Donna Phipps Stout grew up in Kentucky, and as a child spent her time exploring the woods and fields and drawing. Her parents, who were both teachers, encouraged her artistic talents and provided her with support and oil paints at a young age. She earned a Master's degree in fine arts from Indiana University. In 1984 she was named Visiting Professor of Art, John Brown University, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and in 1992 was appointed Adjunct Professor of Art, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her honors include the 1996 Mid-America Alliance/National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship Award in Painting and Works on Paper, and the 1993 Farman Still Life Prize, Salon Biennal 1993, Grand Palais, Paris, France.