Artists to Know: 10 Modern Women Artists to Explore

March 8, 2024 Laura Hayes 0

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 on International Women’s Day. 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 strong activists to nature lovers, these 10 female artists hope to give off feelings of connectedness, diversity, empowerment, and more through their work. With subjects ranging from captivating views to confident ladies to wild animals, these creators bring in a vast array of styles.

Whether you’re into minimalist portraits, surreal paintings, expressive abstracts, or touches of imaginative energy, the work from these 10 women artists is a mix of magically alluring and playfully positive. Keep scrolling to meet just a few of the many female artists we’re proud to partner with.

Kamo Frank

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

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.

Elli Milan

A leading voice of the current Art Renaissance, Georgia-based artist Elli Milan is a founder of Milan Art Institute where she fulfills her passion for empowering artists. Wanting people to look at her art and feel motivated to “step into your destiny and be inspired to live with passion and purpose”, her paintings are filled with imaginative nature scenes.

This power of destiny can be seen throughout her work with striking starry details, captivating skies, and magnificent creatures. From mystic leaps to realms of light to transitional breakthroughs, we think her artwork can be a stunning way to create a magical or alluring atmosphere.

Ta Byrne

Leaving school at 12 to work in the rice fields of Thailand, Ta Byrne worked hard to overcome challenges and make her lifelong art dreams come true – and they did come true after a “small sketch she drew in 2010 changed her life forever”. Influenced by Picaso, Vincent Van Gogh, Monet, and Lowey, she adds eye-catching details to each of her surreal paintings.

Her personal touches can be seen in each creation with distorted faces, musical instruments, and elements of humor. From pizza girls to pineapple wars to opera singers, we think her artwork can be an interesting way to create a lively and eccentric atmosphere.

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

Karin Dawn Kelshall-Best

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

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

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

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.

Sheila Gotti

Alexandria, Virginia-based artist Sheila Gotti explores the female form and powerful messages in her digital creations. Aiming to celebrate “bodies of all sizes and raise awareness of social justice issues”, her female subjects range in diversity and showcase a mix of confidence and authenticity.

This infusion of positive and empowering themes can be seen throughout her portraits of tattooed babes, bold fashionistas, and strong activists. From the importance of boundaries to self care mantras to hot girl summers, we think her artwork can be a great way to add some lighthearted energy or advocacy to your space.

While no longer an iCanvas partner, this artist might have more work you can see online.

Kim Tateo

Born in Seoul, South Korea and now living in New York, Kim Tateo is not only an artist but also a musician, educator, and farm manager. Believing in a world of interconnectedness, she claims that “our hearts are tied to some incredibly beautiful thread that connects us all.” She brings these feelings into her abstract paintings and fills them with “reminders of beauty, love, and places where kindness doesn’t matter; it just is.”

Her collection of work incorporates bright colors and landscapes motifs while focusing on self-expression. From streams of consciousness to blessings of joy to lost horizons, we think her artwork can be a nice way to add some nature and expressive vibes to your space.