Another artist discovery to share this week in my Artist Spotlight Series.

I love finding artist on Instagram as I did this southern talent. This star is rising.

Enjoy getting to know

Stephanie Henderson

Atlanta, Georgia

What is your training? 

Art has always been an integral part of my life — I took classes throughout my youth and studio art and history of art at the University of Virginia (though I majored in English), but it was only after a low time following the loss of a parent coupled with a serious snakebite in the same week that I felt called to drop almost everything and paint.  This renaissance in my life coincided with my three children reaching their teenage years, so I was able to savor uninterrupted hours in my home studio and dig deep into painting.  To be honest, my best, most informative training has been the years of experimentation, mistakes, and surprises that come from fully immersing yourself in an artform.

What inspires you and your designs?

Bold color and clean lines, without question.  I occasionally paint softer oil landscapes just to scratch an itch, but my heart belongs to edgy, bright and geometric designs.

What is your favorite piece? 

My favorite piece might be “Maze in hot pink and saffron” 30×40,

or “Party Circles” 30×40,

or “Poolside” 36×36

How has the your area influenced your work?

Atlanta has no shortage of contemporary galleries and art museums for inspiration, art classes to take, and thankfully, buyers who are willing to step away from more traditional, representational painting to spice things up with edgy, contemporary work.

What is your favorite restaurant in Atlanta?

Wow, that’s a tough one because Atlanta is brimming with good restaurants.  Eight Sushi Lounge for sushi, Taqueria del Sol for casual family time, and Fred’s Meat and Bread at Krog Street Market for the most indulgent, hideously fattening and incredibly good cheesesteak sandwich on earth. 

What is your favorite cocktail?

White Burgundy wine makes me very happy,

but when it’s time for a liquor drink, I’ll take anything with bourbon and a touch of sweetness.

How do you balance personal life and work?

I don’t really.  When I get into a painting frenzy, I let pretty much everything slide except taking a walk each day.  Some days I’ll be painting for eight hours or more and forget to put a dinner on the table. Thankfully, my husband likes to cook and is always happy to stop at the grocery on the way home from work.

Dream trip?

Walk the Tour de Mont Blanc

Dream commission?

I’d like to assemble a dozen or more of my cairn paintings on a big wall, all with black rocks on white background

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

A tin of truffle salt

Who is your style icon?

I don’t have to look very far for my style icon: my friend Ann Mashburn, retailer extraordinaire, without a doubt!

Ann Mashburn, Dallas store, artwork “Repose” by Stephanie Henderson

Your favorite up and coming artist?

I’m loving Logan Ledford’s work which I first saw on instagram,

and Tommy McDonnell, a new addition to Gregg Irby Gallery, where I sell my work in Atlanta

 What is your most treasured possession?

My house, with its light-filled sunroom that I use for my studio

What are you reading?

I’m on a mission to read most of the Man Booker Prize winners and finalists from the past couple of decades.  So right now I’m on Iris Murdoch’s The Sea, The Sea

What are you listening to?

An odd assortment of anything Eric Church,

Chris Stapleton, and Zac Brown Band, then Beck, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I like Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and Veranda.  

And I’m a new subsrciber to The English Room, which I already love!

I love seeing her work in the uber chic Sid and Ann Mashburn’s new Georgetown and Dallas shops.

Follow Stephanie on her website and Instagram and at Gregg Irby Gallery. 

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