Stephanie Jean Brown

Soft pastel

Stephanie is a self-taught artist raised in California and currently living in Philadelphia. Artistic from a young age, she only started to seriously pursue art as an adult, balancing her love for creative pursuits with a full-time career. Though she began by painting in watercolor, focusing mainly on florals and still lifes, she has recently found a more natural home for herself in soft pastel. She loves its versatility and immediacy and is inspired to explore its many possibilities as a medium. While she is still passionate about still life and floral subjects, her move to Pennsylvania ignited a love for the landscape. She is enchanted every day by the lush woodlands and meadows in and around Philadelphia. In this time of environmental devastation, Stephanie believes that an emotional connection to the landscape may play a critical role in the imagining of a more sustainable future, and she hopes her work can play some small role in fostering that connection.

Violet Glow

by

Stephanie Jean Brown

Violet Glow

by

Stephanie Jean Brown

Sound of Spring

by

Stephanie Jean Brown

Sound of Spring

by

Stephanie Jean Brown

Three questions on inspiration with

Stephanie Jean Brown

Describe an object that has inspired you
I have always been fascinated by trees. Though a Californian by birth, I find myself very at home in the woodlands of Pennsylvania, and trees of all types are often the focus of my landscapes. In addition to beauty, they provide shade, oxygen, sustenance, habitats for wildlife, support for local ecosystems, and a reminder of all we stand to lose if we cannot chart a different ecological course.
Describe a place that has inspired you
I am fortunate to live only steps away from the lush wilderness of Wissahickon Park in Philadelphia, where I spend hours hiking its quiet trails and contemplating its changes throughout the seasons. As a lover of photography, I have also taken many photos of the park, many of which later serve as reference material for my paintings. However, my work is also informed by my memories and experiences, and I prefer emotional expression over a faithful rendering.
Describe a person that has inspired you
The person who has most inspired and influenced my artistic journey to date is master pastelist Marla Baggetta. Her modern approach to the landscape and bold use of color have greatly inspired my work, and her teachings have led me to value experimentation and to nurture my own style while focusing on the fundamentals. She has also provided crucial guidance and encouragement, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied with her.
Unearth more inspirational people, places and objects