Steven C Long » Ohio Artist Registry

Steven Long was born in Marion, Ohio in 1951. Long’s love of art began at an early age, nurtured by his mother who was a source of encouragement and direction.  Growing up in Central Ohio, his link to the outside art world came in the form of art magazines.  Perusing these magazines was both inspirational and directional.  Long states that he was always drawn to the abstract works in each issue.

Long’s use of color has been a constant over the span of his career.  He, like every artist, seeks to develop a unique individualism and style in his work.  His love of abstract and bold color has transitioned from his early years of watercolor on paper to today’s works on canvas as well as his four-sided free-standing pylons / sculptures.  Painting earlier in life, as a hobby, has evolved into a life- long emotional passion, an adventure expressed by bright colors and fueled by a desire to experiment with other mediums.

A formal art education was always in his heart, however life got in the way and a short-term position with the railroad turned into a life- long career.  Working on the railroad provided opportunities which included promotions and relocations from Ohio to Northern California, Utah, Arkansas, the state of Washington, and Southern California.  Living in various areas around the United States stimulated growth both personally and professionally.

In 2010, a friend introduced Long to a few artist friends at a monthly Art Walk in Pomona, California.  He immediately felt a connection to not only the other artists he met, but the creative aura of the local art community.  He once again began painting and showing his work in a few open shows and soon after, began receiving many invitations to participate in various art exhibits around the Southern California area.

In July of 2012 was Long’s first solo exhibit of his work at the Art Depot Gallery in Fontana, California.  It included thirty pieces of his work.  He states, “It was one of the scariest moments of my life knowing that my art had to be what drew the people to the exhibit.”  He could not rely on other artists to help draw a crowd.  The opening reception was a great success and the exhibit was well attended during its sixty-day run.

In November of 2018 Long was invited to participate in a group exhibit at the Chaffey Community Museum of Art.  His painting titled “Approaching The Light” was selected as the “Purchase Prize Award” winner and has become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.  Long has a total of four art works that are now included in the permanent collections at both the Chaffey Community Museum of Art and the Sasse Museum of Art, which are located in Southern California.

The rest of his successful career has been due to the building of his confidence in both himself and his art.  He has always been willing to experiment with different techniques of building layers of texture and applying paint.  Long states that he learns something new every day that he spends in the studio.

Long’s work can be found in many private collections across the United States and Denmark.