Steve Atkinson

"I strive to create images that evoke an emotional response from the viewer. If people feel the thrill of the early morning light in a plein air landscape or the weariness of a woman's glance caught in a charcoal sketch, then I've done my job."

Steve Atkinson came to fine art, a little later in life, and in a roundabout way ---- through commercial art. He attended the art program at Kent State University in Ohio, then began his career in illustration in 1983. Steve explains, "Back when I went to school, the illustration and fine art students didn't really mix. You were either one or the other, and I chose illustration." It wasn't until 2002 that he decided to do some art just for fun. "I don't know if it was just that I didn't have anything to say until now, or that I was just too busy with illustration to pursue my own art." Now Steve is making up for lost time by painting or drawing every morning before going to work at a design firm to produce commercial art for his clients.

"Lately many of the illustrators I admired so much in my formative years have begun to be recognized as the wonderful artists they were by the fine art community and collectors. I've come to appreciate both sides of the art world. I love doing illustration and it pays the bills, but painting feeds my soul." Steve now lives and works in Minnesota and finds endless variety in the beautiful Minnesota landscape. He mainly works in oil and pastel, but also likes to use charcoal and acrylic. Recently he begun painting en plein air. "Hard work and determination is essential to getting better, but I believe having a supportive spouse is even more important. I couldn't spend the hours it takes through all the ups and downs if it wasn't for the support of my wife and family." He has participated in many juried exhibitions and has won awards for his fine art as well as illustration. Steve's is a member of the Oil Painters of America, and his work has been exhibited throughout Minnesota and in the Butler Museum of Art in Ohio.

Steve's painting "The Gunsmith" recently won the "Fechin Art Workshop" award at the 2006 Oil Painters of America National show in Missoula, Montana and his painting "The Law" was been accepted into the 2006 International Salon show at Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio. Also, Steve participated in Scott Christensen's plein air workshop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in May 2006.
 

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