Steve Taylor

Following My Dream....

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest with a home full of art books and sketch pads. My mother had a great appreciation for art that we shared from as early as I can remember, and I was blessed as she nurtured the budding artist within me.

Throughout my life, my true desire was to be an artist. My fascination of applying oil paints to canvas began professionally after I sold my design and manufacturing business in the Willamette Valley - Oregon's wine country. I began studying art seriously while painting the breathtaking landscapes of the Oregon wine country and selling my work in galleries and Northwest art shows. My life long dream was soon a reality.

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Unexpected Opportunities....

While I embarked on my passion of painting, I began to realize that the art itself lead to many new opportunities outside of applying paint to canvas. I met my wife, best friend and creative partner when she commissioned me to do a painting! (Funny, I've never charged her for it!)

As my new wife and I explored our great country, we've had the opportunity to develop relationships with our collectors and other new friends we meet along the way.

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My Journey...

Our travels allowed me to expand my love of Jazz music in a much broader perspective as I started to paint the emotions on the faces of some of my favorite Jazz musicians I'd listened to over the years, and street musicians as we watched them play. Following my Soulful Jazz series of paintings, my Western series emerged from my love of the Southwest and the nostalgia for the simpler times embodied in notion of the old west.

Through these musicians and cowboys, I began working with a palette of emotions, in addition to my full palette of color, which led me to a natural transition of adding Portrait paintings to my portfolio of work at the request of many collectors. Creating these portraits is rewarding, and an honor, as they represent family heirlooms for generations to come.

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Moving Forward...

I've learned that as life evolves we all experience love and pain- these human emotions that none of us really escape. It's the hope within our spirit that keeps all of us alive and moving forward. My next journey onto the canvas takes me to a different place, combining my Emotional Realism style, seen in my Jazz, Western and Portrait paintings, with my love of storytelling. As I grow spiritually, I am drawn now to paint the Emotions of the Human Experience.

Giving Back...

I feel I have been blessed with the opportunity to be able to do what I love. Being an artist is a gift, and I believe it's important to give back to the community that supports you. To this end, I teach young artist workshops and conduct art therapy for Autistic and special need students. I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back in this way.
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Studio Companion...

My story would not be complete without the mention of Sophie our five-pound toy poodle. Sophie has loyally sat by my easel for the past 12 years.

Thank You...
My collector list includes many wonderful collectors in the United States and Canada as well as businesses and non-profit foundations. Thank you for your patronage of my work. I am honored to have my paintings in your homes and businesses.

I also appreciate you allowing me to share my passion and my artistic journey with you.

Steve Taylor is a Juried Member of the prestigious Oil Painters of America
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