Steve Cook is a painter who has been consumed by everything he had done in his life. He is a California native, raised in the coastal communities of San Diego and Ventura counties. A graduate of San Diego State University, he spent two years in the Peace Corps in Jamaica with his wife and best friend Carol, an educator and craftsman of hand-made books. A hard core surfer for over 40 years, he has traveled the world and has ridden waves in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, appreciating this wonderful planet and the gifts it brings.
Steve has worked in most mediums: pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, watercolor, pastels, acrylics and enamels. However for the last few years, he has concentrated exclusively on oils, working on canvases and panels, both in the studio and also plein-air. His works are in many private collections and also are on display at several fine restaurants and galleries in Ventura and Santa Barbara. The subject matter for most of his works can be seen in the world around us…urban and rural landscapes, the surfing culture and scenes from places traveled to. Liberal interpretations of color, light, shadow and texture can be seen in his work. Painterly Realism of the Planet is his “trade mark”.
Steve lives with his wife, dog and cat in Pierpont Beach, Ventura, California. They have lived in Ventura for almost 30 years and enjoy being a part of California’s New Art City. They love the beauty of their local secluded beach and the ocean environment of the Santa Barbara Channel.
Artist’s Statement
“As a painter, I create an image which did not exist before, which cannot be out-sourced to enhance profits and which reflects my love of whatever the subject matter is, or reflects the strength of my commitment to what is good and right”.
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
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
Steve Cook Studio
1162 Brunswick Lane
Ventura, CA 93001
805 652 0575 stevenccook@mac.com