Kyle J. Stevens

American, Born 1959

Kyle is a native of Dallas, Texas.  He moved to New York in 1987 to study with such well-known artists as David Leffel and Nelson Shanks at the Art Students League in New York. He lived in New York for twenty-five years and now resides in Connecticut. He has been featured in several national publications including "American Artist Magazine" and "The Artist's Magazine". He has won prestigious national awards for a number of his paintings. Many of his works have been exhibited in New York, San Francisco, New Mexico and Martha's Vineyard.

The style in which Kyle paints and draws is directly influenced by the 17th century Old Masters, such as Velasquez, Ribera, Vermeer and in particular Rembrandt. He masterfully implements the use of "chiaroscuro" lighting which is characteristic of the Baroque style of this period.  Of all the great masters, Rembrandt has had the most impact on Kyle’s style of painting. Kyle’s work is shaped by his influence from the Old Masters, his discipline to adhere to the principles of his classical training and his knowledge of the materials involved in the craft of painting.

Kyle's paintings and drawings incorporate figurative, still life and portraiture. Mythology and religious themes have a place now in his repertoire which infuses the figure and his imagination. Timeless themes such as "Beauty and the Beast" allow Kyle to explore his own personal symbolic concepts while maintaining the consistent structure of the Dutch Master's style. Pushing the envelope on religious themes allows for a personal and passionate exploration beyond ideology. It is the concept, process and meaning behind each piece that drives him.