Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe – Her Life and Art

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If you’re a fan of art – and even if you’re not – you’ve probably heard of Georgia O’Keeffe. Her iconic art has been shown in museums across the world, and it’s known for its vibrant colors and artistry showcase the power of the female body. However, there’s so much more to her than just her art, as we learned when we visited the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. 

Sometimes I do visit attractions because they are popular, but this Georgia O’Keeffe Museum was a true pleasure to learn more about her art.  And it was so visually pleasing.  

Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe

Georgia O’Keeffe was a pioneer and trailblazer in the art world famous for her colorful depictions of the natural forms, flowers, and desert landscapes of her surroundings in New Mexico.

Called the “Mother of American Modernism”, her art was vibrant, full of movement and color, and often reflected the female anatomy in the flowers and landscapes that she produced.

I’ve been a fan of hers since I saw one of her paintings decades ago, so I was excited to visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. It’s devoted to the life of Georgia O’Keeffe, not just her art. I find that fascinating because I love to learn about the people behind the great art of the USA and the world. Like they say – everyone has a story.

Through artworks and exhibits, the museum galleries tell the story of O’Keeffe’s contributions to the art world, beginning with her earliest watercolor works as a student and teacher to her groundbreaking paintings from her time living on the East Coast and later, in New Mexico. However, the museum doesn’t stop at her art. Through the exhibits, the museum also tells the story of her life, beginning with her days as a student at the University of Virginia, then moving through her teaching years at Teachers College, Columbia University, her years in New York, and on through her remaining years in New Mexico. 

In addition to showcasing her art and telling her story, the Museum’s Library & Archive also serves the public by collecting information about Georgia O’Keeffe, archiving it, and sharing it with the public both as education to the public at large and as a research partner to those taking on academic endeavors related to Georgia O’Keeffe. 

For a more intimate view of her life and works, visitors can enjoy a tour of O’Keeffe’s home and studio about 50 miles north of Santa Fe in Abiquiu.    The 5,000-square-foot compound reflects a blend of Native American and Spanish Colonial styles, and everywhere you look gives you a sense of how it and the surrounding landscape inspired her art. Stepping into the home is like stepping back in time. It’s a snapshot of how O’Keeffe lived and how that life inspired her. While you’ll find no paintings – those are at the museum – you will find the lighting, decor, and scenery that must have made what her art was. 

Georgia O’Keeffe Artwork

Just a few of my favorites, and showing the variety of art she did.  Everyone associates her with more floral, but you find she loved landscapes, the cities, and even the sea.  

She learned skills such as sewing as a necessity, but was a very minimal type dresser.

Her Gaucho Hat was a signature style.

Lovely Photographs

A few photographs of Georgia O’Keeffe.

Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

If you’re an art-lover, you should visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. Through her artwork and available tours of her home and studio, the museum tells the story of this amazing woman’s life and artistry. As one of the most iconic American artists in history, Georgia O’Keeffe brought so much to the artistic table, and the museum continues that legacy today. So, if you’re in the Santa Fe area, stop by and learn more about this amazing artist and woman. 

Check out the hours and admission prices.  I suggest you purchase tickets online prior to your visit.  We were there on a week day, and it was very busy.  Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Stay at The La Fonda on the Plaza

The only hotel located around the plaza is The La Fonda.  This was perfect for us walking around to all of the must visit places around Santa Fe.  Why should you stay at The La Fonda on the Plaza?

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