The email was signed “Stefani Germanotta,” Lady Gaga’s real name. The email address, ladyandkoji@gmail.com, referred to one of the pop singer’s beloved French Bulldogs, Koji.

“I am such a huge fan of your work,” said the email to Emma Webster, a Los Angeles-based landscape painter who uses virtual-reality imaging.

“I’m wondering if you might have any paintings available?” the message continued. “I’m expanding my collection which is anchored by powerful female artists such as Kusama, Frankenthaler, Louise Bourgeois, Lynda Benglis and many more. Your work would compliment it so delightfully! It would be very special. Thank you kindly and looking forward to hearing from you, Stefani.”

Webster was elated. In 2022, when she got the first email, she had just achieved a level of prominence, following three exhibitions in a row that had created a waiting list for her work. But catching the eye of Lady Gaga, whose celebrity and standing as a collector was significant, could exponentially elevate her profile.

“Wow!” she responded. “Thanks so much for the kind words. love a collection centered on female empowerment — and those are some heavy hitters!”

When artists become established, buying a work from them is seldom as easy as walking into a gallery and saying “I’d like that one.”