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Question: Mary "Kelly" Stevens Biography
Answer: From the Ranch to the Derby Museum
Mary "Kelly" Stevens (often simply signing as "Kelly") was a California-based master whose "no-smoke" training was fueled by her daily life on a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. Together with her husband, she bred thoroughbreds, providing her with a technical understanding of equine anatomy that few artists can match. Her style, Romantic Sporting Realism, avoids the stiff "portrait" look of traditional horse painting, favoring instead the emotional connection between horses or the kinetic energy of a race. Her professional standing is cemented by her inclusion in Who's Who in American Art and American Race Tracks & Contemporary Race Horse Art. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious venues including the Kentucky Derby Museum and Hollywood Park. As of early 2026, her work continues to be highly sought after by collectors in Arizona and California who value her authentic perspective as both a breeder and a fine artist.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Kelly Stevens for over 35 years. Our collection features Vetted Hand-Signed Lithographs (identified as [RH]) and Limited Edition Giclees (identified by the first names of our private sellers). Because the equine market requires 100% anatomical accuracy, our vetting process focuses on verifying the authenticity of the pencil signatures and the COAs that distinguish her limited gallery runs from common decorative posters. We stand behind every piece with our 40 years of experience and A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: Why are her horse paintings called "Romantic"?
Answer: Unlike clinical "conformation" paintings used for sales, Kelly focuses on the relationship and mood of the animals. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these "Emotional-Realist" traits in your database, as her ability to capture a "close encounter" or a "liaison" between two horses is her primary technical hallmark. |
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Question: What is the value difference between her Lithographs and Giclees?
Answer: Her lithographs are generally earlier editions, while her Giclees allow for larger-scale reproductions with modern color saturation. Her market remains solid in early 2026; while original oils command between $2,500 and $7,500, her hand-signed limited edition prints consistently realize between $350 and $600 depending on the rarity of the edition. |
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Question: How do I distinguish an "Original" from a "Giclee"?
Answer: Stevens’ Original Oils feature physical paint texture and unique brushwork in the horses' manes and coats. A Giclee is a high-resolution print on archival paper. We use our 40 years of experience to identify these technical tiers, ensuring you know if you are acquiring a unique studio masterwork versus a sought-after multiple. |
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Question: What is the "Kentucky Derby Museum" Connection?
Answer: Stevens was selected to exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum due to her technical accuracy. We provide factual provenance for these Museum-Exhibited Themes, which are the most collectible segment of her market for serious thoroughbred enthusiasts. |
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Question: What are common condition issues with her 1990s prints?
Answer: The primary concern is "edge-rippling" if the piece was not properly mounted or "ink-fading" in the warmer sunset tones. We also check for "foxing" on her early lithograph papers. We physically inspect every piece—whether from [RH] or a Private Seller—to ensure the "Equestrian Grace" is 100% stable. |
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Question: How do I distinguish between "Mary Stevens" and "Mary Kelly"?
Answer: For your database: Mary Stevens (British, 19th Century) is known for landscapes and botanical works (like Madonna Lilies). Mary Kelly (American, b. 1941) is a major conceptual artist known for Post-Partum Document. Ensure the attribution matches the style: "Stevens" for landscapes, "Kelly" for conceptual text-based art. |
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Question: What is the value of a Mary Stevens "English Landscape"?
Answer: Original watercolors from the 1800s (like Continental Landscape) are stable "Antique" assets, typically realizing $300–$500. Her market is primarily "Regional British," with most activity in UK-based auction houses like Christie's South Kensington. |
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Question: Is her "Botanical" work more collectible than her landscapes?
Answer: Yes. Her fine botanical studies and flower meadows are her most recognized "Brand." Collectors value the "Historical Accuracy" of her English flora. These pieces are excellent "Value Entries" for collectors of Victorian watercolors. |
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Question: Why should I buy Kelly Stevens from Herndon Fine Art?
Answer: Kelly Stevens’ popular "Horse Art" style has led to many unauthorized "stable shop" reproductions. A general auction site won't tell you the difference between a Hand-Signed & Numbered Lithograph (Ed. 250) and a common commercial print. We talk to you directly to verify the Edition Tier, Signature Authenticity, and COA, providing the "No-Smoke" transparency your collection deserves. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25 % above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
Click on the Link below and Join us as a Friend for ongoing featured information
Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
All information contained in these web pages is trademarked and copyrighted by Herndon Fine Art (c). All visual copyrights belong to the artists. All rights reserved. |
