Collection: Stephen Shortridge Artist Biography and Art Gallery Collection

Stephen Shortridge, using light, delicate lines and intriguing compositions, creates artwork that have the power to transport you to another place. Stephen Shortridge was born in Iowa, in 1951, and raised in Southern California. He exhibited artistic promise from a young age, but he didn't get any formal art training until he took a painting class at Idaho State University, where he had a water polo scholarship. But even after this first brush with art, Shortridge made no effort to pursue it as a career; instead, he followed his dream of becoming a professional actor. While he was successful, he says it was never where his heart was. Stephen Shortridge, the artist may be more familiar to you as an actor. During the seventies and eighties, Shortridge built an enviable career appearing in such well-known television series as "Welcome Back Kotter" and "The Love Boat". He co-starred with Debbie Reynolds on the ABC show "Aloha Paradise". He spent the year of 1987 playing the role of David Reed as part of the original cast on the CBS daytime soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful". Stephen also worked regularly as a model and appeared in over fifty TV commercials. Art is his first love and always has been. It wasn't until he was in his mid-thirties that Stephen Shortridge finally decided to follow that love.

Stephen Shortridge admittedly is inspired by John Singer Sargent's simple mastery and Joaquin Sorolla's passionate expression, and as a result, primarily creates Romantic Impressionist paintings. While he appreciates and enjoys all styles of art, the one that first stirred him was Impressionism. "To me it was bold, and full of life and color," he explains. "It was uninhibited and had a magic quality." Shortridge is also drawn to Impressionism because emotion is foremost in its creation and appreciation; it compels the viewer to feel something, which is the basis of Shortridge's creative spirit. His style results from the influence of the French Impressionists, Monet in particular. However, his full colors and bold strokes have established him as a unique America Romantic Impressionist. Stephen's collectors include Patty Duke, Donna Summers & Rick Dees. While living in LA, he exhibited with fellow actor/artist, Peter Falk. He notes, "I think the most important aspect of creating is staying true to your heart and trying to share that passion.".