Vanessa Horabuena, a Christian speed painter known for her rapid art creations that merge religion with patriotism, has made headlines with a $2.75 million charity auction at a New Year’s Eve event hosted by former President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The event took place on December 31, 2025, and saw Horabuena’s unique artistic style capture the attention of attendees.
Horabuena, born in 1985, is celebrated for her “worship paintings,” which she creates swiftly before live audiences. Her art seamlessly weaves Christian themes into visual masterpieces, often evoking awe as she brings religious imagery to life with her brushwork.
At the Mar-a-Lago event, former President Trump praised Horabuena, highlighting her ability to create stunning portraits rapidly. “She can paint, slowly, a beautiful portrait for the White House, or she can paint the most incredible painting in literally 10 minutes,” he told the crowd, as reported by CNN.
Typically, Horabuena’s original paintings sell for between $15,000 and $40,000, while prints start as low as $11.25. Despite her newfound fame, she has remained unavailable for comment.
Horabuena’s artistic journey began in Arizona, where she discovered her passion for drawing and Christianity at a young age. Her faith was ignited at a Christian summer camp when she was 13. Over time, she grappled with personal challenges, including sexual abuse within her family and struggles with her sexuality, but has since reconciled with her faith and art. Through counseling and spiritual guidance, Horabuena returned to her religious roots and found a new expression in speed painting, which she views as a metaphor for God’s mysterious plans.
Her performances combine art, prayer, and dance, with Horabuena wielding her brush like a fencer’s foil, creating visually captivating pieces. Her gallery in Tempe, Arizona, offers a reflective space for Bible study or personal contemplation amid her artwork.
Horabuena’s beliefs extend beyond her art. She has openly shared conspiracy theories, including skepticism about the moon landing and the shape of the Earth.
The New Year’s Eve auction featured a live painting session, where Horabuena created a large-scale portrait of Jesus Christ, inspired by the Shroud of Turin. Her conviction in the shroud’s authenticity adds a layer of significance to her work, which often blends religious and patriotic imagery, including depictions of Jesus with the American flag and Trump with religious motifs.
Horabuena’s connection to Trump has grown over the past year, with her art displayed in his properties and the White House. Her work has been part of pivotal moments, including a speed painting of Trump at the Liberty Ball, and she was chosen to replace a disliked official portrait of Trump in Colorado.
At the charity auction, Trump acted as the auctioneer, starting the bidding at $100,000. The winning bidders remained unidentified, but the event underscored Horabuena’s ability to blend art, politics, and religion in a powerful way.
For Horabuena, the auction was more than a financial success; it was a spiritual experience. She described the moment as a “God moment,” where the Holy Spirit’s presence was palpable, touching the hearts of those in attendance.
Her unique approach and connection with influential figures like Trump have solidified Horabuena’s position in the art world, making her a compelling figure blending faith and creativity.
