Born into an artistic family, Stuart took a keen interest in drawing and design from an early age. He completed his Diploma in Advanced Design at The Vancouver School of Art in 1967. A special interest in light and colour resulted in his early development of stained glass work during art school. His first pieces for West Vancouver United Church of eight stained glass windows representing the sea and mountains are depictions from biblical passages.

After the installation of West Vancouver United’s colourful designs, Stuart travelled in Europe for a six month immersion in the study of historic glass found throughout France, Spain and England. Visiting Patrick Reyntiens in his studio, and viewing his work and the work of John Piper at both Coventry and Liverpool Cathedrals in Britain, inspired Stuart to continue to develop his knowledge of glass.

Returning to Canada, Stuart worked as a freelance artist completing numerous commissions in homes, restaurants and businesses throughout the Greater Vancouver area. A commission for South Burnaby United Church allowed him to design and build 32 windows depicting 16 scriptures from each of the Old and New Testaments.

During this time Stuart taught stained glass art through Continuing Education for West Vancouver, Vancouver and Richmond.

The artist’s fascination for glass stimulated him to expand his knowledge to encompass the commercial glass field. Taking on a Glazing Apprenticeship, he became a Journeyman Glazier doing commercial work in residential and large commercial applications. Stuart quickly became a job foreman. During the early 1980’s Stuart accepted the position of Glazing Instructor at British Columbia Institute of Technology. For the subsequent 20 years he has taught all registered Glazing Apprentices. Every apprentice who takes on a formal apprenticeship in the province of British Columbia has been guided by Stuart’s caring, careful and thorough instruction.

During these last 20 years, sustaining and developing key areas in the glazing curriculum has been the focus of Stuart’s interest in creating excellence in the training of commercial glaziers.

His continued interest in stained glass led naturally to the development of various techniques to alter the light reflective surfaces of glass. Acid etching led to Stuart's current use of sandblasting to sculpture and carve glass which he combines in stained glass design work and to create individual art pieces.

Stuart’s artistic themes continue to evolve. His work reflects many design influences from biblical references, and period influences from both historic and modern art drawn from European and Asian traditions. These are complimented by Stuart’s ongoing interest in North West Coast Native design.

Stuart Browning continues to develop these varied themes in the areas of stained, acid etched, and carved glass. Together his expertise in both design and commercial glazing applications allow him to engage in a wide variety of work.