Stephen McMillan

Stephen McMillan, born in 1949 in Berkeley, California, is a distinguished American printmaker celebrated for his masterful aquatint etchings that capture the serene beauty of natural landscapes. Growing up with expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, McMillan developed an early appreciation for the natural world, which became a central theme in his artistic career. He earned his BFA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1975, where he was introduced to etching in 1969. Further honing his skills, he studied sculpture for a year at Hornsey College of Art in London.

McMillan's primary medium is aquatint etching, a technique known for its ability to produce rich tonal variations and textures. He creates his prints by drawing freehand from photographs he takes during his explorations of wilderness areas, particularly in California and Washington. This meticulous process allows him to translate the subtle nuances of light, shadow, and form found in nature into his prints, resulting in works that evoke a sense of tranquility and reflection. McMillan’s prints are known for their contemplative quality. By combining technical expertise with a deep reverence for nature, Stephen McMillan has made a significant contribution to contemporary printmaking, offering works that resonate with both visual beauty and emotional depth..

Throughout his career, McMillan has been associated with several artistic institutions. From 1975 to 1979, he worked at the Graphic Arts Workshop in San Francisco. Between 1979 and 1992, he served as an artist-in-residence at the Kala Art Institute in Berkeley, where he also taught printmaking classes and authored technical articles on aquatint etching. In 1992, he established a home studio in Petaluma, California, before relocating to Bellingham, Washington, in 2006, where he continues his artistic practice.

Public Collections Featuring Works by Stephen McMillan

• Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York
  Houses The Slot #8 (1983), an aquatint etching that exemplifies McMillan's precision and atmospheric depth. Brooklyn Museum+1missiongalleryart.com+1

• Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon
  Includes McMillan's works in its collection, highlighting his contributions to contemporary printmaking.

• Monterey Museum of Art, Monterey, California
  Features pieces like Monterey Cypress, reflecting McMillan's connection to Californian landscapes