WHO IS STEVE PENLEY?

Telling His Version of American History With Each Brushstroke

Beginnings

Steve Penley was born in 1964 to a family of musicians in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His early years, however, were spent in Athens and then in Macon, Georgia, where he attended First Presbyterian Day School. While he enjoyed drawing as a child, painting didn’t become a serious pursuit until college. Influenced by a stepmother who preferred to keep things tidy, Steve was intimidated by working with paint, using his stepmother’s ideals to explain his hesitancy. Yet, his formal art journey began at The School of Visual Arts in New York, later continuing at the University of Georgia, where he eventually embraced painting as his chosen form of expression.

early career

After college, Steve found himself doing odd jobs while continuing to paint. It wasn’t long before his talent caught the attention of attorney and art enthusiast Robert Steed, who would play a pivotal role in introducing him to new clients and building his career. A defining moment came when a friend asked Steve to create artwork for a new restaurant, giving him only a short timeframe. Forced to work quickly, Steve developed his signature style—bold brush strokes, vivid colors, and historical icon paintings. This shift from his earlier, more realistic style was met with praise and marked the beginning of his unique artistic voice.

Today

Steve Penley is recognized as one of America’s most celebrated artists, known for his bold, iconic portrayals of American figures and culture. His works are displayed globally, from the World of Coke Museum to the walls of the White House and more than 20 Congressional offices. Over his career, he has collaborated with major brands, including Fox News and Southwest Airlines, and illustrated books, including those authored by Coach Vince Dooley. Steve also values giving back, frequently donating his work to support organizations benefiting veterans and servicemen and women.

Though his work has reached far and wide, Steve remains proudest of his role as a father to three talented children, Lyall, Abbey, and Parker, who share his passion for the arts. Residing in Buckhead, he continues to create, honoring American culture through his craft.

Beginnings

Steve Penley was born in 1964 to a family of musicians in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His early years, however, were spent in Athens and then in Macon, Georgia, where he attended First Presbyterian Day School. While he enjoyed drawing as a child, painting didn’t become a serious pursuit until college. Influenced by a stepmother who preferred to keep things tidy, Steve was intimidated by working with paint, using his stepmother’s ideals to explain his hesitancy. Yet, his formal art journey began at The School of Visual Arts in New York, later continuing at the University of Georgia, where he eventually embraced painting as his chosen form of expression.

early career

After college, Steve found himself doing odd jobs while continuing to paint. It wasn’t long before his talent caught the attention of attorney and art enthusiast Robert Steed, who would play a pivotal role in introducing him to new clients and building his career. A defining moment came when a friend asked Steve to create artwork for a new restaurant, giving him only a short timeframe. Forced to work quickly, Steve developed his signature style—bold brush strokes, vivid colors, and historical icon paintings. This shift from his earlier, more realistic style was met with praise and marked the beginning of his unique artistic voice.

Today

Steve Penley is recognized as one of America’s most celebrated artists, known for his bold, iconic portrayals of American figures and culture. His works are displayed globally, from the World of Coke Museum to the walls of the White House and more than 20 Congressional offices. Over his career, he has collaborated with major brands, including Fox News and Southwest Airlines, and illustrated books, including those authored by Coach Vince Dooley. Steve also values giving back, frequently donating his work to support organizations benefiting veterans and servicemen and women.

Though his work has reached far and wide, Steve remains proudest of his role as a father to three talented children, Lyall, Abbey, and Parker, who share his passion for the arts. Residing in Buckhead, he continues to create, honoring American culture through his craft.

Telling His Version of American History With Each Brushstroke

Beginnings

Steve Penley was born in 1964 to a family of musicians in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His early years, however, were spent in Athens and then in Macon, Georgia, where he attended First Presbyterian Day School. While he enjoyed drawing as a child, painting didn’t become a serious pursuit until college. Influenced by a stepmother who preferred to keep things tidy, Steve was intimidated by working with paint, using his stepmother’s ideals to explain his hesitancy. Yet, his formal art journey began at The School of Visual Arts in New York, later continuing at the University of Georgia, where he eventually embraced painting as his chosen form of expression.

early career

After college, Steve found himself doing odd jobs while continuing to paint. It wasn’t long before his talent caught the attention of attorney and art enthusiast Robert Steed, who would play a pivotal role in introducing him to new clients and building his career. A defining moment came when a friend asked Steve to create artwork for a new restaurant, giving him only a short timeframe. Forced to work quickly, Steve developed his signature style—bold brush strokes, vivid colors, and historical icon paintings. This shift from his earlier, more realistic style was met with praise and marked the beginning of his unique artistic voice.

Today

Steve Penley is recognized as one of America’s most celebrated artists, known for his bold, iconic portrayals of American figures and culture. His works are displayed globally, from the World of Coke Museum to the walls of the White House and more than 20 Congressional offices. Over his career, he has collaborated with major brands, including Fox News and Southwest Airlines, and illustrated books, including those authored by Coach Vince Dooley. Steve also values giving back, frequently donating his work to support organizations benefiting veterans and servicemen and women.

Though his work has reached far and wide, Steve remains proudest of his role as a father to three talented children, Lyall, Abbey, and Parker, who share his passion for the arts. Residing in Buckhead, he continues to create, honoring American culture through his craft.

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