Christian speed painter Vanessa Horabuena sells Mar-a-Lago work for $2.75 million

Vanessa Horabuena, a performance speed painter who describes her style as "live worship painting," performed at President Trump’s New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago and sold a painting at auction for $2.75 million after Mr. Trump introduced her as "one of the greatest artists anywhere in the world." Horabuena spent about 10 minutes creating an image inspired by the Shroud of Turin, beginning with a yellow cross on a black canvas; the president returned to the stage, promised to sign the artwork, and the painting was auctioned to a couple who pledged to split their donation between St.

Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the local sheriff’s department. The sale was described in the report as setting a new benchmark for speed painting, a form that has grown in popularity at pageants, corporate events and sports halftimes. Horabuena said she began painting for Mr.

Trump in 2023 after meeting him at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2022, and that some of her works now decorate his properties. The White House did not respond to questions about the official presidential portrait; Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, praised Horabuena in a statement.

Based in Tempe, Ariz., Horabuena has said her art business struggled for years; she sells prints online for between $15 and $994.50 and said she had been "shadow banned" on Instagram.

Key Topics

Culture, Vanessa Horabuena, Donald Trump, Speed Painting, St. Jude