Move Beyond the Photograph: Painting with Intention
Join visiting artist Steven Walker for an inspiring 3-day workshop focused on transforming reference photos into paintings that are dynamic, expressive, and uniquely your own.
Rather than simply reproducing what you see in a photograph, Steven will show you how to use your reference images as a starting point for making thoughtful, personal artistic decisions. Through live demonstrations, one-on-one consultations, and group discussions, you’ll explore the creative possibilities of composition, value, color, edges, and focal points.
Steven will encourage you to look beyond the literal image and discover ways to bring greater expression, depth, and intention to your work. You’ll learn how to simplify, emphasize, and interpret your reference material while developing a stronger sense of your own artistic voice.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to use reference photos without allowing them to limit your creative process. Most importantly, you’ll leave with greater confidence in your ability to make bold, intentional choices and create paintings that feel personal and authentic.
Open to artists of all skill levels. Some prior experience working in oil or acrylic is recommended.
Steven S. Walker has been creating inspiring works of art for corporations and private collectors for over twenty years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in illustration. He would later earn his master's in fine arts from Marywood University. As a full-time artist, Steven has been included in several local and national juried competitions including the Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional, Salon\ and National, Richeson 75 Landscape Competition, Plein Air Salon, the International Salon and the Art Renewal Center. Steven also had the privilege of being a part of a statewide traveling exhibition with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Steven’s career has also included plein air events including Plein Air South, Forgotten Coast Plein Air, Georgia Colors and the Olmsted Invitational (which earned him a judge's award from the editor of art collector magazine). Most recently, Steven was given signature status in the Oil Painters of America. Steven continues to work hard on the advancement of his career, with the assistance of his lovely wife Evelyn and studio assistant/daughter Poppy. Currently, his work is represented in several galleries across the United States.
“If you want to know my secret, ask my wife and daughter…they are the real heroes in my success story.”
EDUCATION
M.F.A. Marywood University
B.F.A. Virginia Commonwealth University
APPOINTMENTS
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia State University
Otterbein University
TEACHING
Booth Art Academy - Cartersville, GA
St. Augustine Artist Association - St. Augustine, FL
Curate Collective - Valdosta, GA
Artisan Village - Eatonton, GA
Two Rivers Workshops - Killarney, Ireland
Midlothian Art Academy - Midlothian, VA
Mill at Carter Hall - Millwood, VA
Loudoun Art Academy - Leesburg, VA
Botkins School - Botkins, OH
Troy /Dayton Art Group - Dayton, OH
Jarrett Thor Gallery - Colonial Beach, VA
Piqua Arts Council - Piqua, OH
Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA) - Fredericksburg, VA
Turner Center for the Arts - Valdosta, GA
REPRESENTATION
Anne Neilson Fine Art - Charlotte, NC
Principle Gallery - Alexandreia, VA
Principle Gallery Charleston - Charleston, SC
Oxford Treehouse Gallery - Oxford, MS
Sharon Weiss Gallery - Columbus, OH
Stella Maris Fine Art - Beaufort, NC
Ballards Fine Art - Sheridan, WY
Warms Springs Gallery - Warm Springs, VA
AWARDS
2026 First Place Quick Draw -Forgotten Coast en Plein Air - Apalachicola, FL
2025 Artists Choice Award -Forgotten Coast en Plein Air - Apalachicola, FL
2024 2nd Place Plein Air magazine's Plein Air Salon competition
2024 Honorable Mention - Richeson 75 Landscape competition
2024 Collector’s Choice Award - Forgotten Coast en Plein Air - Apalachicola, FL
2022 Artists Choice Award - Olmsted Plein Air - Atlanta, GA
2021 Judges Award - Olmsted Plein Air - Atlanta, GA
2020 Top 20 Finalist for Plein Air magazine’s plein air salon
2020 Honorable mention High Cotton Paint out - Boston, GA
2020 Southwest Magazine honorable mention Artistic Excellence competition
2020 3rd Place Plein Air magazine June Plein Air Salon competition
2020 1st place (painting) Spring into Art - Turner Center for the Arts - Valdosta, GA
2019 Honorable Mention - Oil Painters of America National- St. George, UT
MOVE BEYOND THE PHOTOGRAPH - SUPPLY LIST
Color Palette
Transparent Red Iron Oxide or Burnt Sienna
Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Red Light*
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Yellow Deep
Cadmium Yellow Light or Cadmium Lemon *
Viridian
Cobalt Blue or Cerulean Blue
French Ultramarine*
Titanium White or Titanium White Alkyd (fast drying) *
Any other colors that you may want to use.
Brushes
Bristle Flats numbers 4, 6, 8, 10 *
Synthetic Rounds numbers 1, 2 (for detail)
Painting surface
I strongly recommend painting on Ampersand gesso panels because of their durability and
rigid nature. Two to three pre-gessoed hardwood / masonite panels in any of the following
sizes (11x14 or 16x20)
Other Supplies
Solvent Free Fluid by Gamblin (preferred) or Galkyd Lite.
Gamsol or Walnut Oil *
Resealable Jar / Container for solvents*
Paper Towels*
Disposable Paper Palette or glass palette*
At least 5 photographs for reference (printed or on your tablet/computer)*
Notepad to take notes*
* = absolute must.
If you have any questions about the supply list or what to expect please feel free to contact
Steven Walker at steven@stevenwalkerstudios.com or call (229)850-0037
