Flashback Friday

Milk & Cookies
7" x 5" Limited Edition Giclée Print
Contact me @ stephanietoral@comcast.net for details

This morning I decided to look back at work from my last "Painting a Day" project and I'm still obsessed with this piece! What is more comforting than an ice cold glass of milk and my favorite cookies. This brings back memories of my childhood and how every Friday afternoon I always had a plate of of freshly baked treats (along with the usual fruit tray) waiting to greet Marc, Keller and Cara as they returned home from school. Before I knew it, my kitchen was filled with more kids faster than you could say "cookie!"

Happy Sweetest Day!

Little something for that sweetheart in your life! These little 4 x 6 sentiments will be offered as part of the "A Painting a Day Project" to benefit the David Adler Music & Arts Center starting November 1, 2016. Be sure to save the date!

Orange Crush

Nothing screams October like the color orange. While pumpkins are the obvious orange crush, I am finding my inspiration from the delightful pops of this color around autumn accents in my home. Today, I began painting a pair of ranunculus, their delicate petals bursting with shades of my favorite fall color.

The completed "Persian Roses" will be featured during the month of November as part of my "A Painting a Day" project to benefit the David Adler Music & Arts Center

"Zinnia"
30" x 20" Image Size
Urban Bronze Frame
Contact me @ stephanietoral@comcast.net
for more information 

"Papillon et Papaver" Copper Intaglio Etching
4" x 6" Image Size
Madrid Black Frame
Contact me @ stephanietoral@comcast.net
for more information

More About "A Painting a Day"

Studio a mess. Creatively blocked. Stuck in a rut. Fixated on images that can't be let go. This describes my current state of mind. It MUST be time for "A Painting a Day!"

What a mess!
Something MUST be done.
Time to get organized for "A Painting a Day!"

This project begins as a bit of "creative housekeeping" for me. I have flat files full of completed and uncompleted works that have been accumulating in my studio. My sketchbooks are full of clippings and unrealized ideas. In order to explore new themes and subjects and start down a new path, I need to clear my mind and my studio of all that I have been holding onto for sooooo long. Sorting through my work, I discovered there are many pieces that I have shelved, that could be brought out and reevaluated. I am also excited to discover that concepts and compositions that I once abandoned, now rekindle my imagination!

Now that I had all of this work that is ready to be reintroduced, what better way to do that, then to benefit an organization that has been a significant part of my artistic life, the David Adler Music & Arts Center!

So, I am now in the process of organizing, planning, scanning, framing, writing and of course, painting to prepare for the project launch on November 1. Some of the works many of you may have seen before, others will touch on familiar themes and subjects that I have explored before, and others still will be entirely new. This is what I love about this project, The David Adler Music & Arts Center. My hope is that at the end of the 30 days, as happened in 2011, I will have exhausted my "creative cache" and be ready to start the new year with a fresh perspective!

I hope you enjoy sharing this experience with me and bidding on these works to bring a little joy to you and yours all in support of a wonderful arts, music and historical treasure, the David Adler Music & Arts Center.

Announcing "A Painting a Day" Project to Benefit the David Adler Music & Arts Center

I am pleased to announce the return of my "A Painting a Day" project. This year's online auction event will begin on November 1, 2016 and continue through November 30. Each day will feature a collection of one of a kind, original works that focus on a particular subject or theme to exclusively benefit the David Adler Music & Arts Center.

"The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible." - Oscar Wilde

This blog will feature insight into the inspiration and artistic process behind each days unique collections. I am so excited to share this creative journey with all of you! I hope you will become inspired to participate in this event and spread the word in support of this cultural gem that is the David Adler Music & Arts Center.

The David Adler Music & Arts Center holds a very special place in my heart, as it was the site of my first solo exhibition back in 2011. Since that time, I have seen the Center grow and expand its vital role in bringing Art, Music and the history of renowned architect, David Adler to Libertyville and the surrounding communities. I am proud to offer my talents to support the mission of the DAMAC.

"With a commitment to community, 

David Adler Music and Arts Center serves to 

educate, promote, and preserve the arts."

- DAMAC Mission Statement

The David Adler Music & Arts Center
1700 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL

News from the Studio

Wanderlust     12" x 16"   Monotype

Summer is nearing its end and with the coming change of the seasons, I find myself moving in a new direction.
I return to the studio, filled with wanderlust, eager to discover what's in store!

"One's destination
is never a place,
but a new way of
seeing things."

- Henry Miller

To New Beginnings! Happy 2015!

"Beginnings" by Stephanie Toral
13" x 18.5" Watercolor

News from the Studio
January 2015

Upcoming Show

1st Annual

Adler Artist Member Exhibit

Opening Reception

Friday, January 9

7-9 p.m.

David Adler Music & Arts Center
1700 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Libertyville, IL


The start of a new year is always inspiring for me. I'm filled with new ideas,new directions and new opportunities I'd love to share with all of you. 

"Beginnings" (right) continues to highlight my use of water-based pigments and inks on metallic infused hand-made paper.

My subjects continue to be nature inspired combined with an ethereal subtext that allows the viewer an opportunity to imagine.

Enjoy this 'sneak peek" and if you would like to see more, please visit www.stephanietoral.com.

    Above: "Stallion III" 8" x 10" Monotype on Parchment

    Left: "Pax" 20" x 30" Monotype on Gold Metallic infused

            Lokta Paper