Steve Cook is a painter who specializes in painterly photo-realism. He paints both in the studio and plein-air. The subjects of his work range from land and seascapes, surfing culture, old buildings and cars, gardens and the people who live in all these arenas. He has studied with some of the best modern plein-air painters (Ken Auster, John Comer, George Stickland and Ovanes Berberian). The plein air experience has enhanced his comprehension of color and light.
He also likes to paint big paintings and often does oil paintings using old surfboards as a canvas. His work is on display at galleries in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria, several local restaurants and surf shops. He also has pieces in many private collections in the United States and Europe.
He recently was chosen by Firestone Vineyard to have 3 of his paintings featured on labels for a new series of wines. His studio is in Pierpont Beach, Ventura and is always open to visitors (call ahead). He is a life long surfer, a former Peace Corps Volunteer and a graduate of San Diego State University. He and his wife Carol have lived in Ventura for over 30 years and truly enjoy being part of the burgeoning art scene in their hometown.
Artist’s Statement
My art is about interpretation of what I see. My favorite views are of the beauty of California and the relationship between man and nature in that environment.
My painting is mainly about the process. Defining the reality into a two-dimensional piece is the task. How to combine composition, light, color, and texture as various pieces is the challenge. The challenge turns into the process and this process is the Zen of painting. Washes of value, light and dark, cool and warm begin the expedition, followed by subsequent layers in washes and pure paint. The result is an object or image that was non-existent before I started except perhaps in my mind. More frequently than not, my impressionist perspective evolves into realism… painterly realism.
Very often I am in conflict with myself when I sell a painting, as it feels as if a part of me is going away. I just appreciate that others enjoy my work and will make a good home for it.
Steve Cook at Arnold Road, Port Huenene
Education
B.A. Liberal Arts San Diego State College, June, 1971
Continued Fine Art studies, Ventura College 2002 to 2004.
Memberships
Buenaventura Art Association
Santa Barbara Art Association
Workshops
Plein Air Oil Painting with Ken Auster, Taos, NM, 2004
Plein Air Oil Painting with George Stickland, Santa Fe, NM, 2005
Outdoor Painting Workshop with Ovanes Berberian, Rigby, ID 2007
Plein Air Oil Painting with John Comer, Refugio Beach, CA 2007
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Solo Exhibitions
Harbor Village Gallery, Ventura, March 2008
Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau, August-September 2007
Buenaventura Art Gallery September 19-October 14, 2006
Fox Fine Jewelry, Ventura May to July 2006 (with Robert Thornton)
Franky’s Restaurant, Ventura February 2002 and 2005
Meridians World Café, Ventura Fall 2002 to Spring 2003 and Winter 2005
Pierpont Racquet Club, Ventura Fall 2004
Group Shows and Exhibitions
A featured Artist “Rock The Arts” Cultural Arts Village Benefit August 2005 San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts
Aloha Steakhouse, Ventura (ongoing)
Meridians World Café (ongoing)
Harbor Village Gallery, Ventura, March 2008
71 Palm Restaurant, Ventura, CA 2005 through 2007
Gallery 113 Santa Barbara May 2007
Focus on the Masters Ventura Studio Artists Tour, May 2007 (Juried Artist)
Santa Paula Society of the Arts 70th Anniversary Art and Photography Show, (Honorable Mention) February 2007
Open Competition Buenaventura Gallery Juried piece January 2007
A featured artist for the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau with paintings in the 2006 Visitors Guide, Culinary Guide and Convention Brochure and other promotional materials and projects.
Harbor Village Gallery Plein Air Competition, October 2006
Ventura Art Walks 2002 through 2007
Waterworks Gallery, Channel Islands Harbor, July to August 2004
Fund raiser in New York City for Surf Aid International which is a surfing medical group bringing aid to the poor of Indonesia and other remote Third World spots.
Steve Cook Studio
1162 Brunswick Lane
Ventura, CA 93001
805 652 0575 stevenccook@mac.com