News and Events
Find out what event(s) I have been at or will be at as well as follow along on my current project(s) by checking out the latest here. You're getting on this journey with me early on, so you'll get to watch me hit all my "firsts" as an artist. Thank you for walking this journey with me!
better late than never
Downtown dalton farmers market
What a beautiful day to do another tent "event!" With the middle of October on our doorstep, the summer's farmers markets in the region are actually winding down. I knew participating late in the season was likely to be a business dud, I decided it was still worth the effort- if for no other reasons other than practicing tent set-up and tear-down and meeting and talking with people face to face. On those points- SUCCESS! I made a new friend or two, got to enjoy sunshine and get fresh air without oppressive heat. All in all, a good day.
Cohutta street dance
first ever tent event!
What an amazing experience! Sure, it wasn't an "art" event and, no it wasn't a large event, but it sure was local and short and made for a perfect "safe" event for me to try my hand at setting up a tent and showing off my creativity! I learned a lot: where my shortcomings are, where I came out strong and where I need to go from here. Follow me on my social accounts (mainly Facebook) about my artist journey!
CAG Arts Fest 2025
Beautiful weather, tasty food & fantastic Art makes the festival!
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful evening out at the Creative Arts Guild Preview party of their annual Arts Fest. This year, three of my artworks were accepted into the exhibition. I am honored to again be participating in this event. The exhibition completes just before the last weekend of October. Admission is free, all the art is extraordinary, so get on over there and check it out!
September 19-21
Join me as I participate in two events on the same weekend! Yes, I'm CRAZY! So, what's going on?
I am honored to be participating in my third opportunity of the Creative Arts Guild ("CAG") Arts Fest in Dalton, GA. Three of my artworks will be featured on exhibition starting Friday evening of September 19th at the ticketed CAG Preview Party Gala where you can vote for your favorite artwork as a Patron. Otherwise, attend the Art Fest at your leisure (for free) anytime during festival hours on Saturday and Sunday. Link here for event details!
On Saturday night, come see me at my FIRST EVER tent event at the Cohutta Street Dance! I could use your support and patronage. Link here for details!
Vacation week
Visiting my boys- meeting my grandson
As my vacation week draws to a close, I am reflecting on my time visiting with my adult sons and what it means and feels like to be a grandmother. There's so much to be grateful for and a longing to be closer on a regular basis. But for now, I bask in the knowledge that I am now a grandmother who gets the responsibility of "spoiling" a grandchild. I also inherited ready-made grand-daughters in the process and so I will also treat them as if they're my own. I've been on the road and I've been trying to keep my artistic arm "loose." I've done a few drawings and I will, once again, be participating in a LIVESTREAM Sip and Paint tonight on the one and only LadyHamiltonArt Rumble channel. Join in tonight at 7pm EST with your favorite beverage by clicking on the button below!
Sip & Paint Livestream
Featured Artist with LadyHamiltonArt
Stephanie was recently invited to participate in a live Sip & Paint event with LadyHamiltonArt. She was among three other featured artists creating artwork live. See her draw/paint her busy bee pastel from start to finish here!
Shout out!
Deep Springs Vineyards
I have found it fascinating that a local vineyard opened up in my area and have been meaning to drop in. I finally had the chance to do so today. I got to meet Mike & Peggy Roberts who own and operate this budding business. They are the real deal! They grow their own grapes, process it and bottle it all on site! 100% USA made wines. Be sure to check out their Facebook by clicking on the icon below and their website for more. Supporting local businesses is what community is all about!
Planetary Forces
18" x 24" Watercolor & gouache
Struggling to bring forth an image from the imagination is something routine for Stephanie as she prefers rendering from observation and life. Here is a painting borne completely of her imagination and it has been no different a struggle than any other piece of similar origin. It is a volcano caldera under a night sky. Hot lava, cool landscape, peaceful night sky... and if you hadn't noticed yet, a comet to boot!
Shout Out!
Carrie, The Artsy-Teacher
I recently had the joy of meeting this fine lady, Carrie who just recently opened up a painting place in town. She caters to parties and has offerings to bring the arts to homeschoolers. She's got a loaded calendar of events and she's set up for fun for both child and adult alike! She also has two of my originals for sale in her shop! Check out her Facebook for more!
Fractured
Mixed Media 22" x 28" on gallery wrapped canvas
Do you sometimes feel "discombobulated" or disconnected, maybe even in a fog emotionally or mentally? Are you struggling with challenges in life? Sometimes we can feel fractured and we wonder, "Where does my help come from?" Some will turn to coping mechanisms and others to therapies, but there is another alternative! In Psalm 121. The psalmist asks, "I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?" and answers, "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth". This passage emphasizes that true help and protection come from God, the Creator of all things, rather than from worldly resources or human efforts. There is no more stable peace, than that which comes from above. Look there. God bless!
Charcoal pieces
Revisiting my university medium
Recently Stephanie embarked on a trip down memory lane by working with charcoal in May. She had to shake off the rust but it's wasn't long before she was pushing and pulling the image onto the paper. Once formally photographed, these will appear in on her Gallery page as well as prints in the shop. Inquire if you're interested in the original. Currently they're not for sale, but she could be convinced. ;-)
MidLifeDreams
THIS IS A GREAT PLACE FOR YOUR TAGLINE.
***Saturday, May 31st at 7pm ET***
Episode 374: Art Night: Ron & Stephanie Stephenson – Ink, Watercolor, and Worlds Unknown
In this episode of Headmaster's Homeroom: Art Night, we step into a world where creativity meets courage, and passion refuses to stay buried. Meet Ron Stephenson, the self-proclaimed “Crazy Bear”—a gritty, unpolished Christian, an American patriot, a survivor, and a sci-fi storyteller with ink-stained fingers and a grin pointed toward the stars. Joining him is his wife, Stephanie Stephenson, a multi-media artist whose journey is just as remarkable. After decades spent in the shadows of motherhood and perfectionism, Stephanie emerged in 2022 with a brush in hand and watercolor in her soul.
Together, Ron and Stephanie are blending ink and watercolor, imagination and grit, as they collaborate to bring Makundo IV to life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about love, art, faith, failure, world-building, and the beauty of chasing dreams—even when it feels like you're running out of runway.
Bringing the game to life
Collaborating with the husband-unit on his project!
It's not every day that a husband and wife can collaborate together on something other than marriage and daily life; but here we are- doing the fun stuff! My husband, Ron has spent the last few years, singlehandedly creating an entire new world; a tabletop role playing game (often abbreviated online as "TTRPG"). You may be familiar with the long standing Dungeons and Dragons game (now owned by Hasbro). My husband's project aims to bring to life a whole different world and people groups that will entice a whole new game playing experience for lovers of the RPG world. In the coming months, he anticipates bringing this world game to market.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for May 31, 2025 at 7pm EST when we'll be interviewed about this project and all things artistic!
Please check back soon for a link to the podcast and to find out updates on when this game playing experience will become available!
[Photo: my collection of artwork & illustrations that will be featured on the covers and in the books of this game.]
Save the Date!
Harris Arts Center Regional Art Show 2025
In her second opportunity, Stephanie will be exhibiting artwork in this year's Harris Arts Center Art Show. The exhibit will begin on May 12th and finish on June 27th. The show will feature local area artists as well as photographers. The Artist reception and awards ceremony will be on June 1st. Come on out and support your local artist community and meet and greet with us!
Artist Panel: Tips & Tricks
Truth Social's Artist Corner presents....
Stephanie was honored to join in the first ever Artist Panel from Truth Social's Artist Corner group on April 19th. She is one of six artists selected to present some favorite artworks and talk about tips & tricks of the trade. The entire video highlights six artists, topics range from oil pastel, pen and ink and watercolor among others. Watch the entire presentation on Rumble by clicking here. To see Stephanie's contribution, specifically, jump to around the 1hr 34min mark by clicking here. Enjoy!
Patron's Choice Award 2024!
Creative Arts Guild Arts Festival
With only three paintings accepted into the exhibit and a large group of artists participating, Stephanie Stephenson managed to squeak out a win with her "Left Unattended" oil painting. This along with "Such A Time As This" and "Elephant in the Jungle" are all on display until the end of October. See the CAG Meta post here.
Exhibition
Creative arts Guild Arts Festival
Meet Stephanie Stephenson and view three of her most recent artworks on September 20th at the opening gala event of the Creative Arts Guild 2024 Arts Festival! Be among the first to see the exhibition, view & vote on the artwork for sale and enjoy local eatery food and live entertainment! Stephanie's The Cowboy, Such A Time As This, and Elephant in the Jungle will be represented in the show.
Customer Appreciation
Thank you Videos for purchases
Anyone who purchases a signed limited edition print from my Shop is entitled to a personalized YouTube video of my appreciation, in each video, you get to see me sign your print, see your certificate of authenticity and get my personal thanks for the sale that provides income to put food on my table. Check out the videos on my special playlist on YouTube. These same videos will appear on my Rumble channel soon as well!
Left Unattended
Oil Painting, 24" x 36"
This painting inspired by a college era graphite drawing I did of a "veggie pileup" inspired by my father. I'm grateful to my husband who served as a model for the chef in this piece. The standing joke here is that my husband shouldn't be "left unattended." We laugh about it.
Best in Show!
Harris Arts Center
I am deeply humbled and very happy to report that my Gypsy Beauty painting won Best In Show at the Harris Arts Center Regional Art Show! She will remain on display through July 19th. For those of you who have been following me on my art journey for any length of time these past two years, you've seen me attain a lot of "firsts" as an artist. Well, today's award is yet another first. It was only my second exhibition, but my first time winning. I am just so grateful and starting to feel accomplished as a fine artist. Thank you Harris Arts Center for the opportunity to participate and show my work. I look forward to doing so again next year!
Mark Your Calendars!
June 8, 2024
Back by popular demand, it's an honor to be asked back on LadyHamilton's podcast LIVE on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 7pm EST. Check out her channel here!
Harris Arts Center
Calhoun, Georgia
Stephanie will feature three paintings in the Regional Art Show May 29 - July 19th, hosted by the Harris Arts Center in Calhoun, GA. These pieces will be available for purchase from the exhibition. Come and meet the artist at the artists' reception on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 3pm!
For such a time....
Queen Esther
Recently completed, this 24" x 30" painting of Hadassah, more famously known as Queen Esther (in Hebrew, hester which means "something hidden") is the inaugural piece of a series celebrating lesser known historical figures who have impacted their culture. Her Hebrew name (Hadassah meaning "myrtle") and her ancient Persian name (Stelara meaning "star") are represented. She is lit by candlelight among visual Achaemenid era iconography and colors known from archeological and art history. Risking her own life to go before the king unheralded makes her a heroine among her people.
Art Therapy Premiere
Motherhood: Blessings and challenges
Join me in an exclusive premiere video (and potential chat) about my latest painting: an adventure in art therapy. When happily ever after shatters into a million pieces, what is a Mom to do? Find out how this painting came to be and learn a little more about me, not as an artist, but as a Mom. Paid community members can tune in Wednesday night, April 24th at 7pm EST on Locals or Patreon!
Tick Tock!
Exclusive Content by membership!
T-minus 2hrs & 11min!
If you want to be the first to see what's happening with my latest projects, get behind the scenes content, and laugh as I try to create the content, then this is your chance to get in on the ground floor! Starting at midnight, March 1st, you can join my community either at Patreon or on Locals; whichever you prefer! Catch my inaugural poll open to all and vote!
My First Interview
Headmaster's Homeroom
All my nervousness this week was for not as last night's LIVE chat with Lady Hamilton was wonderfully informal and therapeutic! If you weren't able to catch it live, you can watch the replay on either Rumble or YouTube. She shared her podcast platform to present my artwork and my current projects in real time and I was honored and grateful.
My first fantasy piece
AmaZon Teen cover
There are two artist "firsts" embedded with this piece: this was my first ever fantasy (from imagination) piece as well as my first published artwork. This watercolor and gouache painting was created specifically for a new tabletop RPG (Role Playing Game) that is set to release very soon. To see how this piece came together view here. To find out more about the RPG game, click here.
My First Exhibition
I was proud to submit and have accepted three artworks to my first ever art exhibition. I was among other esteemed artists from my local and regional community and was humbled by the process and challenged with the social aspects of meeting new people. I look forward to applying to next year's Festival with an entire series of paintings.
My First Artist Video
First Year in Review
I am an artist, not a video content creator, so it was a huge accomplishment to create, edit and upload my first art related video to my YouTube and Rumble channels. I have much to learn and more content to share. Be sure to like, follow and share to be notified of new content as I surf (and wipeout) on the learning curve of content creation!
