“I paint things that I can see, but that doesn’t mean it’s a straightforward process. The question is, what do you see?”
—Stephanie Monteith
Stephanie Monteith is a Sydney-based artist recognized for the chromatic intensity of her representational paintings. By observing objects, spaces, landscapes and people or other animals and their interactions with one another, Monteith looks for the wonder and interconnectedness of life. She seeks an expression of truth revealed through observation.
Using direct observation, Monteith is interested in capturing the variety of light effects upon things. This method is employed outside to work en plein air where the changing light and weather have a powerful effect on what is made. She also utilizes direct observation within the studio where the environment is more predictable because light and other conditions can be regulated. Monteith enjoys practicing these different routines and especially the way it encourages her to explore the dynamic possibilities of oil paint.
Stephanie Monteith (b. 1973, Australia) completed her MFA at the University of New South Wales. Monteith has received an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship for academic research, and has been awarded a number of other grants and artist residencies. She has won several Australian art prizes including the Jenny Birt Award for Painting at the University of New South Wales and the Gosford Art Prize. Monteith has also been selected as a finalist in a number of highly competitive Australian prize exhibitions including: the Archibald Prize, the Wynne Prize and the Sir John Sulman Prize. She has had thirteen solo exhibitions and teaches at the National Art School in Sydney. The artist lives and works in Sydney, Australia.
