With sequins sparkling under the stage lights and paint flying in every direction, Jessica Haas does more than create a portrait; she commands a crowd.
Recognized as a pioneer in her field, Haas is not only the first female speed painter in the country, but also one of the fastest, transforming blank canvases into masterpieces in as little as 40 seconds.
Earlier this year, she brought that electric energy to LSU, dazzling fans during a halftime performance at a women’s basketball game.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Haas has forged an unlikely path from small-town girl to national performer, all through a career she never quite imagined.
“I come from humble beginnings,” Haas said. “I grew up in a family where sports were everything, so it’s kind of ironic that I ended up on a completely different stage.”
Haas’ journey began in the Miss America Organization, where speed painting became her talent competition entry. At the time, few had seen anything like it, and the judges weren’t quite sure what to make of it.
“I was kind of a rebel in pageants,” Haas said. “The judges were like, ‘We don’t know how to score this.’ But I didn’t care. I wanted to bring something bold and different.”
She got her big break in 2013 when she was crowned Miss Tennessee. Her unique talent quickly garnered attention, and she was soon featured in New York Magazine for her groundbreaking contributions to the art form. From there, she was dubbed “The Mother of the Speedpainting Movement.” At the time, she was still attending Memphis College of Art.
Since then, Haas has taken her craft across the country. In 2017, she gained national attention with a performance on ABC’s “The Gong Show,” where she painted live before a panel of celebrity judges; her performance was clocked at just 42 seconds.
But speed isn’t the only thing that sets her apart. Haas’s onstage presence, blending visual art, fashion and performance, is a hallmark of her shows.
“I’m not just slapping paint on a canvas,” Haas said. “I’m creating a moment. I wear bright colors and sequins, and I utilize my background in pageantry to engage the audience. It’s about more than the art, it’s about how the art makes people feel.”
Her recent appearance at LSU was part of a national college tour that has taken her to campuses across the U.S. for the past several years.
Haas said the college crowds are some of her favorites to perform for, describing the energy as “electric.” She is currently preparing for another national tour set to launch later this year.
“College shows are some of the most fun,” said Haas. “There’s so much energy in the room, and it’s amazing to inspire young people who might be figuring out their own path.”
In addition to college arenas, she has brought her act to professional sports stages including the NBA, WNBA and NFL. What began as a creative twist in a pageant talent portion has now grown into a full-time profession, supported by major clients and national demand.
Haas said her early days in the field were marked by the absence of women in the speed painting space. She wanted to change that.
“There weren’t any women doing this when I started,” said Haas. “It was mostly men with paintbrushes and bandanas. I wanted to show girls that you can be strong, fast, creative and glittery, all at once.”
Looking ahead, Haas remains focused on expanding her reach, continuing to perform at schools and events that value creativity and energy.
“I want to keep using my art to uplift people,” she said.
Through her art, Haas hopes to inspire young women to tap into their creative side and never to doubt their goals.
