Famous artists who discovered their talent in adulthood

While many famous artists showed talent from a young age or began their artistic pursuits early in life, there are some notable examples of individuals who discovered their artistic talent later in adulthood. Here are a few:

1. Grandma Moses (1860–1961): Anna Mary Robertson Moses, known as Grandma Moses, began her artistic career at the age of 78. Prior to that, she had been a farmer and had only dabbled in embroidery. She started painting in her late 70s, creating charming rural scenes that captured the nostalgia of her childhood. Grandma Moses became one of America's most celebrated folk artists.

2. Henri Rousseau (1844–1910): Henri Rousseau, a French painter known for his vibrant jungle scenes and naïve style, didn't begin painting seriously until his early 40s. Despite lacking formal training and being initially ridiculed by the art establishment, Rousseau persisted in his artistic pursuits and eventually gained recognition for his unique style.

3. Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519): While Leonardo da Vinci showed early talent in various fields, including painting and sculpture, he didn't achieve widespread recognition until later in life. Many of his most famous works, such as the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," were created in his 40s and 50s. Da Vinci continued to innovate and experiment throughout his life, making significant contributions to art, science, and engineering.

4. Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010): Louise Bourgeois, a French-American artist known for her large-scale sculptures and installations exploring themes of femininity, sexuality, and trauma, gained international acclaim later in life. While she had been creating art since childhood, Bourgeois didn't achieve widespread recognition until her 70s when she was included in major exhibitions and retrospectives.

5. Paul Cézanne (1839–1906): Although Paul Cézanne showed an early interest in art, he didn't fully devote himself to painting until his late 20s. Despite facing rejection and criticism from the art establishment, Cézanne continued to develop his distinctive style, which laid the groundwork for the transition from Impressionism to Cubism and other modern art movements.
   

These artists demonstrate that talent and creativity can emerge at any stage of life, and artistic success is often the result of passion, perseverance, and dedication to one's craft.

Here are a few more examples of famous artists who discovered or developed their talent in adulthood:

1. Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890): While Vincent van Gogh showed an early interest in art, he didn't pursue it professionally until his late 20s. After working in various other fields, including teaching and religious ministry, van Gogh began to devote himself to art in his late 20s. Despite struggling with mental health issues and facing numerous setbacks, he produced some of the most iconic and influential works in the history of Western art.

2. Mary Delany (1700–1788): Mary Delany, an English artist and botanist, is best known for her intricate botanical collages made from colored paper. She began creating these "paper mosaics" in her 70s, after the death of her second husband. Delany's remarkable botanical artworks earned her recognition and admiration in artistic and scientific circles.

3. Bill Traylor (c. 1853–1949): Bill Traylor, an African American artist born into slavery in Alabama, began drawing and painting in his 80s while living on the streets of Montgomery. Using discarded materials such as cardboard and scrap paper, Traylor created thousands of drawings depicting scenes from his life and the world around him. His bold, graphic style and powerful storytelling have earned him posthumous acclaim as one of the greatest self-taught artists of the 20th century.

4. Anna Mary Robertson Moses (1860–1961): As mentioned earlier, Grandma Moses began painting in her late 70s after abandoning her embroidery work due to arthritis. Despite her late start, she became one of America's most beloved folk artists, known for her nostalgic depictions of rural life.

5. Alma Thomas (1891–1978): Alma Thomas, an African American artist, teacher, and community leader, didn't gain widespread recognition until late in life. She began painting in earnest in her 70s after retiring from a long career as an art teacher. Thomas is best known for her vibrant, abstract paintings inspired by nature and the cosmos.
   

These artists demonstrate that creativity and artistic expression can flourish at any age, and that it's never too late to pursue one's passion for art.

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