Drawing always came naturally to portrait artist, Kadine Stephens. She recalls doodling during church and on the edges of her papers throughout elementary and middle school. “In high school, I decided to take art classes, and it was in AP Art that we started learning the fundamentals of painting and blending techniques. I always looked forward to art class; it felt like my home away from home.” After finishing nursing school, Kadine decided to focus on portrait painting and watched countless YouTube videos to master proportions. “From there, I began to develop my own niche and continued to practice relentlessly.”
Kadine’s portfolio includes her signature monochromatic style that emerged when she painted her first portrait—Barack Obama. “While I was still learning to master portraiture, I started with shades of gray, black, and white. After completing a few more pieces, I fell in love with the style, and it stuck,” says Kadine.
Inspired by a mix of personal experiences, cultural influences, and a deep connection to emotion and storytelling, Kadine is often drawn to the timeless feel of black-and-white photography and the nostalgic vibes of the ‘90s, which influences her monochromatic style. “I’ve never dabbled into photography. I do have a huge respect for photographers though. I think photography is beautiful; to have such a keen eye on perspective, color grading etc is dope,” she says.
Kadine adds that she is fascinated by the way art can capture raw emotion and tell stories without words. This drives her to create pieces that resonate with both personal meaning and universal appeal. “Ultimately, my art is a reflection of the world around me, the people I encounter, and the emotions that shape our human experience.”
Joining a community of Black creatives has also deeply influenced Kadine’s art by providing a sense of connection, support, and inspiration. “Being part of this community allows me to see how other Black artists express their experiences and identities through different mediums, which pushes me to explore new perspectives and techniques in my own work,” she says. “The shared understanding of cultural experiences, history, and struggles fosters a creative environment where I can authentically express myself and feel understood, reminding me that my voice and art matter in a broader cultural conversation.”
To see more of Kadine’s work, visit her website at kadinestephens.com and follow her on Instagram: @the.nurse.who.paints.
