steve mabley art

About the Artist

“I am drawn into the energy, vibe, and light of places where people gather in conviviality, or natural calm places where we find peace, sanctuary, and solace.”  

The raw beauty of Nature has always been a fascination, friend, and sanctuary for me. And I relish the vibrant conviviality of gathering places that can be just as life-affirming and regenerative as Nature. My work celebrates both types of place---as contemporary impressionist interiors, townscapes, and landscapes.  

Plein Air & Live-Painting

Painting directly (from direct observation), plein air ("open-air", outdoors), live (on-scene), and alla prima (all at once; "at first attempt") are core aspects of my painting practice to help develop more nuanced perception, decisiveness, and gestural style, which will all help me to better articulate my artistic message. 

Unlike painting in the studio, a notoriously solitary endeavor, plein air and live painting bring the otherwise hidden "backroom" creative process out into the public eye. It provides an opportunity for people to engage, query, and get a glimpse of my artistic vision. Painting moves from mystery to demonstration, engagement, and conversation. And something else happens: Many reveal a new appreciation of unnoticed or bypassed beauty in their midst. The uplift and joy is mutual, resonant, and synergizes my creative work.

I live and paint in and around Washington, DC.  

Affiliations

I am co-founder of Mt. Pleasant Artists Collective, Steering Committee member of Capital Hill Art League, and exhibiting member of Art4Us Cooperative and The Art League of Alexandria at the Old Town's Torpedo Factory.  I was Artist-in-Residence at Palette 22 in DC' Union Market District in 2024-2025 and Via Roma Pizzeria since April 2025

         

Low-Risk Purchase

I understand that purchasing art, especially online, can feel risky.  You can buy my original art with confidence because I offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and full refunds within one month, no questions asked.

 

Art for Everyone

Art is life-affirming and should be accessible to everyone, not an exclusive luxury for the economically privileged.  Discounts are available to local residents moved by my work and unable to afford market price.  Contact me to request a limited-means discount.

 

Contact me

I am very interested to hear your comments about my work. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions with me through my message form and/or sign up for my email newsletter. 

 

Articles / Media highlights

 

Juried Exhibitions and Awards

                  • works selected

  • "Exhibiting Member Artist" at Gallery 75, within The Art League Gallery in Alexandria, VA dedicated exclusively to the work of artists juried into 3 or more Art League exhibitions per year, since July 2024.