Oceanside local, Steve Barton, creates a gorgeous tropical oil painting on a surfboard.

Oceanside local, Steve Barton, is a world renowned artist who is known for his distinct loose impressionistic style and signature Wavy frames. From bright and bold tropical landscapes to serene still lifes, from canvas to surf boards, Steve's ever growing repertoire continues to expand. As a long time fan and collector of Steve's work, it was such an honor to hear that Steve had done an original watercolor inspired by one of my photographs. I was recently invited into Steve's studio to preview his new desert scape and succulent inspired pieces and I'm thrilled to be able to share his new work with you all.

It was such a treat to get to sit down with Steve to discuss his artistic vision for the future as well as get some insight into a little Barton history.

Growing up, Steve learned to paint alongside his mother, who painted New England landscapes to sell as folk art at craft fairs. Steve remembers selling his first painting, a covered bridge, at a bank in New Hampshire for $375 at the age of 16. Not a bad start if you ask me!

Steve began painting full time after moving to California in 1994. Inspired by the beauty of coastal palm trees, he began focusing on tropical landscapes and tranquil scenes depicting what you might imagine your dream vacation getaway to be. One day in 1999, Steve's creativity was sparked after stretching a canvas way too tight. He loved the way it added dimension to his painting and complimented his unique style, so he began creating "Wavy" canvases on purpose. Because wavy canvases require wavy frames, Steve had his work cut out for him to create a frame to accompany his newly invented wavy canvas. He describes his first Wavy frame as "Frankenstein's monster", with bolts sticking out everywhere and glue oozing out of the cracks. Over time, he was able to perfect his Wavy frame which is now his trademark.

Steve's inventiveness has caught the eye of art lovers around the globe leading to many amazing opportunities including a recent collaboration with the Walt Disney Company.

Always looking to expand his artistic horizons, Steve has recently found inspiration in the desert landscapes of the Southwest. Prints of his new paintings titled "Needles" + "Leaves" are now available at BartonStudios.com!