Steven Lush

Steve Lush was born in 1949 and worked almost six years aboard ships for American Export Lines and Standard Oil Co. of California as a marine engineer. These voyages took him to ports around the Mediterranean, India, Africa, the American West Coast, and the South Pacific Islands.

A self-taught artist and master model shipwright, Steve works mostly with watercolor and gouache and sometimes pastels (or all three combined). Many of his maritime-themed pieces are a result of research on specific ship construction details and port scenes. He uses his collection of reference books, ship construction plans, and the model ships he has built to compose his paintings. Once the main subject is drafted, his washes are applied in a “painterly” fashion, yet with strategic detail added in the process.

“My art has been influenced by my experiences at sea and the ports I have visited. Model shipbuilding has influenced my eye for form while literature of the sea has influenced my taste for individuality. I love strong colors and strive to capture a sense of emotion, understated activity and contrasting light in my work.”

Steve’s national and international marine painting awards include: The Director’s Award for the 2011 18th Annual Coos Art Museum Maritime Art Exhibition; the Lehmann Memorial Award for the 2010 Annual Transparent Watercolor Society’s Exhibition; and the Museum Purchase Award for the 2008 Annual International Marine Art Exhibition at Mystic Seaport. His work was included in the 2012 American Watercolor Society’s Annual Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club, NYC; the Biennial Open Exhibition of the New England Watercolor Society at the Attleboro Art Museum, MA and the 15th National Exhibition of the American Society of Marine Artists. Steve is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists and of the New England Watercolor Society.