Steele Painting

Western Landscape by John Steele

July 12 – September 28, 2019

An exhibition of enthralling oil paintings by Colorado artist John Steele. 20% of the sales from the exhibit will be donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, for the purpose of Parkinson’s research.

The exhibit will continue through September 28, 2019.

20 North Gallery and the artist will be welcoming friends and collectors at the free Public Reception for Steele Painting: Western Landscape by John Steele on Friday, July 12, from 6 – 9 p.m.

Click to view the Steele Painting exhibition catalogue, containing art images of the full exhibit and artist information.

"Telluride VW" oil painting by John Steele — “Telluride VW” oil painting by John Steele

Airy and expansive, the “Steele Painting: Western Landscape by John Steele” exhibit embodies the sweeping majesty of the American West. Steele’s captivating oil paintings masterfully portray accurate depictions of distinct locations, but transcend the conventions of simple representation. From South Dakota to California, he creates a vista of the experience of the western states. His stunning and self-taught use of brush work and color theory alludes to a deep sense of space, providing the viewer a breath of fresh air and an atmosphere to enjoy at one’s own leisure. The full dimensionality of his work is best expressed in his own words, “I hope in some way that the viewer can see what I saw—feel the wind and smell the sage.”

As an artist living with Parkinson’s disease, John Steele is also committed to supporting Parkinson’s research. For that reason, 20% of the sales from the exhibition will be donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, contributed jointly by the artist and 20 North Gallery.

John Steele (Longmont, Colorado)

John Steele was born in Burbank, California in 1949. His family relocated frequently to accommodate his father’s work, moving nine times before John Steele even entered high school. At the age of seven, Steele realized his interest in art after multiple museum visits during school field trips. His early interest in art became a “consistent place to return to.” He started drawing his pets and family members, as well as copying images from newspapers and books. Steele’s formal art training began in high school. During his senior year, two of his drawings were selected for the National Scholastic Art Award competition in Washington D.C., a crowning moment for him to demonstrate to his family the importance of art in his life.

"Timber" oil painting by John Steele — “Timber” oil painting by John Steele

Steele’s academic art training was focused entirely in drawing; he did not begin painting until after serving two years in the U.S. Army. Having embarked in a new medium, Steele was self-taught in regard to brush work and color theory. His art career then experienced a 40-year hiatus, as he transitioned from retail management to a 22-year career in the Army National Guard. Upon his retirement in 2009, after achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major, he returned to his early love of art and painting—not as a business, but for the joy of creating.

In 2014, John Steele was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Through management of his condition, he continues to paint, adapting his technique and style to accommodate the challenges posed by his Parkinson’s symptoms. The achievement of his first solo exhibition, Steele Painting: Western Landscape by John Steele, provides him the opportunity to raise awareness for Parkinson’s research. For that reason, 20% of the sales from the exhibition will be donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, contributed jointly by the artist and 20 North Gallery.

"Train" oil painting by John Steele — “Train” oil painting by John Steele

John Steele continues to be a frequent museum visitor during his travels through the American West, in search of inspiration for his painting. He has become an avid collector, with significant representation of western artists, both European and indigenous, in works from the early 20^th century to the present. Although Steele has not invested in traditional gallery representation, his landscape paintings have received the compliment of being collected by many of the acclaimed contemporary artists whose work he, himself, is collecting.

His work has been included in many Colorado exhibitions including, Boulder Art Association Show 2013, Longmont Artist Guild Show 2013, Greeley Art Association Show 2014 and the National Greeley Art Exhibition in 2014, garnering numerous awards. Along with juried exhibitions, Steele’s paintings have also been displayed at Longmont United Hospital and the University of Northern Colorado. Steele is a member of The Art Student League of Denver. Most recently, he and two fellow artists traveled to Lapland in Finland for a two-week, plein air painting expedition in the Arctic Circle. Beyond his adventurous endeavors, John Steele maintains a studio at his home in Longmont, Colorado.