Gulf Shore NS, 2004
Pastel painting
20" x 25"

“I prefer to paint from life. I believe it to be the ultimate in representational art because it is about real experience and demands the highest level of skill. When you paint from life, the subject, the environment and you interact as one together.”

Stephanie Birdsall received her formal training at the City and Guilds of London Art School in England. After graduation she spent time traveling through Europe honing her skills as a plein air painter. Upon her return to the United States, Stephanie has been fortunate to study under several top artists including: Doug Dawson, Albert Handel, Ramon Kelly and Frank Federico.

Her work has garnered recognition and awards in national and international juried exhibitions. She has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London, England, in Bargemon, France and at the National Arts Club in New York. Among the awards she has received are Best in Show at the Bridgeport Museum of Arts and Science, the Grumbacher Gold Medallion Award, the Degas Pastel Society Exceptional Merit Award,the Connecticut Pastel Society Herman Margulies Award and the Catherine Lorillard Wolf Arts Club, John Manship Award. In 2004 her work was selected by the National Academy of the Arts for inclusion in the Arts for the Parks National Exhibition.

For more information, visit her website: www.stephaniebirdsall.com