Among Sally Nooney's most distinctive and beloved series is "Women With Attitude" — a collection of spirited, colorful paintings that celebrate the energy, humor, and character of women in all their variety. These paintings began as a response to the Red Hat Society movement of the early 2000s but quickly grew into something broader and more personal.
The "Women With Attitude" series is characterized by bold color, confident brushwork, and a sense of delight in the subjects. These are not idealized figures in repose — they are women caught in the act of living: laughing, gesturing, preening, commiserating, celebrating. There is warmth and humor in every canvas, along with the unmistakable affection of an artist who genuinely loves her subjects.
The palette tends toward the vivid and celebratory — hot pinks, royal purples, saffron yellows, and deep reds appear throughout. Against these saturated backgrounds and clothing, the faces carry the real story: character, humor, and something close to joy.
The Red Hat Society, founded in 1998, brought together women over fifty who were committed to having fun and refusing to be invisible. Their signature hats and purple outfits became a phenomenon. Sally's "Women With Attitude" emerged from this moment but went beyond it, capturing something universal about female friendship, personality, and the pleasure of taking up space in the world.
These paintings make exceptional gifts — for birthdays, retirements, friendships, and celebrations of any kind. Giclee prints are available in multiple sizes. Organizations like the Red Hat Society continue to celebrate the power of female friendship and community, and Sally's paintings stand as an artistic tribute to that spirit.