Judy Steffens is a Central Illinois artist working from her studio at home. Judy is a figurative realist oil painter. Each of Judy’s paintings depicts a visual encounter that she has experienced, sparking her imagination. Her work demonstrates an intimacy with the subject and thoughtful storytelling.

Judy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Bradley University.

Judy has been active in her local art communities and belongs to both local and national art organizations. In recent years, she has exhibited widely in local and regional exhibitions. Her work has also been accepted into national juried exhibitions. Judy has exhibited in several two-person and solo exhibitions.

Artist Statement

My artistic journey is a reflection of the vibrant and contemporary experiences of people. Through the medium of realistic oil on canvas, I capture intimate moments shared among individuals.

For the past five years, I have been using the beach, a place universally loved by humans, as the central theme. As I depict one or more individuals engaging in various activities in this setting, it serves as a testament to the bonds of friendship and the shared experiences that define our lives.

Take, for example, a pair of young women engrossed in something on a mobile phone screen. What are they sharing? This question invites contemplation on the role of technology in shaping modern relationships, blending the timeless allure of the beach with the ever-evolving landscape of digital connectivity.

In contrast, another composition portrays a busy city beach. Amidst this active scene, the focal point rests upon three young women, college-aged and unmistakably united, yet walking in silence, their connection palpable yet unspoken. As they move away from the viewer, their figures embody a sense of camaraderie tinged with introspection, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human relationships amidst the energy of city life and the serenity of the beach.

Through attention to detail, I offer commentary on contemporary life, juxtaposing the timeless allure of the beach with the transitory nature of our modern-day existence.

www.judysteffens.com

What initially drew you to art?

I was a horse-crazy little girl. I recall sitting in my 2nd grade classroom drawing a horse on the lined school paper. When I got to the hind legs, I wasn’t sure of the anatomy. I made a plan to pay attention the next time I saw a horse so I could get the legs right next time. Obviously, I was interested in realism even at that young age!

As I got a few years older, I collected all the horse books I could: Black Beauty, The Black Stallion collection, Misty of Chincoteague—books illustrated by C.W. Anderson, Wesley Dennis, and others. I was less interested in reading the books than I was captivated by the illustrations. I’d study and copy those drawings of horses endlessly.

As a teenager, my attention turned to clothes, makeup, and hairstyles. I poured over fashion magazines, again inspired by the illustrations and photos.

My drawings and early paintings, influenced by what I was seeing around me, began to get attention. I was asked to do artwork for posters. Once in a while, a teacher would ask to buy a little drawing. Of course, as a shy person, I enjoyed the attention received for my art. It was also the thing I was good at.

I never wanted to be anything other than an artist.

What elements of your life have ended up becoming a part of your art?

Where I’ve lived, what and whom I’ve loved, and places in the world I’ve been, have all become a part of my art.

When I was a 19-year-old college student, my family visited Florida for the first time. I was born and raised in Illinois, so that first trip—the beaches, the warm weather, the ocean—made a huge impact.

I took photos of my two sisters on the beach. As soon as we got back home, I could hardly wait to paint what was my first beach painting, referencing those photos of my sisters.

When my daughter was two, we took her on her first trip to Florida. I took photos of her on the beach that later became a painting. My painting “33 Years Later” was a painting of her son, also at age two, on the very same beach, seeing the ocean for his first time.

In 2010, my husband and I moved to Florida. We rented a tiny studio condo right on the beach. Not only did that daily proximity to beach life become the major theme of all my artwork since then, but it also ignited my desire to paint again after years of little productivity.

By now, I’ve done lots of paintings of my children, sisters, grandchildren, and husband, and more are planned. My favorite models!

Someone once told me I painted “love.” I think that describes it well.

What about your practice do you find the most fulfilling and/or energizing?

While I am at work in my studio, I become totally oblivious to time. I get lost in what I’m creating. For me, painting itself is joyful and stress-releasing. I guess that’s why my paintings are bright and colorful. It’s a reflection of how I’m feeling.

There are days, of course, when it’s hard to get started, and I don’t want to work in the studio. But I know myself. I know as soon as I smell the oils being squeezed onto my palette and get those brushes in my hand, I’m good to go for hours.

I develop a “relationship” with my subjects. As I’m creating a painting, I’m also forming a story in my own mind about the figures—who they are, what they are doing at the moment I’m capturing.

And, of course, it is fulfilling and validating when I receive positive feedback for my art, including when I get selected for shows or am given an exhibition opportunity.

The truth is, I’d be painting anyway. I feel my best any day that I have painted.

Tell us about your experience getting to where you are now. What has been the most important thing you’ve learned?

The most important thing I’ve learned is that one is never too old to begin an art career.

After I graduated from college, my art took a backseat. I got married right away and went to work at a job that ended up being a 32-year career. I had two children. Then I got a divorce.

It was a long break from creating art.

When I met and married my husband, Jon, he encouraged me to begin painting again. I was finally retired, we were living in Florida, the inspiration was abundant, and I had time.

I wanted my art to be seen. I wanted to have a solo exhibition, but I had no idea how to make that happen.

Scrolling Facebook one day, I saw a post about an art Boot Camp designed for emerging artists. That was the first time I’d heard the term “emerging artist.” But what really spoke to me was hearing “you can begin your art career at any age.”

It’s a longer story I’d be happy to share, but the bottom line is that post, in the summer of 2018, changed my world.

All the exhibitions I’ve had and participated in, the artwork I’ve sold, even receiving the honor of being a part of Create! Magazine, was born out of that one post affirming that I was not too old to be an artist.

How has ‘community’ impacted your artistic practice?

When I was in college, I did not appreciate studio classes with the opportunity to interact with fellow art students on a regular basis. It wasn’t until years later that I realized how much creative energy is produced by putting artists together.

My husband and I moved back to Illinois from Florida. I found a small studio space available in what had once been a commercial bakery, now converted into artist studios.

For me, as a “new” artist, it was a great, learning environment. I met so many fellow artists there. We had an exhibit space. We all held open studios on First Fridays. We all participated and supported each other. I enjoyed the camaraderie and friendliness of the group. It was really rewarding to be part of that community and share endeavors that helped all of us.

Today, we live in a tiny rural town. There isn’t even a coffee shop here. My studio is in my home. I work in isolation.

Though I make an effort to maintain a relationship with the artist communities that are within driving distance, I certainly don’t have the frequent access I used to enjoy.

These days, I rely on a community that exists on social media for the sense of connection I used to get in a physical space.

It’s actually amazing how vibrant an online community can be. I have found artists that encourage each other, inform and educate each other, and share their work with receptive audiences and friends. Furthermore, as a shy person, in some ways it is easier to connect on a social media forum than to approach someone at a gallery or exhibit. I’ve discovered artwork and artists I admire that I might never have seen without social media.

I have a few times taken a road trip to see an exhibit and meet an artist I’ve gotten to know in my online community. I really enjoy those opportunities to have IRL conversations with virtual friends. Also, if I’m aware that an artist I like has artwork in a gallery or exhibit in a city that I’ll be visiting, I’ll go check it out.

Community is a source of friendship, feedback, and inspiration.