Stephen Henning

Artist Biography

Stephen Henning born in Minot, North Dakota, is the grandson of South Dakota "sodbusters.' He grew up in Anoka, Minnesota, where Ernest Oberholtzer (co-founder of The Wilderness Society) became his mentor. The Midwestern landscape that surrounded him became the subject of his large scale canvases, featuring natural images such as the waterlillies found on Minnesota lakes.

Henning was an award-winning graphic designer and creative director for 15 years before beginning his career as a painter full time. Since the 1990's, Henning has developed a distinctive style of American impressionism, creating superscale original still life paintings in an impressionistic style. He often begins his paintings outdoors, in the traditional "plein aire” style, then finishes his painting in the studio.

He serves as artist-in-residence in rural schools up to five weeks each year and has taught outdoor painting workshops for many organizations throughout the Midwest. In a life-long endeavor to support the arts, he is a director on the boards for the Evansville Arts Coalition, Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts, and COMPAS, a non-profit organization serving communities throughout Minnesota.

Henning resides near Inspiration Peak, Minnesota's second highest promontory, and shares studio space with fellow artist and wife, Jacqueline, and their children.

Stephen Henning Art, Prints and Posters Collection