How Stefania Del Papa Turned her Passion into a Thriving Art Career

Stefania Del Papa is an artist whose colorful and expressive work reflects her life as a world traveler and passionate creator. Growing up between Italy and the United States, Stefania’s experiences with different cultures shaped her perspective and gave her art a unique, global touch. Inspired by her grandfather’s peaceful plein air painting sessions, Stefania nurtured her love for art from a young age and turned it into a fulfilling career.

In this interview, she shares the journey that led her to become a professional artist, her creative process that blends planning with emotional spontaneity, and the inspiration she draws from nature, movement, and human expressions. Stefania opens up about how she hopes her art evokes strong, positive feelings and stays with viewers long after they see it.

Stefania Del Papa was born in Rome but grew up between Washington D.C., Rome and New York. As a child she developed a passion for drawing and later, while attending New York University, took courses at the New York Academy of Arts. Although she pursued other degrees, throughout the years she continued nurturing her artistic flame and passion for drawing and painting by attending classes both in person and through well-known artists’ online programs. She has participated in several collective art shows and her art has been published in a catalogue and in two books. Stefania’s mixed media artwork represents a captivating diversified style through the skilful use of lines, colour and light. Stefania portrays the world around her and her inner sphere in several diversified styles, achieving freedom through her art. She is a citizen of the world and a lifelong learner, avid for knowledge which shows in her eclectic artwork. Her aim is to touch the heart and soul of people through her art and to elicit positive emotions. Her process is instinctive and she creates vivid and colourful paintings with spontaneity.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I grew up between Italy and the United States and have travelled extensively over the years. I feel that I am a citizen of the world and am very lucky to have been exposed to different cultures. I have several degrees and have dedicated most of my life to teaching but I have always nurtured my passion for art. After several life-changing events I have finally decided to dedicate myself to creating art and have become a professional artist.

I like to paint images which people can interpret and that stimulate positive emotions.

Stefania Del Papa

2. What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always wanted to be an artist so this is my dream come true. I believe that my grandfather inspired me to become an artist, he passed away when I was a teenager but I can still remember him perched on a stool in the middle of the fields or by the sea painting a landscape “en plein air”. I also remember thinking that at that moment he was the image of utmost peace and serenity. I actually still have some of those paintings!

3. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

I specialise in mixed media, combining different styles to create a painting. I like to plan my work so I usually prepare my sources, yet very often the painting takes a life of its own while I am painting it! I generally start with acrylics and finish with oils but I also like to experiment with collage, gold leaf or other mediums. I let emotions of the moment take over my hand and guide my process, which almost always includes bright colours.

4. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

Nature in all of its forms is the inspiration for my artwork. I love depicting expressions through portraits of women, the grace and powerful movements of ballerinas, the strength and pride of animals or even just simply the beauty and serenity of landscapes.

I am a lifelong learner and I believe in knowledge as a means to freedom, indeed my artistic journey has helped me break free of many binding chains. I consider creating art an act of freedom.

Stefania Del Papa

5. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

I hope people feel powerful but positive emotions when experiencing my artwork. I would like them to walk away still thinking about what they have seen and the meaning of it. Each person has a different interpretation of a work of art and I enjoy it when they feel happy and share this with me.

Stefania Del Papa’s art is a vivid reflection of her life’s journey—a harmonious blend of emotion, color, and light. With every brushstroke, she strives to inspire powerful yet positive emotions, encouraging viewers to find joy and meaning in the world around them. To learn more about Stefania, visit the links below.