Stephanie Wheeler, born in Louisville, Kentucky, was raised in Georgia by a creative family who encouraged her to explore her artistic talent from an early age. After many art classes and trips to Europe studying all of the masters, Stephanie was encouraged by her mother to participate in a father/daughter art show. Jim Wheeler, also an oil painter, was thrilled with the idea. The decision turned out to be the turning point in her life and career as an artist. Soon after the show, she immersed herself completely with additional classes with portrait painter, Marc Chatov. Much of her work today was influenced by her time spent painting the figure and learning color from Chatov. Wheeler's work spans a wide range from colorful Colorado tree studies to abstract floral compositions, all representing an exceptional command and fearless use of color. Her multi-layered palette knife work adds intrigue to some of her favorite subject matters. "There is a real sense of freedom and exhilaration when I am in the middle of a painting. Layering, pushing, scraping the paint, adding rhythmic brushstrokes. Then the mysteries of the composition come alive."
Artist Statement: Art is the collaboration between the heart and mind in an effort to expose a piece of the artist's soul.
