"El Salto" Evening Light

  • Biography

    C.S. Steve Talley


    C S Talley





    C. S. “Steve” Talley developed an art interest not long after graduating with a degree in astronomy/physics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978. Juggling a career in the sciences and ultimately computer programming, his art skills continued to improve by taking workshops from primarily plein air artists. Talley’s style of impressionistic realism continues to evolve as he explores color from bold to tonalist. He takes artistic license to push a color or include a compositional element to accomplish his goal of creating the intangible “strong emotional content”. Beginning as a portrait painter he has evolved to become primarily a western landscape painter. He also enjoys painting astronomical and religious themes. His main influences come from Paul Strisik, Will Sparks, Edgar Payne, Chauncey Foster Ryder, James Reynolds, and Frederick Mulhaupt. Every Summer, Steve travels from his home in Fredericksburg, Texas to his Summer home in Taos, New Mexico. He often travels to Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, his wife's native home, searching for inspiring vistas. His painting of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area was chosen by the Texas Parks and Wildlife department as the focal point for the informational kiosk at the Enchanted Rock Summit trailhead. He has had a one-man show at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas and has exhibited at the Salmagundi Art Club in New York City. Talley also teaches landscape painting and is one of the authors of "Paint Fredericksburg, Texas : A Guide for Plein Air Painters". He has been happily married to Ginette for over 35 years and they have two children.