Artists to Know: 10 Contemporary Women Artists to Explore
Since 2018, we’ve been proudly supporting the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ initiative to increase representation and awareness of female artists. Inspired by their yearly campaign that sheds a light on the creative work of women, we wanted to spotlight 10 women artists. We hope you’ll discover a new favorite female creator and feel inspired to support women artists during Women’s History Month and beyond.
From textured landscapes to nostalgic still-life scenes, these 10 contemporary women artists bring their unique perspectives to the canvas, creating works that evoke emotion, energy, and inspiration. With styles ranging from bold impressionism to intricate realism, their art reflects personal journeys, cultural heritage, and a passion for capturing the beauty in everyday moments.
Whether you’re drawn to dreamy color palettes, striking portraits, or dynamic nature scenes, these women artists offer a diverse mix of creativity and storytelling. Keep scrolling to discover a selection of incredible talents whose work can add depth, joy, and personality to your space.
Alisa Lariushkina | Textured Clay Impressionism
Alisa Lariushkina transforms landscapes into sculptural masterpieces using air-dry clay. Inspired by Impressionism, Japanese art, and Van Gogh, she hand-shapes and layers each piece, creating depth and movement that make her scenes feel alive. Her unique technique, which she calls polymer quilling or three-dimensional fine art, turns traditional painting into a textured experience.
From rolling hills to swirling skies, Lariushkina’s work blends rich color and intricate detail for a vibrant, dynamic effect. Carefully mixing shades and adding acrylic accents, she brings a fresh, modern twist to nature-inspired art – perfect for adding energy and dimension to any space.
Click here to see more of Alisa Lariushkina’s art on iCanvas.
Heather Nagy | Vibrant Everyday Scenes
Bright colors and impressionistic brushstrokes define Heather Nagy’s art, transforming everyday scenes into vivid, dreamlike escapes. She finds inspiration in the beauty of small moments, reimagining cityscapes, landscapes, and botanicals with a rich, uplifting energy. Her work reflects an idealized world – one where light is softer, colors are more vibrant, and every scene feels full of possibility.
After years as a graphic designer, Nagy made the leap to full-time painting in 2018, embracing her passion for expressive brushwork and striking color palettes. Whether it’s a glowing skyline or a sun-drenched flower field, her art brings warmth and optimism to any space, making it easy to get lost in a world of color and movement.
Click here to see more of Heather Nagy’s art on iCanvas.
Pattie Horwitz | Dynamic Still Lifes
Dynamic textures bring Pattie Horwitz’s artwork to life, turning everyday scenes into celebrations of joy and resilience. Whether painting playful animals, food still-lifes, or serene landscapes, she fills each piece with energy and warmth. Her art is deeply personal, shaped by her journey of overcoming rheumatoid arthritis and her passion for finding beauty in life’s simplest moments.
With expressive brushstrokes and bold compositions, Horwitz transforms ordinary subjects into uplifting works of art. She embraces color and movement to create pieces that radiate positivity, making them perfect for anyone looking to add a sense of happiness and vitality to their space.
Click here to see more of Pattie Horwitz’s art on iCanvas.
Pretty Painter | Retro Creations
A love for nostalgia and bold design fuels Pretty Painter’s work, where retro charm meets modern aesthetics. Her still-life scenes of food, fashion accessories, and everyday objects feel both timeless and trendy, blending vintage-inspired hues with carefully composed arrangements. She draws inspiration from 1970s photography, the interplay of sunlight and shadows, and the quiet beauty of stillness.
Infused with the rich color palettes and clean design of the ‘60s and ‘70s, her paintings create an effortlessly stylish atmosphere. Whether capturing a perfectly placed accessory or a sunlit snack, Pretty Painter’s art invites viewers to appreciate simplicity while adding a distinct, nostalgic flair to their space.
Click here to see more of Pretty Painter’s art on iCanvas.
Kamo Frank | Black Empowerment
South African artist Kamo Frank is motivated by the need to “emphasize the representation of WOC (women of colour) in art”. Believing that these women’s stories are worth sharing and worth celebrating, her digital illustrations highlight a mix of confident females with inspiring themes.
This representation and worthiness can be seen across her collection of art, revealing sisterhood scenes, individuality, and motivational messages. From afro babes to cups of self care to early morning stretches, we think her minimalist artwork evokes positive and playful energy.
Click here to see more of Kamo Frank’s art on iCanvas.
Olena Hontar | Vibrant Impressionism
Based in Ukraine, Olena Hontar dived into the art world after the birth of her second child, quitting her corporate job to pursue her childhood passion. Creating her paintings in the style of Impressionism, she uses light and warmth to convey her emotions and part of her soul.
Each of her landscape and city creations reveal the beautiful play of sunlight, shadows, and vibrant hues that reflect Hontar’s feelings of “joy…flight and inspiration”. From the bright colors of Greece to mornings at sea to bouquets of happiness, her prints provide captivating views and the delicacy of nature. Making her artwork a wonderful way to bring sophisticated yet invigorating vibes to your space.
Click here to see more of Olena Hontar’s art on iCanvas.
Karin Dawn Kelshall-Best | Caribbean Scenes
A self-taught artist based in Florida, Karin Dawn Kelshall-Best decided to start painting again at 50 years old after never following through with art in school when she was younger. Proving that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams, her vibrant, Trinidad-inspired creations have won many awards, including a plaque awarded by the New York Times in Tampa for ‘Excellence in Art for Women.
With the islands in her blood, she paints a mix of beaches, island homes, flowers, and sea creatures based on her surroundings growing up in the Caribbean. From fishing villages to blue hydrangeas to Caribbean dancers, we think her artwork can be a lovely way to create a tropical and cheerful atmosphere.
Click here to see more of Karin Dawn Kelshall-Best’s art on iCanvas.
Zsudayka Nzinga | Patterned Portraiture
Washington, DC artist Zsudayka Nzinga considers her work to be “social-cultural anthropology as it seeks to define aspects of what is Black culture-specifically the culture born and grown in America.” Using portraiture to capture everyday moments and Black identity, she hopes viewers can find similarities between us while also celebrating our differences.
Her patterned creations highlight motherhood, love, and more while mimicking the history and style of African Ankara fabric. From date nights to eclectic patios to emerging with strength, we think her artwork can be a captivating way to add some vibrancy and maximalist energy to your space.
Click here to see more of Zsudayka Nzinga’s art on iCanvas.
KAK Art & Designs | Delightful Animals
KAK Art & Designs, an artist based in New Orleans, doesn’t let her Brittle Bone Disease dictate her happiness or her artistic abilities. Influenced by her parents who encouraged her to make something of herself, she expresses her family’s life-long love of animals through her realistic watercolors and gouache paintings.
This adoration of creations can be seen across her collection of dogs, butterflies, and fascinating wildlife. From baby orangutans to crested cranes to tree frogs, we think her artwork can be a delightful way to create a sweet and joyful atmosphere.
Click here to see more of KAK Art & Designs’ art on iCanvas.
Amanda Zirzow | Wildlife & Underwater Creatures
Based in Fort Myers, Amanda Zirzow’s background as a biologist and certified scuba diver influences her bold creations. Highlighting the preservation of marine wildlife, she loves to give back with artwork donations towards non-profits.
Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, Sir Peter Paul Rubens, and Salvador Dalí, we can see her personal passions in her wildlife and underwater creature paintings. From rainbow bobcats to hermit crabs to octopus kisses, we think her artwork can be a wonderful way to bring expressive or wild vibes to your space.
Click here to see more of Amanda Zirzow’s art on iCanvas.
For years, the foundation of iCanvas has been rooted in making art accessible to 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 shop more art by women artists.