Artist Profile: Steven Lester

Get Inspired by Artist Steven Lester

by Dawn Major

Inspired. You hear that word a lot. You see stay inspired on coffee mugs, T-shirts, and bumper stickers, but what does it actually mean to be inspired? The New Oxford American Dictionary defines inspired as having an extraordinary quality, as if arising from some external creative impulse. Steven Lester painter, husband, and father is someone who has this quality. When asked what inspires him, Lester said, I dont want my paintings to look like someone just took a picture. I paint to capture the emotion of a moment. While I paint with my hands, it is my heart that I want to express. Thats what you see when you look at a Steven Lester painting, whether its Matt Ryan poised to throw a football or Evander Holyfield with fists ready, eyes steady, and focused. You see movement; you see energy; and you definitely see what inspires him.

Lesters paintings, like himself, are accessible. He is personable, friendly, and open. A Georgia native, he was born in Decatur and has resided in Canton for the past few years. At an early age, Lesters family recognized and encouraged him to pursue art. He started out working with pastels and charcoals. While studying at Georgia State University, he focused on visual arts and illustration. Lester has always enjoyed athletics, and he has worked as a commercial illustrator, concentrating his attention on competitive sports.

From his work as the creative director for Turner Broadcasting System to serving as vice president, creative director for two international advertising agencies, Lester has enjoyed a successful career as an artist. Although retired from the corporate world, he still works full time, concentrating on painting. Most of his work is commissioned, mainly by individuals, but Lester also does commercial illustrations. In the past year, he has painted portraits of some of our great leaders: Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, Mark Twain, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Billy Graham. Lester loves to travel and makes a point of going to art museums whenever he visits a new city.

When asked if he had any advice for other artists, Lester said, While art takes a certain level of skill, it also requires commitment. Sometimes, you have to table or adjust your dreams to make a living, but it shouldnt mean giving up on your dreams. These are wise words from an accomplished artist with a proven track record.

For more information on Steven Lesters art, please visit StevenLesterFineArt.com, StevenLesterSportsArt.com, or StevenLesterPortraits.com.