Stephanie Rew British, b. 1971

Stephanie Rew is a Scottish painter based in Edinburgh. Her highly detailed figurative paintings are in collections across the UK, USA, Canada and Europe and she is gaining considerable international interest in her work.

Pattern, colour and texture of textiles and costume are intrinsic to Stephanie's work, giving the painting a tactile and dramatic element, placing the model in a timeless era. Tone and form as well as strong light and colour is important, as her paintings concentrate on the relationship between tonality and texture whilst keeping a private, reflective mood with the work.

Stephanie is interested in the historical element of art and theatrical costume has always been a favoured theme. The use of couture garments along with the kimono to add drama and design to her work.

Rew's inspirations come from a lifelong love of the Ukiyo-e Japanese wood-cut prints as well as the works of Caravaggio, Whistler and Sargent. She is influenced by the Baroque style of oil painting and utilises a combination of Old Masters techniques with her own. Other influences include devotional artists of the Early Renaissance, Giotto and Crivelli, as well as the Scottish Arts and Crafts movement, particularly the modern fresco work of Margaret MacDonald and Phoebe Anna Traquair. Stephanie enjoys bringing the classical techniques into the present day.