California
Steven McDonald, Alameda Ironworks, oil, 9 x 12.
Art Education: I started studying art when I was 10. By far the most important teachers I have had are master painters Brigitte Curt and Jim Smyth in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have also studied at the College of San Mateo and the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute in Florence.
Style: Most of my work is plein-air landscapes.
Creative Spark: I love painting on location. I love the light. I love the wind. And I love being immersed in nature.
Second-Choice Career: I am studying computer science as well as art so that I have a fallback career. If I don’t work as a full-time artist, then I plan to be a web designer, so that I still have the chance to be creative.
Other Passions: Swing dancing. I also have a black belt in American Kenpo karate.
One Thing People Don’t Know About You: I have an identical twin, and we switched places at our high school graduation.
Biggest Fear: Not being able to afford art supplies.
Pet Peeve: People trying to take photos of me while I paint.
Mantra or Motto: Always keep the brushes moving.
Favorite Studio Music: You can’t beat listening to Cat Stevens.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: Besides Monet? The Barbizon painters, especially Charles-François Daubigny, Théodore Rousseau, and Jules Dupré. I have spent countless hours sketching copies of their compositions and their use of values.
Future Goals: I hope to become a full-time professional artist and art instructor.
Price Range: $150 to $750.
Representation: Studio Seven Arts, Pleasanton, CA; www.stevenmcdonaldpleinair.com.
This story was featured in the September 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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