Images Fine Art Gallery presents
Steven Quartly
American Oil Artist

Born in San Diego in 1971, Steven grew up in the small town atmosphere of Novato, California.  At the age of 13, his parents enrolled him in an oil painting class. It was mostly attended by older women artists. "It was a fun dynamic with the old ladies," he laughs. "The teacher made an exception, and let me into the adult only class." He studied there for five years, learning the techniques of a traditional style. On graduating high school, he admits, "I didn't have a direction." He enrolled at Santa Barbara College where he had just enough money for two years of study, taking courses in art.

Later he transferred to Azusa Pacific University near Pasadena where he was interested in music, drama, and art. He was in the university choir and also played the guitar and wrote music. He graduated with a B.A. in Fine Art. Before graduating, he was honored by being asked to paint a 30-foot mural for the university's Marshburn Memorial Library solarium. Eventually, he decided to pursue a career as an artist although he still loves to write music and sing. He has been painting full-time for about twelve years.  His inspiration comes from the joy of life. "I have always enjoyed being a romantic," he says.