*Steve Atkinson Studio Blogspot*
Yep, I know that I have a blog on my website right here, but I started this separate blog to be able to do some postings that I wasn't able to do here. I'm now able to easily post plein air step by step demos. Lots more photos and pictures of things that help me to communicate better. Often, the Musings page right here, will simply be a link to this new blog spot. Come back to it often, or just sign up for the RSS feed and the new entry will show up in your bookmarked list. Simple, just like it should be.

America West Frames
America West Frames located in Flagstaff Arizona is one of the best framers I've had the good fortune to find. Thomas, the owner, is one of the nicest most helpful people you will find. The frames are second to none. If ordinary just isn't good enough for you, do yourself a favor and get the best. No one works harder to make your paintings look good.

Baker Frame Studio
I met Jeremiah Baker at his booth during the Oil Painters of America's National show. I love his unique frame styles and his easy laid back style. He is a perfectionist and will work with you to give you exactly the frame with exactly the finish you're looking for. Oh, and he's very reasonably priced too. If you're ready to move up to a custom frame and ready made just won't do anymore, this is a great place to start. He has readymades too, they just don't look like readymades. Tell Jeremiah that I sent you. It may not get you a discount, but it just might get me one!

Bosque Conservatory
I live in Minnesota, so you can take this for what it's worth, but I consider the Bosque Conservatory a crown jewel of Texas.
Yes, Clifton Texas is a small town, but the Bosque Conservatory is making it's presence known throughout the United States thanks to a relatively small number of devoted directors, staff and members. They may be in a small community, but their presence in the representational art world is not. Every year they hold the Art Classic which is tended over by nationally renowned judges and artists. Each year their stature is growing by leaps and bounds.
Considered one of the “100 Best Small Art Towns in America,” Clifton has attracted such renowned artists as the late James Boren, the late Melvin Warren, Bruce Greene, Martin Grelle, George Hallmark, Tony Eubanks and George Boutwell. Many of those artists have exhibited or taught at the Bosque Conservatory.
If you are an artist, do yourself a favor and check into the shows there. If you are an art lover, check out the site and consider becoming a member (like I have) of this prestigious institution.

Jacquelyn Bischak
Jacquelyn is an incredibly talented figurative painter who I met at the OPA National Show in Fredericksburg, Texas a couple of years ago. The sensitivity with which she paints is stunning. Every painting she does is better than the last. Recently she was picked up by Legacy gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Scottsdale, Arizona. I'm so excited about her rising star and I see big things in the future for her.

Jeff Gottfried, western sculptor
I first met Jeff at the 2007 Bosque Conservatory Art Classic where his sculpture titled "Wishful Thinking" won not only first place in the sculpture category, but the very prestigious Patron's Purchase Award as well. Recently he also won the Cowboy Artists of America's award for Emerging Artist for his entire body of work. I unexpectedly met up with Jeff again in the Texas Art Gallery's Fixed Price Draw in 2008. If there's a nicer guy out there, I'd like to meet him. Jeff is as humble about his work as he is talented.

Jennifer McChristian
Jennifer is a wonderful painter who is quickly making a name for herself, and rightly so. Her plein air work is fresh and surely handled, never overworked. She was recently named one of Southwest Art Magazine's "Artists to Watch" in 2007. Not to mention, she's just a really nice person.

Mountain Goat Frames
Nancy and Tom of Mountain Goat Frames offer affordable, handcrafted frames in the Old World tradition for artists, galleries, and anyone looking for an alternative to ordinary frame shops. They offer polychrome frames, fully guilded frames in gold and metal leaf, and burl veneers. And they do them beautifully. Their custom frame styles compliment most any painting. Never fussy or overwhelming, take a look at what they do. I trust my framing to them.

Oil Painters of America
Oil Painters of America was founded in 1991 primarily to focus attention on the lasting value of fine drawing, color, composition and the appreciation of light. As a beginner or a master painter, the feeling of tremendous satisfaction that came from capturing that special moment, realistically and spiritually, was a bond that united us all. Another strong motivation was the observation that traditional drawing and painting skills were not being taught in the colleges and universities. OPA became the voice for renewed understanding and appreciation of representational art. Oil Painters of America continues to grow and gain respect as an organization that values and supports its members. Our main focus is unchanged. We are here to provide the forum in which you can display your art in regional and national competitions. Through our newsletters we will inform you about current art events and future exhibitions throughout the country. OPA provides the network of fellow artists and experienced professionals that can assist you in your quest for painting excellence. In addition, we will continue to support the education process through scholarships, workshops and exhibitions of art from today's masters.

Plein Air Painters of the West
A group of incredibly talented painters who have a love of western landscapes. These are some of the best painters and nicest guys out there painting today, IMHO. I'm honored to be affiliated with them. Check out their website and get to know their work, you'll be hearing a lot about these artists very soon.

Scott Myers
A wonderful painter and a great friend. Scott is quickly making a name for himself in the world of western painting. He can do it all, painting, sculpture, plein air, and he can tell wicked funny jokes to boot.Scott's paintings never hang on a gallery wall for very long. Grab one while you can, you will never regret it!

Xiangyuan Jie
Jie is an incredible painter. His color sense and composition is second to none and paints on location with masterful control. Jie has just left the animation film industry and has begun to paint full time. Disney's loss is the world's gain. There's a very good reason he's known as "Master J".