Steve Lee

Steve Lee is a contemporary figurative artist primarily known for his intimate still life paintings. He lives and works in Los Angeles, California.

Steve graduated with a degree in Painting and Drawing from San Francisco State University 1996. He credits studying with Robert Bechtle and Richard MacLean during his time at SFSU a huge influence on his focus on drawing, observation, and intent, as well as exposing him to art and artists that especially resonated with him. Steve, along with fellow artists went on to help found the Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica, CA. 

Steve’s current works focus on everyday objects.  A long time coffee professional, much of the subject matter tends to veer toward what he is familiar with, things dealing with coffee.  The spatial relationships, the values, the subtle color shifts, and the sense of wonder imbued within these seemingly commonplace things are the main points of interest. The paintings are primarily done from life and the interrelationship with observation and mark making are key elements in the working process. 

Through his paintings, Steve seeks to celebrate the inherent beauty found within the mundane and invites the viewer to slow down and reflect upon the space around them.

“If I see something I like, I wish to tell someone else; this…. is why I paint”

—Patrick George (1923-2016)