-
Perfection is not required, or even desired. It's a fun way to play and explore.Angels in Fur is a mini-class containing one project in five parts. It was previously offered as part of Paint Your Heart and Soul 2021 and I'm thrilled to share it with all of you. Mini-classes are perfect when you don't have a lot of time to play, but want to learn a new technique that you can translate into your own practice. This class includes building your own accordion journal, along with how to develop characters from abstract painting techniques. Students not wanting to create a journal can still play, although these journals are fabulous for sharing thoughts or even to give as unique handmade gifts.Lesson includes:
- Five parts
- 130+ minutes of video instruction
- Downloadable videos
- Inclusion in Jennifer Steck Arts FB Community where you can ask questions and share your latest creations
As always, please use what you have. Some of the most amazing magic happens when we are creative in the way we make things work.
Acrylic paints in a variety of your favorite colors (I use Golden fluid acrylics) Acrylic inks (I use Daler Rowney FW inks) Stabilio marks all pencil (black) 140# Watercolor or Mixed media paper 18" x 24" Misc paper cut to 9" x 6" for signatures inside journal Various mark making tools (colored pencils, pens, etc) Bookbinding tools (bone folder, awl, wax covered binding thread, tapestry needle) Ribbon to tie journal Workable Fixative spray to set water soluble media Spray bottle Ruler Tape
I can't wait to see you in class!
-
7" x 6" x 12" Recycled objects, wire, dowels, Apoxie Sculpt Ballsy is a one-of-a-kind sculpture inspired by the ultimate ball-loving dog.This sculpture is a tribute to every ball-obsessed pup out there. Crafted from a quirky mix of recycled materials—including a metal chicken roasting stand, letter holder, plastic beads, a hand-mixer gear, and assorted odds and ends—Ballsy is bursting with personality.
While he’s definitely not a toy, he’s got some playful features built in: the plastic “balls” (beads) in his belly roll right up into his muzzle, and his tail is designed to spin. Ballsy captures the joyful chaos of a true ball dog.
Celebrate the fetch-loving canine in your family by adding this fun sculpture to your collection.
-
Dog-versity, the painting that celebrates the beauty found in the differences, is now a t-shirt!
This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping -
Dog-versity, a painting that celebrates the beauty found in differences, is now available as a t-shirt!
This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping -
15" x 9.5" x 9.5" Recycled objects, wood, wire and epoxy sculpt Ready to display Contained Chaos is a 3D sculpture featuring three felines bursting with personality. Each cat is sculpted individually and mounted on a steel foundation that fits into the wire basket. A wooden base has been added for stability. This collaborative piece invites you to make it your own. Add your collection of treasures to the basket to enhance and personalize the sculpture. Plus, the cats can be removed if you want to give them a break from their container. The sculpture is inspired by the painting, Trifecta, that captures the same three distinct personalities. -
Welcome to Critter Country!
I'm excited to share techniques I've developed over the last several years that have been instrumental in my journey of creating quirky and whimsical critters. This four lesson class begins with loose drawing and finishes by putting all the lessons together to create final works of art. If you'd like to get loose, have some fun and play, while bringing unique critters to life, this is the class for you. We highly encourage using photos of your own critters for inspiration. You can explore creating many different kinds of animals. As a matter of fact, these techniques can be applied to your favorite topics and in a variety of mediums. Artists of all levels of experience are welcome. Please note: The Facebook Group is no longer available. Instructor: Jennifer Steck Open: All lessons are available so you can work at your own pace Content: Four lessons with techniques that build on each other Videos: Downloadable videos with over 2 hours of instruction -
What I love about this class is we don't know what critters will develop from abstracted backgrounds and loose play. We'll be working our way through several projects that highlight different techniques I use in many of my paintings. Your creations will be much different than mine. My hope is always that you'll find several nuggets in class that move you to another level in your creative journey. Not only will we develop critters who don't exist in real life, we can also gain inspiration from our furry family members. Join me in this fun and relaxed class where perfection is not required, or even desired. We are here to have fun and enjoy our time creating new works of art.Critterfied is a class where we play through loose and fun techniques bringing quirky critters to life. The class includes pre-recorded videos that are available at your convenience as soon as you register. Please note: The FB Group is no longer active.Lesson 1: Background Magic
- Creating abstract backgrounds
- Finding critters and characters in the paint
- Bringing them to life
Lesson 2: Stretching the Truth
- Sketch play
- Critterfying your critters
- A treasured gift
Lesson 3: Bits and Pieces
- Focusing on the details
- Body pieces and parts
- Constructing unique and fabulous critters
Lesson 4: Telling the story
- Building the set
- Adding the characters
- The final act
Supplies:
As always, please use what you have. Some of the most amazing magic happens when we are creative in the way we make things work.
Acrylic paints in a variety of your favorite colors (I use Golden high flow and fluid acrylics) Acrylic inks White gesso Matte medium Stabilo Marks all Pencil in black and white or other water soluble pencils 140# Watercolor or Mixed media paper Water bottle Spray fixative Pencil Eraser Black ink Nib pen with a 512 tip
Instructor: Jennifer Steck Content: Four lessons that will follow four projects from start to finish Videos: Downloadable videos with over 9 hours of instruction For artists of all levels
I can't wait to see you in class!
-
14.5" x 6" x 9.5" Found objects, Apoxie Sculpt, beads, wire and other various items My son texted me with breaking news out of Tennessee: an escaped zebra was on the loose. What followed was a modern-day treasure hunt—complete with memes, laughter, and a little awe. Ed the zebra had bolted from his new home and went gallivanting through the countryside, popping up in neighborhoods and even trotting along highways near Franklin, Tennessee. Imagine the surprise (and delight) of folks spotting this unexpected, and delightful creature in their own backyard. After about a week on the run, Ed’s grand adventure came to a dramatic end—scooped up in netting and airlifted by helicopter. He literally ended his escapade on a high note. And I thought to myself: How could I not sculpt this fabulous adventurer? So here he is—Ed the Zebra. With his dangling legs, wild mohawk mane, and an eye on mischief, he’s already plotting his next great escape. There's even a little space for you to add a few zebra inspired treasures! -
17" x 6.5" x 20 Found and recycled objects, Epoxy Sculpt and paint Ready to display Years in the making, this dog sculpture celebrates the spirit of running full speed ahead with abandon. Composed of over 100 recycled items—along with wire, paint, epoxy sculpt, and wood—it’s a treasure hunt from every angle. Brought to life one piece at a time, this pup is finally ready for the reveal. Lovingly named "Bon Appetit", this green-eyed pup has a stomach full of movable recycled balls. More than just a sculpture, it's a collaboration between the artist and the collector. A removable carabiner has been added so you can attach tags honoring the animals who’ve shared your life. Together, we’ll create a one-of-a-kind tribute to the love and joy only a special furry family member can bring. -
I'm excited to add the Hello It's Me design as wearable art. I love this painting and is certain to be a fabulous conversation starter. 40% of net proceeds will be donated to animal rescue organizations. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping -
Hello It's Me is a perfect fit as wearable art. I'm so excited to include this offering on my site. 40% of net proceeds will be donated to animal rescue organizations. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping -
20" x 16" Acrylic On 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas Sides painted black Ready to hang You know that moment when a dog finally figures out the mirror isn’t a portal to another world—or another dog? No barking. No circling. Just a calm stare into the glass, as if to say, “Yep. That’s me. Still gorgeous!” What makes this moment fun is a background. The mirror doesn’t just show the dog—it reflects home. A mountain view and a comfy chair complete the scene. It’s a snapshot of the everyday, the ordinary, the real. This painting was inspired by my sculpture Up Close and Personal. It’s the same dog, just from the opposite perspective—which I found really fun and intriguing. It tells even more of the story: one about the small, funny, honest moments that make life with a dog (and a mirror) so memorable. -
One of my priorities is to travel to the wild places in the world. I've been lucky enough to visit the African continent several times. I remember the first time I saw a kudu in the wild. They are incredibly powerful animals with the most beautiful horns and markings. Somehow, seeing them always adds more magic to each trip. This is the first, of what I hope will be many, paintings of the incredible critters in the wild that inspire my love of animals. 18" x 6" Signed limited edition Giclee print On 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas Ready to hang Edition limited to 50 Please contact me for international shipping rates -
12" x 9" Mixed media including collage 140# watercolor paper Professionally framed - Floated on off white mat in 1" black frame, UV protection glass - Framed size- 18.5" x 15.5" Ready to hang Sometimes, I just need to live with and love a painting for a while—and "In the Doghouse" is one of those pieces. It reflects where I was in my creative journey back in 2019… yes, 2019! Now, it's time to let this piece meet up with someone new who can enjoy it as much as I have. If you're someone who loves following an artist's evolution, this painting offers a glimpse into that moment in time and invites you to celebrate the process right alongside me. This pup? He loves being home—safe and content in his own space. With one brown eye and one blue, he sees the world just a bit differently. Some days are made for adventure. Others are meant for curling up where you can let your hair down and just be comfortably, completely you. -
6" x 6" x 22" Found objects, wire, wood and Apoxie Sculpt
This toothy reptile sculpture was crafted from an old, roughly hewn wooden spoon, the remnants of a child’s toy dinosaur, and a candle holder. He was inspired by a recent trip to Botswana, where we spotted several crocodiles lounging in the Okavango Delta. I find them fascinating and frightening at the same time.
What I love most about nature is the unexpected relationships. This dangerous creature rests on the shoreline, mouth wide open, inviting the fearless Egyptian Plover to hop right in and clean his teeth—trust and survival at work.
-
Lessons one through six of Jennifer's popular Lessons From Dogs series are now wearable art! Celebrate the furry critters who love us more than we deserve and teach us amazing things we need to know. We are better people because of them. Forty percent of net proceeds will be donated to A Place to Bark from now until the end of June, 2021. Please allow two weeks for production and shipping. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed Please contact me for international shipping rates.
-
Lessons one through six of Jennifer's popular Lessons From Dogs series are now wearable art! Celebrate the furry critters who love us more than we deserve and teach us amazing things we need to know. We are better people because of them. Percentage of net proceeds will be donated to a variety of charities, with A Place to Bark the rescue for May-June 2021. Please allow two weeks for production and shipping. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed Enrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton • Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Athletic Heather is 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • 32 singles • Retail fit • Crew neck • Cover-stitched collar • 2'' ribbed cuffs • Side-seamed Please contact me for international shipping rates.
-
36" x 12" Giclee print on 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas Sides are black Ready to hang Open edition signed by artist Mojo and Ruby are two of my favorite characters from previous paintings. This is the first time I've added to their story. It was love at first sight for Mojo. I'm not sure if Ruby feels the same way. Please contact me for international shipping rates. -
8.75" x 5.25" x 8.5" Recycled beer stein, Apoxie sculpt, acrylic paint and wire Just look at that mug! Some dogs seem to smile all the time—and Mugsy is definitely one of them. Whether it’s time for a walk, a treat, or a nap on the couch, this happy guy is always ready. With his adorable underbite and sparkling white teeth, he is impossible to resist. Mugsy is crafted from a recycled beer stein, and his wide-open mouth only adds to his quirky charm. It even doubles as a secret storage spot—perfect for tucking away a few small hidden treasures. -
Perfection is not required, or even desired. It's a fun way to play and explore.Patchwork Pets is a mini-class containing one project in three parts. It was previously offered as part of Make, Create, Express 2019 and I'm thrilled to share it with all of you. Mini-classes are perfect when you don't have a lot of time to play, but want to learn a new technique that you can translate into your own practice. What I love about this class is that students can personalize their creations to include favorite patterns or even their own fabulous furry loved ones.Lesson includes:
- Three parts
- 90+ minutes of video instruction
- Downloadable videos
- Inclusion in Jennifer Steck Arts FB Community where you can ask questions and share your latest creations
As always, please use what you have. Some of the most amazing magic happens when we are creative in the way we make things work.
Acrylic paints in a variety of your favorite colors (I use Golden fluid acrylics) Acrylic inks 140# Watercolor or Mixed media paper Pen Pencil Eraser Black ink Nib pen with a 512 tip
I can't wait to see you in class!
-
21" x 14" x 14 Repurposed objects, wire, beads, fabric and epoxy sculpt Ready to display As technology plays an ever-increasing role in our daily lives — especially with AI — there's a mixture of hope and fear. This sculpture, Roz and Ozzie, explores that reality and represents the irreplaceable connections that make life worthwhile. Created from a variety of recycled materials, this 3D sculpture brings to life Roz, the well-worn robot, and her loyal companion, Ozzie — a bond built on trust and love. This is one of my interactive pieces, inviting you to become part of the story. Roz’s head is removable, revealing a wire basket where you can add your own collection of treasures. Let's collaborate — weaving our stories together and creating something even more meaningful. I love that Roz is holding her beloved dog and covered with a collection of unexpected attachments that bring her quirky personality to life. -
15" x 30" Acrylic on 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas Ready to hang Life can be so chaotic. Take time out for yourself. What could be better than exercise, a glass of wine and a daily helping of furry love? -
15" x 30" Mixed media on 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas Ready to hang It may feel safer to stand on the shore, but we'll never realize our dreams unless we are willing to take the risk and set sail. The boat was created from letters and documents from the mid-1800's gifted to me by a friend who asked that I give them new life in my work. A pressed flower was in one of the letters and the petals have been collaged onto the sail. Our history gives us the foundation to move forward to the next adventure. -
12" x 9" Acrylic On 140# watercolor paper Framed with a white mat and blue frame Ready to hang Please contact me for international shipping rates. -
Sherman was never one to shy from attention as the social butterfly of the family. I have one dog who always pushes her way to the front, whether it's to lead during a walk or to get some cuddling. 18" x 18" Mixed media On 140# watercolor paper Floated on lime green mat in beautiful textured black frame Finished size approximately 25" x 25" Please contact me for international shipping. -
15" x 30" Acrylic On 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas Sides painted black Ready to hang I used to dream about flying—running fast, lifting off the ground, and soaring above it all. Even in those dreams, the sense of freedom was powerful. These days, I try to fly in other ways. Sometimes that means letting go of things—or people—that weigh me down. Other times, it means taking risks I once didn’t have the courage to face. As the years pass, time feels more precious. We'll never know how high can we fly if our feet never leave the ground. -
30" x 24" Acrylic On 1 1/2" Gallery wrapped canvas Ready to hang Who needs an alarm clock when you have the wakeup committee? It not only starts your day off with a smile, but also saves energy. Warning: There is no snooze button. This painting was inspired by real life events. -
6" x 18" Acrylic on watercolor paper Mounted on 1 1/2" cradled wood panel Sides painting black Ready to hang These cats started as a simple mark-making session of play, but as I worked, their personalities started to emerge. I love moments when the unexpected happens. While first came to life in paint, I've continued their adventure in 3D. You’ll find them gathered again in a single sculpture, Contained Chaos, also featured in my collection. -
Even critters love to dress up for red carpet events. 14" x 11" Signed limited edition Giclee print On 1 1/2" gallery wrapped canvas Edition limited to 25 Ready to hang Please contact me for international shipping rates -
48" x 36" Acrylic on 1 1/2" Gallery Wrapped Canvas Ready to Hang 50% of proceeds from the sale of "Waiting Up" will be donated to the Morgan Adams Foundation for pediatric cancer research. Morgan died when she was about six years old from Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer. After I learned about this organization and their mission, I wanted to create a special piece to support this amazing foundation. My plan initially was to create a smaller painting, but that day, when I stepped into my studio, the first thing I saw was a huge canvas that had been leaning against the wall for several years. That was the canvas. Are you kidding me? It was at that moment, I knew exactly what painting I was going to create and it deserved to be on this canvas. I wasn't sure about the perspective or what the critters would look like, but I had the concept and it was based on this picture I drew a year ago in my journal.Here's the story of "Waiting Up" and why I think it came together so quickly and was meant to be on this canvas.- I know about Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer because my brother-in-law, John, died of it over twenty years ago. It was devastating, even more so because we had no idea where to begin or what it was. We couldn't even pronounce it.
- I have a good friend who just finished chemo for breast cancer. She's going to kick cancer's butt! She's a super hero, cape and all. Love you, my friend.
- My dog, Olive, who is featured in this painting, died of bone cancer five years ago. She and Scarlett, who was a puppy at the time, loved to look out through the security door and smothered me with love whenever I walked in the front door. I had photos of those moments and used them for reference.
- Cancer sucks and so many family members and friends have fought this battle. There are brilliant people working on a cure every day and this foundation helps fund that research.
- The Reiki symbol for protection and strength is painted on the back wall.
- Olive and Scarlett's collars have original letters from the 1860's collaged on underneath the glazed red and blue paint. They are difficult to see unless you look closely. These 150+ year old letters were gifted to me by a friend who asked that I give them new life in my paintings. The handwritten letters spoke of blessings, good health and a safe trip home. Was that intentional? No. It seems some things are just meant to happen.
- Dogs, to me, represent unconditional love. They demand so little and give so much. It doesn't matter who we are, how much we make, whether we are having a good or bad day, they love us even when we don't deserve it. They will continue to wait, because that's what love does.
Not every painting I create has so much meaning to me personally. I love them all and they make me smile, laugh and cry sometimes. But some...some of them come from very deep places. This painting never would have come to life in this shape and form if it weren't for these special circumstances. This is for my brother-in-law, John, my friend who is beating breast cancer, my sweet Olive and everyone who has and is struggling with this terrible disease. -
10" x 16" x 13" Materials used: Recycled objects, fabric, beads and epoxy sculpt Sometimes, having a trusted friend by our side gives us the courage to embark on adventures we’d never take alone. Wheels Up celebrates that spirit of friendship and bold exploration. Built from a playful mix of recycled children’s plastic toys, wood, curtain clips, beads, wire, and epoxy sculpt, this colorful sculpture is rich with texture and personality. A repurposed meat thermometer serves as the instrument panel — and even provides an approximate read of the room temperature! Brimming with unexpected materials and imaginative details, Wheels Up invites us to dream bigger and take off toward the adventures that await when we’re brave enough to go for it.
