Stephanie McLaughlin says that she was "genetically trained" in visual art.

The reason for this is simple: It runs in her family. Her great grandfather was an architect and an artist who once famously painted a nude bust of his wife, who was shocked and asked him to paint flowers over the nudity. Her Texas-based uncle also paints, and McLaughlin's sister is an artist as well.

McLaughlin herself began painting in her 20s while working at a bank. The bank held a public art contest for a fundraiser, and McLaughlin began talking with an artist and said she was interested in learning.

"She said, 'Well, every Tuesday night we meet in my garage, have a glass of wine, something from the garden and paint. Come and join us,'" McLaughlin said. "As I got started, my sister was thrilled. Gave me sup

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