Stephen has always drawn inspiration for his paintings from the incredible beauty of the outdoors; the abundance of lakes, streams and creeks along with the ever-changing seasons of mountains, valleys and the badlands. He spends as much time as possible in the mountains of Montana, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and his new home state of North Dakota, to drawing sketches and taking photos for new painting, which also allows him time to enjoy his other passions of fishing & hiking. Stephen paints landscapes and seascapes, working exclusively in oils on linen, His paintings provoke viewers to step into the artwork; feeling the crispness in the air; the cold icy lakes and streams; and the sounds of wildlife that surround you. People love to examine his paintings at close range, finding hidden treasures that otherwise meld into the intense detail. Stephen has no formal training but through years of admiring and researching Old Masters and Hudson River Artists like Moran, Church, Bierstadt, and Danish artist Peder Monsted, he has successfully blended the studying of these artists with his own natural talent to create beautiful works of art. Stephen’s landscapes and drawings can be found in the homes and businesses of collectors in the United States and Internationally.