Steve Devenyns

Steve Devenyns is one of the finest western and wildlife artists painting today. That fact is a testimony of his talent, diligence and destiny. From decisions he has made, to those made for him, his life has culminated into the stories told in his paintings.

Devenyns was born with the talent to visualize and create. However, his direction did not merge with his talent until an automobile accident allowed him the opportunity to focus on his God given ability. During a nine month recuperation period in 1974, the artist began unfolding and discovering the layers of his creativity. Steve’s bareback and saddlebronc riding, as well as his pre-veterinary studies at CSU were put aside and the pursuit of his artistic talent began. It continues today. His dedication to quality and perfection has lead to a successful career as a self taught artist. His work today is a reflection of the input and friendship of several well known artists that have helped and supported Steve throughout his career. Ray Swanson, Robert Tommey, Jim Wilcox, Tucker Smith and John Kittelson have all had a tremendous influence in Steve’s work.

Raised in Colorado, Devenyns has always enjoyed wildlife, the west and open spaces. As a boy, his love for livestock and horses put him in a saddle or near a rodeo. The lifestyle Steve enjoys today that takes him to the places that he paints. He is a horseman and outdoorsman that enjoys time in the mountains or with rancher friends working livestock. Devenyns is selective of the West that he paints. His story of the West is told in episodes that reveal moments he knows to be true from personal experience. “I prefer to paint the cowboys of today, the ones I’ve worked with on horseback. Their work isn’t always glamorous, but they are fortunate in so many ways. It’s a life they love, and you can’t pry them out of the saddle. I want to capture on canvas what they feel and see, as well as their independence and dedication."  No extravagant, wreck a minute, action-packed scenes, but simple, pure stories are found in a Devenyns painting. One reason he paints contemporary life is to prove that the openness and the chance for freedom still exists... if you want it bad enough.

Over the years Devenyns has been a “featured artist” and his work has graced the covers of many prestigious art publications, including Art of the West, Southwest Art, Inform Art, U.S. Art, and Western Horseman. Recently his paintings have been featured on Beef, Nebraska Cattleman, New Mexico Stockman Journal and Sooper Looper. He has received numerous awards including the purchase of his painting “Happy Hour” for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. His paintings have been featured several times as the Artist of the Quarter program for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation In 1997, Steve was chosen Artist of the Year for that organization. His painting "Fringe Benefits" was the RMEF Anniversary Print and Stamp and was an immediate sellout. Steve is a 3 time Gold Medal winner at the George Phippen Memorial Art Show in Prescott, Arizona, The Foundation for North American Sheep named Steve “Artist of the Year” in 2002 and in 2005 he was the featured painter at the Bradford Brinton Museum. His painting “The Spirit of Wyoming” won the People’s Choice Award at the 2006 Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody, Wyoming . Devenyns has talent, vision and the diligence to make his dreams reality. Art Talk Magazine once described Devenyns as “a major talent in the use of oil paint to depict the life of the West.”

His work can be found in the Eiteljorg Museum Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody, Wyoming and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Governor’s Show in Cheyenne, Wyoming as well as the Bradford Brinton Museum Show in Sheridan, Wyoming and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming.

Steve Devenyns lives with his wife, Karen, on the Southfork of the Shoshone River near Cody, Wyoming. He continues to pursue his fine art career and now publishes limited edition prints of selected paintings. He is represented by Big Horn Galleries in Cody, Wyoming and Tubac, Arizona, and Cogswell Gallery in Vail, Colorado and is proud to now offer his western paintings and prints on the internet as well as in galleries.

Artist Statement "I have spent many years learning to become a good painter and have now reached a point where the fun begins. Painting for me is very enjoyable. I found that a good painting, and life in general have one thing in common: The simpler you make them, the better the result."