We All Start Somewhere
A Little Bit About Me
About The Artist
Stephanie Ryan
My art is a gateway to inner peace, offering me a sacred space for reflection on the beauty of the spirit and the profound intuitiveness it stirs inside me. My highest aspiration is to touch the hearts of those who experience my work and learn watercolor from me, providing them moments of serenity and a deep sense of grounding.
Watercolorist.
Teacher.
Mentor.
Art Licensor.
Energy Healer.
Art has always been my refuge, but it wasn't until I found watercolors that I truly discovered my calling.
I'm Stephanie Ryan, and my journey as an artist has been one of healing, growth, and unexpected twists.
Read about my art journey ↓
From Dolls to Watercolors
My creative career began in the vibrant world of doll-making. As part of Little Souls, I crafted one-of-a-kind soft sculpture dolls that caught the eye of celebrities and even appeared on Oprah. This experience laid the foundation for my understanding of the art business, from wholesale to licensing.
A twist of fate - a fire that consumed our entire business park - pushed me in a new direction. Facing uncertainty, I took a leap and enrolled in art school in my thirties. Little did I know, that this decision would coincide with a challenging period of undiagnosed Lyme disease that would shape my path for years to come.
Finding Healing in Watercolors
During a particularly difficult time, I turned to watercolors as a form of solace. The simplicity of the medium allowed me to paint from the comfort of my bed, opening a world of possibilities. Those quiet moments of exploration became profoundly healing experiences, guiding me toward a new artistic direction: watercolor florals.
What began as a personal practice evolved into something much more significant. I discovered that creating art wasn't just about business; it was about developing a practice that nurtured my mind, body, and soul. This realization became the cornerstone of my approach to both creating and teaching art.
From Corporate to Creative Freedom
After roles as a senior concept designer at Lenox and a brand designer at Kathy Davis Studios, I took the plunge into self-employment in 2011. It was a scary but necessary step, driven by my health challenges and a deep desire for creative freedom.
I focused on licensing my art, a decision that has proven fruitful.. Over the years, I've been fortunate to work with over a hundred manufacturers and have seen my designs on countless products. My licensing flourished, so far earning over a million dollars in royalties.
Sharing the Joy of Watercolor
Today, my greatest joy comes from sharing my love of watercolor with others. I offer online watercolor courses that focus not just on skillful technique, but also on the meditative and calming aspects of the practice. My classes are designed to help you find your own moments of peace and creativity, whether you're a beginner to watercolor or looking to refine your skills and intuitive flow.
I'm also passionate about the therapeutic potential of art. Through my courses and original paintings, I aim to create spaces where others can experience the same healing and sense of grounded possibility that I've found through my art.
Looking Forward
As I continue on this artistic journey, I'm excited to explore new avenues and connect with more creative souls. Whether through my original floral watercolor paintings, online courses, or licensing work, my goal remains the same: to inspire, encourage, and calm others through the beauty of art.
I can't wait to see where it leads next.
I hope you'll join me in discovering the transformative power of watercolor.
The Art That Holds My Heart
My work is more than what I do—it’s an extension of who I am. I create original paintings, many of which evolve into licensing collections, finding their way onto products for home decor, stationery, and beyond. Much of this art exists quietly in the world, never shared here, but every piece carries my energy and intention.
Beyond creating, I also teach. I share my floral techniques, but my art is more than just technique—it’s a language of intuition, energy, and healing. There’s a deeply spiritual side to my art—one rooted in intuition, energy, and the pure joy of creative expression.
My Altars are sacred spaces for reflection and meditation. My Sacred Circles are more than paintings; they are a meditative escape, a place to lose myself and channel emotion onto the page. My Intuitive Symbols emerge from somewhere unknown, flowing through me as if they already exist, waiting to be seen. Each mark I make, whether in a delicate floral, an altar, or a deeply personal symbol, holds meaning.
Alongside my art, I weave in words—messages of encouragement, empathy, and gentle reminders to nurture yourself. My work is as much about the energy it carries as the visuals themselves. Whether it’s a soft, flowing floral or a meditative painting, my hope is that it offers a sense of peace, comfort, and inspiration.
Because of this, my work is eclectic, yet undeniably connected. My painting style threads through everything I create, weaving together different facets of my creative journey. Selecting just a few pieces to share here was difficult, but I chose those that feel like pieces of me—reflections of my process, my emotions, and the way art and I are intertwined.
