Sterling Duke Crawford is a self-taught oil painter based in Greenville, South Carolina. Her work blends classical techniques with contemporary compositions, emphasizing realism in her portrait work and elements of impressionism in her landscapes. A graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in Finance (2019), Sterling initially spent three years in accounting before transitioning to a focus on art in late 2022. Dedicating two years to building Stall Three Studio, an online gallery, in January 2025 she returned to finance as a consultant while continuing to grow the gallery.
As an artist, Sterling’s paintings are deeply rooted in history, culture, and human connection. She draws inspiration from travel, global traditions, and the beauty found in everyday life—whether through classical music, rich color palettes, or historical narratives. Technically, her approach follows in the footsteps of Caravaggio and the Old Masters, beginning each painting with a burnt umber underpainting and using traditional oil mediums like linseed oil and turpentine. She also studies the techniques of John Singer Sargent for portraiture, Rosa Bonheur for wildlife, and Joaquín Sorolla for light and movement.
Her work has been featured in unique collaborations, including a portrait of Apollo astronaut and grandfather, Charlie Duke, which is on loan to Admiral Farragut Academy and available as prints at the San Diego Air & Space Museum (2025). She also painted a wine label for Timbers Kiawah Resort (2019) and a dog portrait for a Napa Valley winery.
In addition to her personal artistic practice, Sterling is the founder and director of Stall Three Studio, a gallery dedicated to curating fine art collections that explore culture. Based in Greenville, SC, and operating online, the gallery features international contemporary artists, releasing time-based collections accompanied by in-depth catalogs that highlight the artists, cultural narratives, and historical context of each theme. Past collections have included collaborations with South African and European artists, as well as partnerships with institutions like the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, raising $7,500 for STEM education in 2024.
Through Stall Three Studio, Sterling also hosts art panels, events, and preview dinners, fostering dialogue between collectors, artists, and scholars. She is focused on continuing the gallery’s growth by releasing new collections and expanding partnerships that enhance the depth and reach of each exhibition. Looking ahead, she is working on upcoming collections featuring artists from Mexico, Spain, Portugal, and the Middle East and plans to participate in select art fairs.
