Artist of the Month July 2026

Stacey White

Sanford, Florida, USA

I began my interest in art in elementary and middle school, mostly sketching with pencils and using colored pencils for color. By the end of middle school, a traumatic event occurred that forced me to focus on survival rather than expressing art.  Here and there while raising my children, I shared art projects with them, school projects and used artistic values for themed birthday parties and school events.  But about five years ago, right before my divorce after almost 30 years of marriage, I dove headfirst into acrylic painting. Again, my mental health tool came in handy, painting pieces of abandonment, disbelief and grief.  I feel extremely lucky to have this talent as it’s saved my life many times.

How and when did you start creating art?

I started very young with creating art, throughout elementary and middle school. I can remember being in third grade, winning first place for sketching an owl with color pencils. I truly enjoyed creating something out of nothing.  I used creating art throughout my life as a mental health tool. Some talk in times of darkness, some take to vices, but I was able to release negativity through drawing and creating a visual representation of how I needed to express my feelings.

What media and genres do you work in?

I work mostly in acrylic painting, including acrylic pours and acrylic inks.  I also sketch using graphite and charcoal.  I truly enjoy balancing abstract, playful backgrounds with detailed and suggestive realism subjects.

Who or what are your influences?

I have always loved VanGogh, Gustav Klimt, and Salvador Dali.  I began my college career as an Art History major.  Although I didn’t complete my studies, I enjoyed the knowledge of the beginning of these master artists.  A current artist that got me very excited to begin creating again is Tahlia Stanton.  While I’ve enjoyed watching her growth throughout the years, I’m called to her older workings, focusing on beautifully layered backgrounds pulled through to the surface for the subject of focus.

What was your inspiration for

Boating in Italian

?

My inspiration for this painting, Boating in Italian, was travel.  I love to travel, being emerged in different cultures and sinking into them for a short time has always enticed me.  I love taking photographs capturing the culture and sharing details about the location and the local people, solidifying that we’re all just living on this planet together.  When I return home, I like to transform my photographs into paintings to embody the feeling of that place.  Boating in Italian is based on my photo taken in Riomaggiore, Cinque Tierre, Italy.  A breathtaking, beautiful coastal area that includes five fishing villages.

Describe your creative process?

The first step for me is to feel attached to the subject of the painting. This allows me to stay motivated and translate my emotions onto the canvas. While I’m still establishing a consistent, recognizable style, I think the emotions that are used while painting are what drives my creative process and shines through in the final product.

What are you working on currently?

I always have several pieces working.  One is a portrait of my youngest daughter’s Dalmatian. Her dog has such a personality, that I have to capture it in acrylic.  I’m also excited about producing acrylic pours and incorporating realism subjects and blurring the line between the two.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

My goals are to produce and share more art and hone in on my specific painting style.  I’m looking at setting up a website for the opportunity to sell my work and to just be open to all opportunities that fortunately cross my path.

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

Currently I post my paintings on Instagram (artness808). All postings are available for purchase.  Also, currently I have a painting, Teal Trauma, in a gallery in Winter Park, Florida, Crealdé School of Art.  This piece was sold and placed third in the Painting & Drawing category.