Stephanie Conte is a classically-trained fine artist known for her dedication to realism. She attended the prestigious New York Academy of Art where she earned a Master’s degree in Fine Art and honed her skills in artistic anatomy and classical oil painting methodologies. Her current work focuses on semi-classical portraiture and landscape paintings where she combines both direct and indirect painting techniques.  Often starting with an imprimatura, and/or a grisaille, she gradually carves out more and more detailed variations of form with each painting session. But her work is not simply about creating a pretty picture.

“Creating art is so special to me. During the most difficult times in my life, art- drawing and painting saved me. It gave me a purpose and something to look forward to when the world around me was dark and chaotic. It was a way to quiet the noise and was the one thing I had that made me feel good about myself. Prior to that point in my life I painted because it was fun, but I never took it very seriously. After, I saw it as the lifeline it was. I don’t know if I would have gotten through those times without it. Now it’s a kind of meditation for me. It’s not optional, it’s essential.”