Steve Aktinson
"I strive to create images that evoke an emotional response from the viewer. If people feel the chill 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 succeeded." -Steve Atkinson
Steve started oil painting in 2002, and plein air painting in 2005. However, he made his living as an illustrator since the early eighties. Steve says, “I loved being and illustrator and it paid the bills, but painting feeds my soul." His training as an illustrator has given him a solid foundation for his art. The thing that makes a painting successful, also makes for a successful illustration. But for Steve, something was missing. “Painting has opened up a whole new world to me. Now I'm able to make pictures of the things that matter to me. I'm not interested in painting the trendy or the shocking, It’s purely about what moves me as an artist and a human being. Hopefully, it’s the same thing that moves all of us who are in this human experience we call Life.” He finds he is as comfortable painting the figure as the landscape. For him it’s all about the story, light effect, or emotion behind the painting. To Steve, the pursuit of excellence, is, in itself, exciting. Growth as a Person, and as an Artist, is the ultimate goal. His paintings are a thrilling by product of that goal.
Steve grew up in a small steel town in Eastern Ohio, but now lives and works near Minneapolis, Minnesota. His family and friends have been behind him from the start. His wife Ann, continues to be his biggest supporter, his best critic, and his constant source of inspiration. He finds endless variety in the landscape, and feels most alive when painting on location (en plein air) in the midst of getting down a fleeting light effect before it changes. When he paints, there is no other concern that seeps into his consciousness. It requires his complete focus.
His painting experience has been enhanced by plein air workshops with some of today’s best artists, including Scott Christensen, Joe Paquet and Marc Hanson. As well as by the work and examples of countless other painters both past and present. At the 2006 Oil Painters of America National Show in Missoula, Montana. Steve received an Award of Excellence for his painting, The Gunsmith. More recently, in 2007, Steve received the John Steven Jones Purchase Award for his painting "The Promise of Another Summer", at the Bosque Conservatory in Clifton, Texas. Also, in that show, which was judged by renowned artist George Hallmark, his painting "Come Back to Bed" was awarded Second Place in the oil painting category. His pastel sketch of a regimental army seamstress titled "Mending" was given the First Place Award in the pastel/color pencil category. Steve has participated in many juried exhibitions where he has won Awards for his paintings and drawings. His work is collected across the United States and Internationally.
Steve is a member of "Plein Air Painters of the West" (PAPW), the National Academy of Professional Plein Air Painters (NAPPAP), the Oil Painters of America (OPA), and also the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota (OPM).
Gallery Affilliations:
Trailside Galleries, Scottsdale, Arizona and Jackson, Wyoming.
Texas Art Gallery, Dallas, Texas.
You are encouraged to email him with comments or questions. Steve loves to talk art and your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.
Steve's Website
Email Steve