Art history is filled with remarkable women who shaped entire movements, experimented bravely, and created work far ahead of their time. Many never received the recognition they deserved.
This list highlights underrated female artists whose influence continues to inspire painters today. Their courage and innovation remind us that every artist has a voice worth hearing, including you.
Abstract Expressionism and Modernism
Lee Krasner
Artwork Example: “Re-Echo,” filled with fierce strokes and layered energy.
A major force in Abstract Expressionism whose impact reaches far beyond the shadows of Pollock.
"Re-Echo" Lee Krasner -Photo Credit artbridgefoundation.org
Elaine de Kooning
Artwork Example: Her vibrant portrait of JFK captures motion and immediacy.
A master of dynamic brushwork and expressive portraiture.
Elaine De Koonings "JFK" - Photo Credit npg.si.edu
Helen Frankenthaler
Artwork Example: “Mountains and Sea” shows her pioneering soak and stain technique.
She reshaped contemporary abstraction with inventive color and form.
Helen Frankenthaler “Mountains and Sea” - Photo Credit singulart.com
Pat Steir
Artwork Example: Her cascading waterfall paintings invite quiet contemplation.
She blends intention and chance in a way that feels poetic and atmospheric.
Photo Credit awarewomenartists.com
Agnes Martin
Artwork Example: Soft graphite grids that create peaceful, meditative rhythm.
Minimalist and deeply intuitive, without leaning into mysticism. "Summer"
.
Photo Credit The New Yorker
Janet Sobel
Artwork Example: “Milky Way,” an early drip painting that predates Pollock.
A bold innovator whose contributions were overlooked for decades.
Photo Credit moma.org
Bernice Bing
Artwork Example: Large gestural abstractions influenced by calligraphy.
A Chinese American modernist who bridged cultures with expressive power.
Photo Credit asianart.org
Surrealism
Leonora Carrington
Artwork Example: “The Horses of Lord Candlestick,” filled with mythical imagery.
Her paintings feel like private universes shaped by story and symbolism.
Photo Credit biblioklept.org
Dorothea Tanning
Artwork Example: “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” a haunting, dreamlike tableau.
An explorer of psychological landscapes and the uncanny.
Photo Credit johnlovett.wordpress.com
Remedios Varo
Artwork Example: “Creation of the Birds,” a scene of magical invention.
She combined science, wonder, and narrative imagination.
Photo Credit maria-cristina.medium.com
Toyen
Artwork Example: “The Myth of Light,” filled with symbolic surreal forms.
A groundbreaking Czech artist who defied expectations and norms.
Photo Credit cakeordeathsite.wordpress.com
Expressionism, Avant-Garde, and Early Modernists
Gabriele Münter
Artwork Example: Colorful expressive portraits and landscapes.
A central figure in Der Blaue Reiter with a fresh and modern approach.
Photo Credit nmwa.org
Sonia Delaunay
Artwork Example: “Electric Prisms,” radiating color and movement.
A visionary of Orphism whose influence reaches fashion, design, and painting.
Alma Thomas
Artwork Example: “Resurrection,” a joyful mosaic of color.
A master of vibrancy and one of the great American colorists.
Photo Credit whitehousehistory.org
Bridget Riley
Artwork Example: “Fall,” an optical wave that vibrates visually.
A leader of Op Art whose precision creates pulsating energy.
Louise Nevelson
Artwork Example: Monumental wooden assemblages unified in a single tone.
Architectural, dramatic, and unforgettable.
Photo Credit www.bostonglobe.com
Luchita Hurtado
Artwork Example: Surreal self-portraits viewed from above.
An artist of intuition and identity whose recognition came late in life.
These artists remain excellent choices for any list of underrated female artists, regardless of theme.
Mystic and Spiritual Female Artists
Hilma af Klint
Artwork Example: “The Ten Largest,” symbolic and full of movement.
A visionary who created abstract work long before abstraction was recognized.
Photo Credit artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Emma Kunz
Artwork Example: Pendulum guided drawings full of geometric harmony.
She explored art as a form of healing and energetic balance.
Photo Credit themarginalian.org
Georgiana Houghton
Artwork Example: Intricate spirit drawings that predate modern abstraction.
A rediscovered pioneer with extraordinary intuition.
Ithell Colquhoun
Artwork Example: “Scylla,” a blend of surreal forms and occult symbolism.
An artist who combined esoteric knowledge with experimental techniques.
Hildegard of Bingen
Artwork Example: Illuminated visionary mandalas and spiritual imagery.
A medieval mystic whose work still inspires contemporary artists.
Photo Credit sfmosaic.wordpress.com
Today's Female Artist Trailblazers
At Milan Art Institute, we honor the women who paved the way in art history, and we also celebrate the women leading the new era of contemporary art.
Elli Milan
A visionary painter and educator who has helped thousands of artists find their voice. Her work blends expressive realism with strong storytelling and emotional depth. Elli is a champion for artists building thriving careers.
Dimetra Milan
An internationally collected artist known for dreamlike figures, rich color, and uplifting themes. Her paintings feel alive with symbolism, movement, and emotion. Dimetra’s career began at a young age, and she continues to redefine what is possible for modern artists.
Their successes remind us that great art is not a relic of the past. It is alive today, in the hands of artists who dare to pursue their calling.
You Could Be the Next Artist History Celebrates
Every woman in this list began as a creator with a vision and a desire to express something meaningful. Their journeys remind us that recognition often comes late, but the courage to create always comes first.
If these stories inspire you, consider this. The next great female artist is already out there. She might be studying, practicing, or dreaming of becoming more. She may be you.
Your artistic future is waiting for you to step into it.
Ready To Become the Artist You Are Meant To Be? Join the Mastery Program at Milan Art Institute
Train with professional artists, including Elli and Dimetra Milan. Learn the techniques, business skills, and creative habits needed to build a thriving art career. Join hundreds of artists transforming their creative process through our Mastery Program. From design principles to professional-level critique, this immersive experience will sharpen your skills and elevate your art.
Grow your skills in abstraction, realism, mixed media, color, and more.
Begin your transformation today
Your best artwork is ahead of you, and your future collectors are waiting.
