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Thursday Women | Women in Paris

What does it mean to be recognised for your talent rather than judged by the colour of your skin?

For the American artist Loïs Mailou Jones, arriving in Paris in 1937 was a turning point.

Already a talented painter, designer and teacher, she had encountered racial discrimination that limited her opportunities in the United States. In Paris, however, she discovered an artistic world where she could study, paint, exhibit and explore new ideas with a freedom she had rarely experienced before.

She made friendships that would last a lifetime, met fascinating people including Josephine Baker and the French painter Émile Bernard, and continued developing her artistic style.

What particularly interests me about Loïs is that she never seemed to stop experimenting. Her paintings changed enormously throughout her life, reflecting her travels, experiences and curiosity.

When I was researching The HeArt of Paris, her story caught my attention, and eventually I decided to paint my own impression of her.

I wanted to portray a woman who looked happy, confident and determined, with a flower in her hair and perhaps a touch of mischief in her expression.

The original painting has found a new home, but quality canvas prints are now available through my Printumo shop.

In this week's Thursday Women, I explore Loïs's extraordinary life, her friendships in Paris, the discrimination she faced and the recognition she fought so hard to achieve.

Read the complete story on Thursday Women

Discover my Loïs Mailou Jones canvas prints, also large canvases.