American artist, Georgia O'Keefe, born in November of 1887, became renowned for her paintings of enlarged flowers, abstractions, and New Mexico landscapes. During her career, O'Keefe earned the title of "Mother of American Modernism." At the age of 18, she began studying art at the school of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Art Student League of New York. Her first job was as a commercial illustrator for two years, followed by seven years teaching art in Virginia, Texas, and South Carolina. In 1918, she met art dealer and photographer Alfred Stieglitz, who began to promote her work. Six years later, their professional relationship turned more permanent when they married. By 1929, O'Keefe became enthralled with the landscapes of New Mexico, spending extended periods of time here. Following Stieglitz's death in 1946, O'Keefe moved permanently to New Mexico. At the age of 47, having already established herself within the art world, she sold her painting "Jimson Weed" (which had been commissioned by cosmetics magnate Elizabeth Arden) for the large sum (at that time) of $10,000. In 2014, this painting sold at auction for over $44 million, the largest price ever paid for artwork created by a woman. Georgia O'Keefe died in Santa Fe in March of 1986. Eleven years after her death, the Georgia O'Keefe Museum opened in Santa Fe, dedicated to her life and her art. It contains the largest permanent collection of her works in the world (growing from its original 140 pieces to, now, more than 1200). We like art and have visited some of the great art museums in the world (e.g. The Prado, the Louvre, etc). With that being said, we must admit that O'Keefe's style is not one that we've fully appreciated. Still, visiting this museum was impressive.
Georgia O'Keefe later in life.
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