Steve Barton comes from a family of artists naturally led him to a career in the field. Growing up in New Hampshire, his mother was an oil painter who always encouraged his natural talent and interest and in art and eventually he studied at the Rhode Island School of Design. Steve Barton later traveled to the west coast to broaden his subject matter and is now known for the bright and colorful California coastal scenes he creates. Steve Barton continues to paint, display, and sell his own art while also donating painting demonstrations for students both in the United States and abroad.

Steve Barton finds the inspiration for his work comes mostly from his Southern California surroundings. He paints things that he believes might not be around for much longer, like an old surf shack or isolated beach area. He’s also partial to subjects that make him think about days past. When settling on any location as a subject, Barton takes in the setting, snaps some photos and sketches onsite. He then goes back to the studio to paint and embellish the work that emerges from the picture in his mind.

Steve Barton's art isn't limited to just wavy frames, he also paints one of a kind, original paintings on recycled surfboards - purchasing old boards from local kids and helping them to buy new ones. Lately, Barton has gathered attention for his “Wavy” concept, which he developed in 1999. The Wavy Frame is just what it sounds like; he unites the artwork he creates with the frame to better draw viewers into the paintings and add greater depth to the tone of his work. Barton’s signature wavy canvases and frames are unmistakable characteristics of 95 percent of his paintings. The purpose is to give viewers another perspective that allows them to move with the painting and enjoy the intense sense of relaxation and good times the artist evokes.The vivid colors and heavy layering perfectly complement his most common subject matter – the beach.

In 2011, Steve Barton was invited to join the licensed Disney Artist family which allows him to paint Disney characters into his scenes. He currently has 13 Disney themed Limited Editions available. Barton has been busy with his latest project, a new line of mixed media, original painted Lucite Sculptures. It was a long process but he is pleased with the outcome and overwhelming response to this new product. Now, Barton is represented in more than 40 galleries around the United States, including Florida, South Carolina, Arizona,& Texas, Boxing champion Oscar de la Hoya, heavyweight Olympic gold medalist George Forman and NASCAR Driver Casey Mears are just a few of Barton's well-known collectors. For Barton, painting is a way of life. He loves to spend spare moments combing areas for inspiration. Old quaint houses, cottages, cabins and villas that capture the heart of life on the beach are among his favorite settings to capture on canvas.