Stephanie Wright

Stephanie began painting in 2018 after autoimmune arthritis forced her early retirement from her career as a Veterinary Surgeon.

Growing up in Europe, Stephanie developed an appreciation of art, particularly portraiture, but motherhood, her vocation and a family tragedy prevented her from exploring her own artistic abilities. 

A portrait of Nick Cave by Archibald finalist Ben Smith led her to begin Ben’s “Innovative Oil Painting” classes in Northern NSW. Stephanie’s first portrait, of her husband, was selected as a finalist in the 2019 SBS Portrait Prize on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Another, of her friend Trevor and his dog Kawaii, was selected as a finalist in the inaugural Du Rietz Art Prize in Queensland. 

Her triptych of two local identities and their mutual grandchild also received much acclaim and many popular votes at the Ukitopia Art show. 

Stephanie is particularly attracted to the medium of oils as it facilitates her habitual attention to detail and to nuances of light and colour plus allows for the correction of inevitable slips from her staff hands. 

She is inspired by the expression of mood and character within the tiny details of portraits of both people and animals. 

Her hope for the future is that her physical health will allow her to be able to develop her skills and expand her passion for painting into a fulfilling second career. 

Stephanie now lives in Adelaide with her husband and daughter. 

She has a solo exhibition planned for early 2021 at the Art Post Uki and is an exhibiting member of the Adelaide Art Society and RSASA.