”*

wall art of a blonde man being held by a shadowy man against a pink and green background by Laura O'Connor — *“Hot Sauce Therapy”*

While no longer an iCanvas partner, you can check out more of this artist’s work here.

10. Julie Filipenko

Inspired by the contrast between innocence and the worldly experiences that shape us, Julie Filipenko creates oil paintings and drawings that capture the many facets of femininity. Crediting her well-traveled childhood for her constant consumption of classic literature of all nationalities, she feels connected to many cultures. Her stylized yet lifelike portraits of women and girls against ornate backgrounds often feature ethereal animals and plants, demonstrating a compelling crossover between dreams and reality.

Wall art of a tattooed blonde woman holding a three eyed lion against a pink floral background by Julie Filipenko — *“Tribal Heart”*

Wall art of a blonde girl in the night wearing black and bat wings looking at the moon surrounded by woodland creatures by Julie Filipenko — *“Tribal Heart”*

While no longer an iCanvas partner, you can check out more of this artist’s work here.

For years, the foundation of iCanvas has been rooted in making art by all accessible by all. While gender inequity continues to create barriers in the arts, we are proud to do our part to represent a multitude of female artists creating incredible work. Support women creatives this month and beyond by learning more about our artists and browsing art by all 50 featured women.