Opening Reception: Tropic Seas in Mixed Media at Studios of Cocoa Beach
The Studios of Cocoa Beach is hosting two exhibits in October. Tropic Seas in Mixed Media, by award winning artist Pete Steenland of Ormond Beach, will feature his large pieces filled with incredible details. Fall Notations presents autumn inspirations created by Studio artists. On Friday, October 7, from 6 to 9 pm the Studios will hold an opening reception complete with wine and food bites. The evening is an opportunity to meet the artists and view the gallery. The exhibits are on display October 3 to October 30.
Pete Steenland is a mariner and an artist who loves the underwater world and has an acute appreciation for all living things. Since early childhood he has found beauty in the smallest organisms like weeds and diatoms up to the largest marine mammals. His work is not limited to marine life, but a tropical theme prevails through all his paintings with underlying qualities of precision and grace.
Pete holds an AA degree in Art and Biology, and a BA from University of West Florida in Studio Art with an emphasis in Marine Sciences .He spent thirty-two years working on the seas as a licensed Merchant Marine Captain, captaining 100 ton passenger vessels and 3000 gross tons for Freight and Towing.
After his incredible career on the seas, Pete turned full focus on his art. He is assisted by Donna Steenland, his wife and business manager Their combined passion is “sharing the many ways of reflecting God’s unlimited Grace” with others. Pete’s art vibrates with their love for life, love for nature and love for God.
His mixed media creations use a combination of watercolor, gesso, oils, acrylics, Conti-crayon, India ink or acrylic inks, cold water dye, and sometimes wood stain, crayons and oil pastels. In the “Shards & Bling Series”, he adds scraps of plastic and other waste materials,. The “bling” may include scraps from broken jewelry, glass, etc.
The Studios of Cocoa Beach, 159 Minuteman Causeway in downtown Cocoa Beach is open Tuesday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm, and Sundays 10 am to 3 pm. For more information, artist portfolios, and current classes and workshops visit the website: www.studiosofcocoabeach.org.
