Artwork by Steven Howe- reception

artist’s statement:

The landscape has always captivated me. The combination of colors, shapes and textures can‬‭ evoke a powerful emotional response. Unlike photography, painting allows me the freedom to‬‭ create my own color palette. I tend not to work from photo references but rather create my‬‭ own imaginary landscape. The addition of paper collage helps to add depth and shapes to the‬‭ composition. I enjoy trying various techniques and tools for applying paint. It is often when‬‭ experimenting that I discover new and exciting results. I primarily use wood panels for my‬‭ work as it allows me to scratch or sand between layers and expose what is underneath.‬

I have been painting for 5 years now and am self taught. It has been an amazing journey of‬‭ discovery and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. I am a native of Western MA, having only left‬‭ the area when I enlisted in the Navy. While in the Navy I was trained in photography at the‬‭ Naval School of Photography. I have found that painting and photography complement one‬‭ another on many levels. Since I started painting I am much more aware of color variations and‬‭ the effects of light and shadows. Presently, I am experimenting with different ways of‬‭ combining the two mediums.‬