Meet Stefanie Hunsaker: Mixed Media Portrait Artist

Meet Stefanie Hunsaker: Mixed Media Portraits, Self-Love and Creative Confidence

What if making art could remind you that you are enough exactly as you are?

For mixed media collage artist Stefanie Hunsaker, that's at the heart of her creative practice.

Based in northeastern Washington state, Stefanie creates vibrant, layered portraits using acrylic paint, fabric, scrapbook paper and touches of embroidery thread and beading. But beneath the color, pattern and texture is something deeper: an exploration of self-love, self-trust and what it means to truly embrace who you are.

And this year, Stefanie is bringing that message—and her distinctive approach to mixed media art—to Fodder Challenge 2026 and Fodder School 6.

tefanie has always been drawn to creative expression. Today, she balances her art practice with life as a recent empty nester and recreational tennis player, but creativity remains an important part of how she connects with herself and the world around her.

Her mixed media portraits combine paint, collage, fabric, pattern and text to create expressive characters that feel vibrant and full of personality.

But Stefanie isn't simply interested in making beautiful portraits.

Her work is about connection.

She wants her art to spark a sense of empowerment and leave viewers with the feeling that they are seen, understood and not alone.

That makes her work especially compelling because while the finished pieces are colorful and visually rich, there's an emotional story underneath them.

Stefanie's Fodder Challenge 2026 Project: Soft Canvas Angel Ornaments

Stefanie will officially close out Fodder Challenge 2026 with her adorable Soft Canvas Angel Ornaments!

And while these little angels would certainly make wonderful holiday decorations, Stefanie takes a much more year-round approach to the project. Her colors and patterns aren't limited to traditional Christmas palettes, making these sweet little creations something you can enjoy all year long.

You'll learn how to paint mini faces and stitch together your own soft canvas angels, creating tiny pieces of art that can be attached almost anywhere a loop of ribbon can hook onto.

Hang one from a doorknob, a hook, a cabinet pull—or give one to someone who needs a little reminder that they're loved.

They're tiny, but they have BIG personality.

Stefanie's Fodder School 6 Lesson: Signature Painterly Portraits

If you've ever wanted to learn how to paint expressive faces, you're definitely going to want to see what Stefanie has planned for Fodder School 6.

Stefanie will be teaching her Signature Painterly Portraits style, giving you a chance to explore her distinctive approach to creating realistic-looking mixed media faces.

We've painted faces with several Fodder School instructors over the years, and one of the things that makes that so much fun is seeing how differently each artist approaches the same subject.

Stefanie's portraits have the most realistic look we've featured so far—but don't let that intimidate you.

I promise the process is much simpler than you might think.

Stefanie has a wonderful way of breaking down the process of layering paint to create lifelike skin, making something that initially looks intimidating feel surprisingly achievable.

You'll learn how to build up color, dimension and expression without needing to be a traditional portrait painter.

What Is Fodder Challenge?

Fodder Challenge 2026 is our month-long October creative event featuring inspiring mixed media artists, creative projects and plenty of opportunities to experiment. It's a fun, low-commitment way to discover the Willa Workshops community and try new techniques, whether you're new to mixed media or an experienced artist.

What Is Fodder School 6?

Fodder School 6 is our year-long mixed media art experience, featuring lessons from a diverse group of artists and instructors. Each teacher brings their own style, techniques and creative perspective, giving you a full year of inspiration and opportunities to develop your own mixed media practice.

How Can You Join?

You can join us in one of two ways:

Fodder Challenge 2026— A month-long creative experience and a great introduction to our community.

Fodder Challenge + Fodder School 6 Bundle — The best value if you're ready to continue creating with us throughout the year.

If you're curious about Fodder School but aren't ready to commit to a full year, Fodder Challenge is a wonderful place to start. And if you're already thinking, This is exactly what I need, the bundle lets you experience both.

check out fodder school 6

Check out Fodder Challenge 2026