Stephanie Rew, an Edinburgh-based artist, is renowned for her realistic figurative paintings that are adorned with gold ornaments. Her work is a modern blend of historical artistry and contemporary design, often featuring women in dramatic and elaborate costumes. Rew’s paintings are not just visual experiences but also tactile ones, as she incorporates textured gold details that add a luxurious depth to her compositions. Influenced by the Baroque style and Old Masters techniques, Rew brings classical methods into the present, creating pieces that resonate with both past and present art enthusiasts.
Her inspirations draw from a lifelong appreciation of Ukiyo-e Japanese wood-cut prints and the works of Caravaggio, Whistler, and Sargent, as well as the devotional artists of the Early Renaissance and the Scottish Arts and Crafts movement. For those interested in exploring the intricate relationship between decorative gold leaf and oil painting, Rew’s work is a splendid example of how traditional techniques can be adapted to reflect contemporary themes.
I am interested in the historical element of art and theatrical costumes has always been a favoured theme, and have been using couture garments along with the kimono to add drama and design to my art. Recently I have been incorporating gold leaf into my work, exploring the relationship between the decorative reflective gold leaf surface and a fully rendered oil painting. The design and pattern of the surface and textiles have become an important part of my painted compositions. My inspirations come from my life long love of the Ukiyo-e Japanese wood-cut prints as well as the works of Caravaggio, Whistler and Sargent. I am influenced by the Baroque style of oil painting and utilise a combination of Old Masters techniques with my own. I also am influenced by the devotional artists of the Early Renaissance, Giotto and Crivelli, as well as the Scottish Arts and Crafts movement, particularly the modern fresco work of Margaret MacDonald and Phoebe Anna Traquair. I enjoy bringing the classical techniques into the present day. It grounds me as an artist to look back in time to learn. Ideas for my paintings usually come to me instinctively as finished images in my mind; this means the work has no distinct narrative. That I leave to the viewer to create for themselves.
Stephanie Rew
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