Spotlight on an Artist: Stephanie Bower

Meet Stephanie Bower is an internationally recognised architectural illustrator, urban sketcher, author and teacher, known for her beautifully observed drawings and distinctive use of perspective, line and watercolour. Based in Seattle, Stephanie has taught sketchers around the world and is the author of several highly regarded books on drawing, perspective and travel sketching.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

8/29/20262 min read

Photo of Stephanie Bower artist holding a sketchbook and looking towards the camera in front of the scene she is sketching
Photo of Stephanie Bower artist holding a sketchbook and looking towards the camera in front of the scene she is sketching

I first got to know Stephanie’s work through her online teaching and was lucky enough to meet her at USK Toulouse this year and attend her fabulous lecture.

I’m delighted she agreed to take part in my Spotlight on an Artist series - and her answers are such fun!

1. Favourite subject to sketch?

  • Cool, quiet, and complicated cathedral interiors.

2. Early bird or night owl?

  • Night owl. A holdover from architecture school.

3. Colour you can’t do without?

  • French Ultramarine.

4. Can you sing?

  • YES! I even earned a voice minor at University. Sang Joni Mitchell in coffee houses with my guitar, musicals, choirs much of my life (I know the soprano line from Mozart’s Requiem by heart), and even in a cover band when I was in my 50s. My mom always said that I sang before I could talk.

5. One art supply you hoard?

  • Watercolor brushes (my collection is ridiculous), especially Escoda :)

6. Favourite item of clothing?

  • My Pashmina scarfs from Nepal.

7. One item in your kit you couldn’t do without?

  • 30/60 architect’s triangle that I use as a straight edge.

8. Silliest art supply you’ve ever bought?

  • Every watercolor palette known to mankind, and I keep going back to the inexpensive Winsor & Newton Sketchers Pocket Box that I’ve had for decades.

9. Funniest comment from a passer-by?

  • “Can I buy that?” Funny because it’s in my sketchbook.

10. Favourite motto, quote or saying?

  • “If a door opens, walk through it.” If I’ve had any success in life, it’s because I gathered up my courage and walked through.

Here are some of the lovely images Stephanie shared with us:

Oxford Uni by artist Stephanie Bower, showing her distinctive use of perspective, fine linework and subtle watercolour.
Oxford Uni by artist Stephanie Bower, showing her distinctive use of perspective, fine linework and subtle watercolour.
Detailed architectural sketch by Stephanie Bower, combining precise perspective drawing, expressive linework and wash
Detailed architectural sketch by Stephanie Bower, combining precise perspective drawing, expressive linework and wash
Perspective street scene by Stephanie Bower, demonstrating her beautifully observed architectural drawing
Perspective street scene by Stephanie Bower, demonstrating her beautifully observed architectural drawing

You can discover more of Stephanie’s work and teaching through the following links:

Instagram: @stephanieabower

Facebook: stephanieabower.Seattle

Info, workshops, and live online classes: www.drawingpserspectives.com

Architectural Illustration: www.stephaniebower.com

Online courses: Craftsy.com and Terracotta.art

Books: www.amazon.com

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