Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Stein.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Adrienne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Pennsylvania and have been a visual artist for as long as I can remember. Starting at 11 years old, I received classical training in drawing & oil painting in an “atelier” setting (a small, private academy where a student can learn the fundamentals and techniques of their craft). I’ve always known that art was my true calling and my voice in the world, so I pursued an educational path that reflected that. I moved to southern California after high school to attend Laguna College of Art & Design in Laguna Beach, CA. There, I solidified my interest in realism and the methods of the Old Masters, particularly painting the human figure and the portrait. I graduated with my BFA in 2007 and spent some time traveling and living in various places and making my living by doing portraits commissions and selling my work in galleries. In 2011, I moved to Boston to pursue my MFA in painting at Boston University, which I finished in 2013. I have been a full-time artist ever since. I work with several galleries and I also do portrait commissions and teach oil painting workshops, so there are several facets to what I do.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like any creative path, there have been many uncertain times and challenges. I’ve had years with very good sales as well as lean years. I’ve always made sure to keep my life as simple as possible and my living expenses few so that I could take creative risks without financial worry. I’ve always wanted to keep loving what I do, and not feel anxiety about my creative vision because it’s also my job. I used any income from my art sales to continue investing in my work – taking workshops, attending conferences, buying better materials. Create a life for yourself that allows you to focus on doing your most excellent work, whatever that may be. I entered as many competitions and juried exhibitions as possible in the early years after art school. I put myself out there. Even if you don’t feel ready, take every opportunity. Reach out to people you admire and if you have the chance, study or intern with them.
Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am best known for my oil painted portrait and figurative work which has a magical realist/fantastical quality. Since I am greatly influenced by artists of the 19th century, my paintings have a distinctive nostalgic beauty that evokes another time. I love painting women in particular, as I am inspired by the powerful and gentlewomen in my life. I am also inspired by women in mythology, literature, and folklore. The color and mood in my work hopefully transport the viewer to a new space, a world they haven’t yet visited. In my teaching, I try to suggest an imaginative approach to depicting a subject as well and capturing the human spirit.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Books:
“Letters to a Young Poet” by Rainer Maria Rilke
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron
“The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri
Podcasts:
“On Being” with Krista Tippett
“Lore” with Aaron Mahnke
“Gently Does It” with John Dalton
“The Robcast” with Rob Bell
Pricing:
- Paintings are priced by the sq. inch, and are generally priced at $10/sq. in.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.adriennestein.com
- Phone: (717)873-4656
- Email: stein.adrienne@gmail.com
- Instagram: @adriennestein
- Facebook: Adrienne Stein
- Other: Please sign up for my email newsletter (on my website) to receive news on upcoming studio projects, workshops, exhibitions, and sales.
Image Credit:
Portrait photo, “Adrienne Stein in her studio, 2017” photo credit to: Judy Stein
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