Georgia O'keeffe - Artist Biography

Georgia O'Keeffe is one of the most celebrated and beloved figures in the history of American art. Born in 1887 on a farm in Wisconsin, O'Keeffe was the second of seven children. She was given art lessons from an early age, and her talent was apparent to all who knew her. O'Keeffe decided by the time she graduated from high school that she wanted to become an artist.

The Life of O'Keeffe
O'Keeffe trained as an artist both at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League in New York. During her studies, she focused on imitative realism, which would shape her style as a painter. In 1908, shortly after she finished her studies, she was awarded the William Merritt Chase prize for an untitled still-life depicting a dead rabbit with a copper pot. Oddly enough, after winning this award, she decided to stop painting entirely, believing that the imitative realist tradition of the day was too restrictive.

O'Keeffe eventually began painting again when she was exposed to new ideas and theories about how she could pursue her art more freely. After producing some revolutionary charcoal drawings, she was introduced to the photographer and art maven Alfred Stieglitz. This would prove to be a turning point in her career, as Stieglitz became O'Keeffe's mentor and gave her the support she needed to grow as an artist.

For over twenty years, Stieglitz helped O'Keeffe to promote and exhibit her art, putting on shows at important galleries across the country. His support helped O'Keeffe take her place in the pantheon of important 20th century artists. O'Keeffe continued to grow artistically over several decades, producing some beautiful and unique paintings that are now available in poster prints on PosterCheckOut.com.