President Trump Selects Christian Speed Painter as Top Artist Choice

In a recent highlight at President Trump’s New Year’s Eve celebration, speed painter Vanessa Horabuena received high praise. Trump introduced her as “one of the greatest artists anywhere in the world” during the event at Mar-a-Lago.

Artistry at Its Finest

Horabuena showcased her talent by painting an image inspired by the Shroud of Turin. This performance lasted about ten minutes, where she intricately detailed Jesus’s features starting from a yellow cross on a black canvas. The painting was later auctioned for an astonishing $2.75 million.

Significant Contributions

The buyer plans to donate proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the local sheriff’s department. This sale has set a new record in speed painting, a niche art form that has grown in popularity over the past decade.

• Speed painting combines artistry and entertainment, performed live during events.
• Artists often create portraits of celebrities or symbols in under ten minutes.

Speed Painting’s Rise

In recent years, speed painting has become a mainstay in various events, from basketball halftime shows to beauty pageants. The community is small, with only a few dozen full-time professionals in the U.S.

Artists like Horabuena find inspiration in worship. Horabuena described her style as “live worship painting.” She recounted a moving experience painting for Trump on December 30, where her artworks evoked strong emotions among attendees.

A Journey of Faith and Art

Horabuena’s journey began in 2023 when she met Trump at a political conference. As a longtime supporter, she began gifting him paintings that now adorn his properties, including Mar-a-Lago. She aims to convey the essence of faith through her work.

Despite facing challenges like being “shadow banned” on social media, Horabuena sells her artwork online. Prices range from $15 to nearly $1,000, allowing her to reach a wider audience.

The Competitive Landscape

Among other speed painters, many are influenced by pioneers like Danny Dent. His “Two-Fisted Art Attack” routine helped establish the art form in mainstream entertainment. Other artists have since gained recognition through television shows such as “America’s Got Talent.”

Emma Wooton, for example, began speed painting in beauty pageants, honing her skills to fit strict time constraints. Today, her performances typically last five to seven minutes.

Innovations in the Art

Technological advancements, like the rotating easel invented by Jessica Haas, have helped speed painters optimize their performance. Respected in the community, she aims to create an entertaining experience that captivates audiences.

A New Era for Speed Painting

Horabuena’s performance at Mar-a-Lago reflects a broader trend of merging art with live experiences. The increasing popularity of speed painting allows artists to showcase their skills while connecting with audiences on a deeper level.

As the art form continues to evolve, speed painters like Horabuena emphasize the importance of their messages. For them, the canvas is not merely a medium, but a platform for expression and worship.