Artist Stephen Left

Stephen Left feels that capturing the perfect light in wildlife or landscape paintings sets the mood for the entire piece, so highlights and shadows play an important role in all of Steve’s work. Whether it’s a sunrise, sunset, or an overcast day, the lighting becomes an integral part of the painting, transporting you to another location or a memory. This is what he loves to do.

Steve is a storyteller.  He uses paint and canvas to tell the tale.  Although, he can tell a story the traditional way, as some fellow artists will attest to, Steve has been sketching and painting since elementary school.

He graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta in 1978 to make his way in the illustration world.  Steve has worked with many advertising agencies in South Florida and won many awards in the advertising industry.

Then, in 2000, he went to an artist workshop in Montana. He was introduced to an impressionistic form of painting by the late Paco Young.  His style was exciting and magical, Steve’s style was very detailed, and he couldn’t wait to try something new.  In another workshop, supported by the Susan K. Black Foundation, Steve was introduced to plein–aire painting where his style loosened and the feel for light, color and atmosphere improved.

Steve has created shirt designs for “Salt Life”, a company that is all about living, playing and working in marine related activities.  Fishing, diving, surfing and anything to do with living the “Salt Life” is what it is all about. So now Steve dances between the worlds of wildlife/landscape painter and graphic artist.

Living in Pompano Beach, Steve is our local artist for portrait commissions.