Stephen McMillan

Early Life and Inspiration

Born in Berkeley, California, in 1949, Stephen McMillan was raised in an environment that offered a breathtaking view of the San Francisco Bay. This majestic scene played a significant role in kindling his fascination with landscapes, which became one of his earliest drawing subjects. Demonstrating his artistic potential early on, Stephen held his first solo exhibition at the age of sixteen.

Education and Artistic Development

Stephen pursued his higher education at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he developed his artistic talents further. During his studies, he also spent a year at Hornsey College of Art in London, England, focusing primarily on sculpture. It was at UC Santa Cruz in 1969 where Stephen first encountered the technique of etching, which would become a cornerstone of his artistic career. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from UCSC in 1975, he dedicated himself to the creation of aquatint etchings, capturing wilderness landscapes through freehand drawings based on photographs he captured himself.

Professional Career and Contributions

From 1975 to 1979, Stephen worked at the Graphic Arts Workshop in San Francisco, honing his skills and expanding his artistic repertoire. From 1979 to 1992, he served as an artist in residence at the Kala Institute in Berkeley. Here, he not only continued to refine his craft but also shared his knowledge by teaching printmaking classes. His expertise in aquatint etching led him to write three technical articles on the subject, contributing significantly to the field.

Later Life and Current Endeavors

Stephen's journey continued as he moved to Petaluma, where he lived and worked from 1992 until 2005. Since then, he has settled in Bellingham, Washington, where he continues to explore and express the beauty of nature through his art. His lifelong dedication to capturing the essence of landscapes through aquatint etchings has left a lasting impression on both the art community and nature enthusiasts alike.