New VMFA exhibit: ‘Under a Virginia Sky’

“Yonder” is a 2008 oil-on-board work by Steven Walker. (Photo by Travis Fullerton, © 2008 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) “Under a Virginia Sky: Paintings by […]

December 3, 2008; 2:34 PM • by FTRea

“Yonder” is a 2008 oil-on-board work by Steven Walker. (Photo by Travis Fullerton, © 2008 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)

“Under a Virginia Sky: Paintings by Steven Walker” will be on exhibit at the VMFA Pauley Center from Dec. 8, 2008 through Jan. 30, 2009.

Born in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and raised in Richmond, Va., Steven Walker has been captivated by art since childhood. With encouragement from his parents, he worked to improve his craft and attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, where he studied illustration.

After earning his degree, Walker began his career as a freelance illustrator. As he struggled to develop an illustration style, he continued working toward his dream. His clients included the Boy Scouts of America, “Highlights for Children”, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. He also created illustrations for three children’s books for Ideals Publications.

Shortly after earning his M.F.A. from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa., he began focusing on fine art. His landscape paintings have been well received by galleries, have earned him recognition in several juried competitions, and are part of numerous permanent collections.

Walker says:

“Painting landscapes has changed my outlook on life and how I think as a painter. There’s a solitary elegance that I try to capture in all of my paintings. It’s all about engaging the viewer in the most calm and serene moment, as if to say, ‘Sit down, relax, and everything will be all right.’

“My love and respect for nature has resulted in a quest to show its beauty through the hidden treasures of back roads, mystical skies, and even dilapidated barns. My inspiration often stems from road trips throughout central Virginia. I like to think of my landscapes as friendly reminders that there’s still beauty to the side of the road and even in your own backyard. To capture a moment of tranquility of an area or structure and to be able to share your experience with others is what makes the creative process worthwhile.”

–The information above was provided by Suzanne Hall at VMFA

December 3, 2008 2:34 PM 0