Barton’s Story
Where the journey began
It’s hard to know where to begin when talking about an individual’s journey, life struggles, and personal achievements. I knew I wanted to give the reader a glimpse into the life of an artist, someone who, if you are lucky enough to know him, you love him! So, today, sitting down with Steve Barton, I decided there was no better place to start than at the beginning.
A Creative Spark in Rural New Hampshire
A Creative Spark in Rural New Hampshire
As a young boy growing up in a very rural part of New Hampshire, Steve found himself bored a lot of the time. Not the kind of boredom that leads to idleness, but the kind that inspired him to be creative and resourceful. This mentality shaped his formative years and has remained embedded in who he is today. Despite struggling with reading, writing, and spelling, Steve knew from a young age that he was different from other kids. Moved to special learning programs due to the lack of understanding about dyslexia at the time, Steve found solace in art, particularly oil painting. Sitting beside his mother, Betty, who was an oil painter herself, he discovered his passion for creating art. Steve’s earliest completed piece, an image of a New England road with birch trees, still holds significance in his memory.
Nurturing Talent and Building Relationships
Steve’s dedication to art grew stronger over the years. He painted for extra credit, participated in competitions, and displayed his work in county fairs. However, it was the relationships he formed along the way that truly stood out. The local frame/art supply shop, Rowland Studios, believed in him and provided him with a line of credit and custom frames for his pieces. Steve’s work gained more recognition with professionally framed pieces, and he even made his first sale at the age of 16. These pivotal moments taught him the value of trust and follow-through, guiding his artistic journey.
Nurturing Talent and Building Relationships
Pursuing Passion and Overcoming Challenges
Pursuing Passion and Overcoming Challenges
Steve’s passion for art led him to explore opportunities beyond New Hampshire. He embraced a vagabond lifestyle, constantly moving and taking up odd jobs to support his painting. Despite the challenges and working long hours on projects unrelated to his true calling, Steve’s determination never wavered. When his father moved to California, he saw it as a chance to change his scenery and pursue his dream. At 22 years old, he embarked on a journey across the country, settling in Southern California. The new landscape, warm climate, and stimulating city life invigorated Steve, making him feel like he had finally found what he was searching for.
Establishing an Artistic Career
Settling in Southern California, Steve immersed himself in the art scene. He took on various jobs to sustain himself while relentlessly pursuing his passion for painting. With his artwork professionally framed, Steve approached the Village Gallery in Laguna Beach, hoping to showcase his talent. After a few setbacks, including an initial rejection, Steve persevered and ultimately secured a place for his coastal piece in the gallery. This marked a turning point in his career, as he realized he could make a living as an artist. From there, Steve’s work began to grace numerous galleries across the United States, and he slowly established himself in the art world.
Establishing an Artistic Career
The Significance of Human Connection