Ian Stephens

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Ian Stephens is an internationally acclaimed artist, currently living in North Queensland, Australia.

[edit] Biography

Ian Stephens was born in Victoria ’s picturesque Gippsland region and began drawing and painting at an early age. The comparative isolation of country living complemented Ian’s personal, artistic development and allowed him to create his unique style of art in characteristic sepia tones. A decision to predominantly focus his artworks on Australian landscapes, country houses and streetscapes was artistically, a logical progression, in consideration of his rural upbringing and love for the countryside.

Later, he relocated to Melbourne to engross himself in the study of Fine Art and painting techniques. This was followed by extensive travelling of the world to study and broaden his technical knowledge. To further advance his professional career, his first solo art exhibition was held at Young Originals Gallery, South Yarra . At the exhibition Ian discovered that some clients had queued for several hours prior to the opening, while others had travelled from interstate specifically to purchase his works. The exhibition sold out and this artistic success encouraged him enormously. He continued to hold one man exhibitions annually, all of which were extremely successful and most resulting in sell outs. Ian is among the minority of practising, professional artists whose income is derived entirely from the proceeds of their artworks.

During his career Ian has travelled extensively throughout regional Australia and produced highly individual interpretations of the countryside in his characteristically detailed style. Creatively, Ian found himself irresistibly drawn by the tropics and made several extended visits to the area. Eventually succumbing to its allure in 1992, he relocated to North Queensland where he continues to live and work.

Ian’s works have been exhibited internationally in England (London) and the USA (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego). His paintings are represented in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Among his personal clients are Heads of State including U.S. Presidents, Australian Prime Ministers and Governor Generals.

[edit] Quotes

"In the course of my career I have developed two quite separate and very distinctive styles of painting. Each has culminated from a particular environmental influence at a certain period of my life. As a young artist the evolution of my signature ‘Sepia Style’ resulted in reflective works influenced by country life. More recently, a sea change to North Queensland in 1992 saw a sudden burst of colour on my otherwise subtle palette. I continue to enjoy painting in both styles, and sharing different aspects of my life through my art."