ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Canadian Painter, Steve Wilson, Captures Mood, Movement & More in Breathtaking Oil

Lynne Kornecki

21h

3 min read

"Sunrise Niagara" 20" x 32" oil on canvas. Scroll down to view more of Steve's work...

Steve is an award-winning Artist, Teacher, and Juror with a Studio/Gallery in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The following Q & A is based on an email interview between Art BEAT Buzz and artist, Steve Wilson, edited for clarity and space.

ABB: WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST?

STEVE: "I've always wanted to paint for a living but didn't really know it was possible. Then in the early 1980s, I attended a book signing by the well-known Canadian wildlife painter, Robert Bateman. At that moment I realized it could be done."

ABB: WHERE DID YOU STUDY ART and WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

STEVE: I am self-taught, for the most part. My father got me into painting when I was young. We would sit at the kitchen table and paint together. Most of the artists I enjoy are realistic painters from Canadia artist like Robert Bateman and Mary Pratt to American painters like Stephen Lyman and John Seerey-Lester. I enjoy the emotion you feel when looking at an Alex Colville or Emily Carr painting."

ABB: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ART?

STEVE: "Realism with a message or satiric overtone. I enjoy hiding little Easter eggs for those that take the time to explore my work. Not all my work has a hidden image or message. Some are relaxing pieces to view. I do like to capture light in my work -- direct, indirect, and reflective all in one piece."

ABB: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY BEST ABOUT BEING A PRACTICING ARTIST?

STEVE: "I've always enjoyed painting and when someone connects with my work and then purchases a piece, it's the greatest feeling in the world watching that connection happen."

ABB: WHAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE YOU FOR IDEAS?

STEVE: "I have an entire folder of ideas I want to get to so no lack of ideas for me. I enjoy creating a piece that will spur conversation with the viewer, challenging an idea or creating discussion amongst people. My favorite challenge is to create light in a piece -- trying to capture the glow and feel of it."

ABB: WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SHARE WITH OUR READERS ABOUT HOW YOU WORK?

STEVE: "I am constantly challenging myself with ideas, techniques and medium. Trying to capture an image in one frame that tells a story or offers a viewpoint is exhilarating. I try to create a piece the will evoke emotion in the viewer, create that connection that holds them in front of my work longer. My hope is that each person will take away a different feeling, idea or connection with my work. Yes, I paint the pretty picture as well, but my proudest pieces are those that offer so much more to the viewer who takes the time to escape into one of my works."

Find more information about Steve Wilson, AFCA, OSA, SCA, SOVA at

www.stevewilsonstudios.com

Email: stevesart@gmail.com

FB: steveartistwilson

Steve’s work is in many private and corporate collections throughout the world. He is an elected and signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, the OSA, the SCA and SOVA. He has served on the board of the OSA, SCA and at Beaux-Arts Brampton serving as President. He currently sits on the Board for the Niagara Falls Art Gallery. With shows across Canada, the United States, England, Tasmania and Turkey, including trade shows like the Toronto Art Expo, Red Dot Miami, Paralux and Spectrum New York VIBE Canada in London England, TAS ART Tasmania to name a few.