Who Was Georgia O'Keeffe by Sarah Fabiny

 Who Was...? biography series for middle grade brings an American artist – Georgia O’Keeffe - who was known for her stunning paintings of flowers and landscapes.

Georgia O’Keefe (1887-1986) was raised on a farm in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, where she fell in love with her art classes. The nature she observed and drew became her best companion. 

In Catholic school, she didn’t like the strict rules, and rebelled, which often got her into trouble. When her schoolmates talked about finding husbands, Georgia thought of becoming an artist. 

At seventeen, she enrolled at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. Due to illness, she had to take a break and later continued her studies in NYC.

At twenty-five, she obtained a position in Texas where she taught art classes, but authorities wanted the teachings to be the old way. And there was a new movement in art. Again, this wasn’t the right place for her. 

Georgia continued to take classes to improve her drawings, visiting galleries where she saw a new way of painting, not traditional one. Her ideas continued to shape in her head. 

Her life continued to be a progress in developing her own style. She continued to teach art classes at different schools and taking classes from those who would benefit her progress. 

When Alfred Stieglitz displayed her art in his gallery in NYC, it became a turning point in her life.

It started with art between them, but later developed into a relationship and marriage.

At fifty-eight, she became the first woman artist to have a major show at MOMA in NYC. 

This biography illustrates a strong woman who became a pioneer by breaking rules throughout her life. In the process, finding her iconic style of objects very close-up. 

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts. 

Source: Penguin Workshop, 2022

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: She Stayed True to Who She Was. She Wasn’t Afraid to Go Against Convention.

 

 

Traits:

·         She grew up on a farm which gave her inspiration for her iconic style.

·         She didn’t like strict rules, and limitations it created.

·         When her schoolmates talked about finding husbands, Georgia thought of becoming an artist.

·         She observed a new movement in art and continued to observe what was on display in museums and galleries. She never stopped observing.

·         She took classes to improve her drawings. Her learning progress never stopped.

·         Her life continued to be a progress in developing her own style.

 

“My painting is what I have to give back to the world for what the world gives to me.” – Georgia O’Keeffe 

“I know now that most people are so closely concerned with themselves that they are not aware of their own individuality. I can see myself, and it has helped me to say what I want to say - in paint.” – Georgia O’Keeffe 

“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from a single thing that I wanted to do.” – Georgia O’Keeffe