Watercolorist Stacey Small-Rupp

Q) When and how did you get started in art?
A) For as long as I can remember, I knew I would have a career in art.  After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UW Stout I started networking with other artists.  I worked for a framing gallery and several art galleries to learn the business of selling art, and the rest of my time developing my own personal style.

Q) Why did you decide to make and sell reproduction prints along with your originals?
A) When I do art shows, more than half of my customers are looking for prints because they are more affordable.  Of course, there are people who will only buy originals, but selling prints has been very lucrative for me.

Q) What galleries and art fairs are you in?
A) Galleries: George Burr Gallery, Ephraim and The Cupola House, Egg Harbor
Art Shows: Sturgeon Bay Art Fair, Baileys Harbor Spring and Fall Show, Menominee, MI Art for All, John Michael Kohler Art Center Show, Jacksonport's Cherry Fest, Green Bay's ARTSTREET (Award of Excellence 2008), Egg Harbor's Pumpkin Patch Fest.

Q) Who was your influence?
A) I was fortunate to be able to paint with some of the "Master's" in Door County.  I learned so much from Phil Austin and Gerhard Miller.  These guys were in their 90's and still painting, I discover something new with every painting I do.  Watercolor is very unforgiving.

Q) What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
A) Persistence has paid off for me.  in the beginning, it's a lot of hard work for very little pay.  I've been selling my artwork for 16 years now and each year brings something new.

Q) What are your thoughts on the giclee process of reproduction?
A) I will never go back to lithographs as prints after seeing the quality of the giclee prints.  Inkdrop Arthaus does an excellent job getting colors just right and my deadlines are always met on time.  I feel good about selling my artwork in prints because I know the customer is getting a quality piece that will never fade and last a long time.