Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Stephens.
Marie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have been drawing since I was old enough to hold a crayon, but only recently, have I allowed myself to say publicly and with confidence, that yes, “I am an artist.” I will be 42 in August! The dream has always been there, but it took years to even consider that it could become a reality. I always had it in my head, that artists don’t become successful until they are dead, so why or how could I possibly choose art as a career? It just didn’t seem practical. I have danced around the subject of art for my whole life, but I was always drawn back to it…no pun intended. About two years ago, I started to sheepishly admit to friends that yes, “I am sort of an artist.” I was afraid of what people would say or think of me, I suppose.
My artistic talents come from years of arting at my family’s dining room table with my brother. I always excelled in art during my pre-college years and loved every minute of it…. except for paper Mache!
Nature has always been a huge part of my life and it inspires all of my work. I probably should have been an art major during my college years, but I opted for a B.S. in Horticulture, which is an art in itself. I spent the first half of my professional career painting with flowers, designing and setting up displays in public gardens like Chicago Botanic Garden where I was a horticulturist, or designing floral arrangements during my days as a florist. I can definitely say that designing thousands of bouquets for seven years was a true study of the many colors of nature, and I am so fortunate to have had that experience as a stepping stone towards emerging as an artist.
I have been painting with oils for about 5 years now. I first learned to paint with oils when I took a painting class just for fun, about 18 years ago when my husband and I lived in Evanston. My other instruction in oils has come from reading instructional books, studying the impressionists, watching Bob Ross and other impressionist painting videos on YouTube, and hundreds, if not thousands of hours of practice.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My subject matter is forever evolving, but always has nature as its foundation. I am inspired by nature’s vibrant colors, its forms, its textures, its inhabitants, the way we interact within it, and the many gifts we receive from it. As a multi-disciplinary artist, my subjects range from impressionistic or abstract midwestern landscapes, to more intimate studies of midwestern flowers, to the many creatures that I have encountered in my midwestern surroundings.
In one of my collections, “Happy Surprises”, papery River Birch tree bark is the substrate for each of the animal illustrations done in acrylic inks. I examine the piece, and it tells me what it wants to be based on its organic shape. With no further manipulation or tearing, I then paint the eyes and features onto the papery bark. The result is nothing short of its namesake, a happy surprise.
I am currently working on a collection of dog portraits done in oils on canvas or ink illustrations with charcoal or colored pencil. Originals, prints or custom orders will be available at the Gold Coast Art Fair in Grant Park, June 16 and 17!
I have always been a dog lover, but never in a million years did I plan to be a dog portrait artist! While this collection began as a surprise, it is no secret how meaningful dogs are to their humans. Knowing that my art can help people remember a creature that walked with them through the dailyness of life, good and bad, is truly a privilege more valuable than the money I earn from doing it.
It was January of 2017, and I was getting back into the studio after a long Christmas break with family. Starting back up after a break is like trying to start an old car that has been collecting dust in a shed for one too many years…. not easy! I was struggling with deciding what to paint, and decided that I just needed to start something, anything. At that point is was just about getting back into the groove.
My sister-in-law, Debbie, had sent me a picture of her French Bulldog, Gerrard, wearing a tuxedo and a top hat for New Years. Gerry was so adorable, that I could not resist an attempt at immortalizing him on canvas. I documented the whole process, sending progress updates via text to Debbie, and sharing pictures with my followers on Instagram and Facebook. I was amazed with how much everyone, especially Debbie, seemed to enjoy watching the whole process! After completing Gerry, the orders began rolling in, and I haven’t looked back since. Have you ever felt like your dog takes YOU for a walk? I feel like dogs have taken me for quite a walk towards emerging as a professional artist, and being able to tell everyone with confidence, that yes, “I AM an artist!”
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I cannot speak for everyone else, but I feel like one of my biggest challenges as an artist is striking a healthy balance between family and social time, studio time, maintaining a social media presence, maintaining a website, spending time creating marketing materials, public relations, and maintaining a budget. Too much time in one area causes deficits in others, yet all are a priority. For example, too much studio time causes social isolation, which leads to a creative rut. Too much socializing takes away from time in the studio, which makes it difficult to have enough materials for shows and festivals, and online content. Like any other career, it’s forever a challenge to juggle everything.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Did you know 2018 is the year of the dog for both Marie Stephens Art and the Chinese Zodiac? Over the last year or so, I have been creating a collection of dog portraits, both in oils and ink illustrations combined with charcoal or colored pencil. The dogs and I are hitting the road, and we are heading for Chicago!
I will be bringing my collection to the 61st annual Gold Coast Art Fair in Grant Park, Chicago! June 16 and 17, 10am-6pm. Join me and about 300 talented artists for a weekend of art, music, food, drink and fun!
Online: www.mariestephensart.com
www.facebook.com/mariestephensart
www.instagram.com/mariestephensart
Subscribe to my mailing list and get 10% off your first order!
Contact Info:
- Address: Davenport, Iowa
- Website: www.mariestephensart.com
- Email: info@mariestephensart.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mariestephensart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mariestephensart
Image Credit:
All images are taken by artist, Marie Stephens www.mariestephensart.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
