Judy Steffens

I am a contemporary figurative realist painter, with a deep passion for capturing the human figure in everyday moments.

My work is heavily influenced by my love for the ocean, an inspiration that took root when my husband and I spent a year living by the beach in Florida.

The energy and tranquility of the sea became a central theme in my art, blending my fascination with people and the timeless allure of the ocean.

In my beach scenes, I strive to convey the quiet, joyful moments that define our lives—whether it’s friends bonding, individuals finding peace in solitude, or families enjoying the surf.

These paintings reflect the universal connection humans have with the sea, offering both exhilaration and calm.

I often incorporate contemporary elements, such as mobile phones, to ground my work in modern life, capturing not only the natural beauty of the moment but also the rich cultural context of our time.

Since 2018, I have focused on depicting beach settings as a backdrop for these intimate, fleeting moments. By merging various elements from photos I have taken, I create unique compositions that tell a story beyond the surface.

My goal is to evoke reflection, joy, and an appreciation for the simple, yet significant, mom...

Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois BS Fine Art

2024

"Create! Magazine" Issue #45, Selected for print issue by Sergio Gomez
"Women In Art" Online Group Exhibition, Las Laguna Art Gallery, Laguna Beach, California
"CAC Member Artists Biennial Exhibition" Member Exhibition, Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, Peoria, Illinois


2023

"A Day At The Beach" Solo Exhibition, McLean County Arts Center Armstrong Gallery, Bloomington, Illinois
"No Place To Show", Juried Group Exhibition, M. G. Nelson Gallery, Springfield, Illinois
"Art In Gift 2023", Group Exhibition, Exhibit A Gallery, Peoria Heights Illinois

2022

"Art In Gift", Exhibit A Gallery, Peoria Heights, Illinois
"Beach Stories" Solo Exhibit" Peoria Art Guild Project Room, Peoria, Illinois
"CAC at DAAC", Members Exhibition, Anne Lloyd Gallery, Decatur, Illinois
"No Place To Show", Juried Group Exhibition, M. G. Nelson Gallery, Springfield, Illinois
"Quad City Arts at The Airport", Two Person Exhibition, Quad Cities Airport Gallery, Moline, Illinois
"Hot CIAO IX", Peoria, Illinois
"Peoria Art Guild Members Show", Peoria, Illinois
"Bayou City Art Festival" , Memorial Park, Houston, Texas
"Coconut Grove Art Festival", Miami, Florida

2021

“Art in Gift” Exhibit A Gallery, Peoria Heights, Illinois
“132nd Annual Members Ex...