Stephen White, a North Carolina painter, was initially inspired to paint female figures by a favorite model, Marian. She left such an impression on Stephen that he has created a career for himself by continuing to paint stylized figures based on Marian. His work has a distinct quality, making it universally recognizable.

Whether working on wood panels, wood boxes, or glass, he begins with a quick sketch, primarily to indicate the position of the texture, which is applied next. Clear acrylic is used to achieve the texture found in the hair and headpieces of his female figures. After the faces are painted in and a bit of color added, the gold is applied.

Stephen uses the Byzantine technique of applying pure gold leaf in sheets...