This new creation is a work of love and nature, capturing the serene beauty and rich colors of the fall season. It also happens to be in one of my favorite places: Itasca State Park.
A Special Honor: Featured Artist at 210 Gallery's Winter Exhibition
Meet Stephen Henning: A Journey Through My “Perspectives” at Beck Gallery
From September 20 to November 6, 2023, I am honored to have my work on display at the Beck Gallery in Legacy Hall, M State Fergus Falls. This exhibit features 22 of my original paintings, created between 1992 and 2023, representing over three decades of artistic exploration. The artist reception, held on October 5, was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this collection with the community. I was invited to showcase my work by Lori Charest, Head of the Art Department at M State Fergus Falls, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with you.
Stephen Henning in front of his paintings at Beck Gallery.
A Lifelong Passion for Art
My journey in art began long before this exhibit. I studied at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Minnesota, and my career has included various creative disciplines—graphic design, illustration, and even video production. However, in 1989, after visiting an exhibit of Claude Monet’s paintings at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, I found myself drawn back to painting. The experience inspired me to pick up a paintbrush, and by 1993, I had made the leap to pursue painting full-time.
The natural world has always been my greatest source of inspiration. My earlier works focused on the American wilderness and rural landscapes, as I preferred these serene scenes over urban environments. Initially, my paintings were more representational, capturing the details and essence of the landscapes I encountered. But as time went on, my style shifted towards a more impressionistic approach, and I began to incorporate elements of fantasy into my more recent works.
The Meaning Behind “Perspectives”
When selecting a title for this exhibition, I chose “Perspectives” for its dual meaning. On one hand, it references the importance of perspective in landscape painting—how it allows us to capture the depth and scale of natural scenes. On the other hand, it reflects how my own artistic perspective has evolved over the years.
In my early works, I was focused on capturing a visual reference of the landscapes before me, translating the beauty of nature onto the canvas as faithfully as possible. But as I’ve grown as an artist, I’ve come to appreciate the joy and freedom that comes with embracing the painting process itself. Now, my work is much more about exploration and play—whether that means experimenting with unexpected color choices, applying thicker layers of paint, or simply letting the creative process unfold in a more fluid way.
As I’ve developed my craft, I’ve come to celebrate the beauty of imperfection and spontaneity. Sometimes the colors are bold and unexpected, sometimes the paint is applied thickly, and other times, I allow myself to simply enjoy the playfulness of creating. This shift in perspective has brought a new energy to my work, and I hope that you, too, will see and feel it as you explore this collection.
An Invitation to View
I invite you to come experience “Perspectives” at Beck Gallery in Legacy Hall. This exhibit not only showcases the progression of my work from the early 1990s to the present day but also offers a window into my evolving relationship with painting. Whether you’re drawn to the detailed realism of my earlier works or the more playful, impressionistic nature of my recent pieces, I hope this collection resonates with you and brings a sense of joy and wonder.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with you and hope you enjoy viewing these paintings as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them.