Steven J. White

Steven White is a self-taught contemporary tonalist painter. His work, created with brushes and palette knives, blends representational and impressionistic styles. From dramatic skies to whimsical animals, his paintings capture the beauty of nature and evoke heartfelt emotions and joy. His traditional landscapes of Pennsylvania farms and woodlands, the Schuylkill River Heritage areas, and the Adirondack Mountains have earned him regional and national recognition.

Artist Background
Gifted with natural ability, Steven’s urge to paint became overwhelming in the late 1980s, leading him to begin working in watercolor. Almost from the start, his watercolors were show-worthy and accepted into prominent national shows. Awards and publications in books and magazines soon followed.

As his artistic journey evolved, Steven felt compelled to explore new directions. Over the past decade, he transitioned toward a more opaque medium and a more representational, impressionistic style. After studying impressionist techniques, color theory, and experimenting with acrylics and oils, he ultimately embraced oils and is enjoying a renewed, fresh perspective on nature. Watercolors remain a meaningful part of his creativity, and he continues to work in that medium as well.

Artist Statement
I am a self-taught artist. My paintings are primarily landscapes done in oil or transparent watercolor. I have always been emotionally drawn to render scenes and events where I live. My attachment to the outdoors motivates me to record scenes on paper as a way to preserve what I see disappearing. I feel that an artist should not be afraid to venture outside his comfort zone and explore new water; doing so can only improve his artistic ability. Before an artist can paint, he needs to learn how to see. An artist’s gift is his ability to see something special in an otherwise ordinary scene and, with an absence of elegance, dare to repeat nature in all its intricate simplicity.

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