Meet Steven Tyler Estes, a self-taught painter from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, whose journey into art began just four years ago during the pandemic. Balancing a full-time career as a sales manager and newfound passion for painting, he embraced a raw, intuitive approach to his work, blending vibrant colors and bold, abstract forms. Deeply inspired by Picasso’s Cubism and driven by a love for the human figure, his art explores beauty in imperfection, inviting viewers to question conventional ideas of aesthetics. On the verge of a major life milestone—getting married—this artist shares insights into his creative process, influences, and hopes for the future.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
First off, I’m new to all of these. I’ve only been painting as a hobby for 4 years now… which will become more evident as I try to answer questions about “art”. I’m 37 years old, born in a small town in Alabama. I live in Tuscaloosa, AL where I work full time as a sales manager for a logistics company… painting in my free time. I’m also getting married in 5 days from the time of writing this, so that’s awesome!!
What first drew you to painting, and when did you start?
I started painting in 2020. At the time I needed a new hobby, and I thought back to my love of drawing and sketching as a child. From
an early age I was creative… always drawing or coloring something, but those interests took a back seat to sports as I got older.
Is there a specific moment or artist that inspired you to begin?
Specific moment, no but as for artist I would say Picasso. His paintings have always amazed me.
What mediums (oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.) do you prefer, and why?
I’ve really only worked with acrylics, but I would like to become more comfortable with oils. I do like to use oil pastel crayons on top of my acrylic work to give it a different feel.
How would you describe your painting style or the direction you're exploring?
I would say I have no idea because I want to be real… and I want my art to be as real as possible. I’m learning as I go and only want to create art that is original.
What themes or subjects do you enjoy painting most, and why?
I would say the human figure. I enjoy making a lot of abstract portraits and faces, doing my best to make them as “beautifully ugly” as possible. Giving you the choice to decide on what it is you find appealing and “pretty”.
Do you keep sketches or notes as part of your process?
Oh yea, I have hundreds of sketches sitting around my studio waiting for their turn.
Do you decide on a color palette before you start working?
You seem to love bright colors. Yes, I typically lay my sketch out on the canvas then take some time to examine it, thinking of what color schemes I need or want where.
You seem to be influenced by Cubism, what are the difficult aspects of the technique you use?
There are obviously elements of Cubism in my work, but I can’t say that’s intentional. I think the themes of Cubism just speak to me and how I see the people and creatures of this world - abstract anomalies brought together through fragmented pieces of time and personality.
How do you decide which perspectives or angles to include in a piece?
I use my art to escape thought and any decision making. What you see comes to me naturally and flows on the canvas as I see it in that moment.
Do you focus more on abstract compositions or representational forms?
I try my best not to focus on a damn thing and let my work come through me naturally. I’m self-taught, so what you see on the canvas is my natural reaction to the emotions I feel once the painting has started.
What is your least favorite type of art?
I would say A.I. art because death to Skynet…
What do you hope to achieve with your painting in the future?
I only hope to inspire joy and creativity through my work. If I can get paid along the way that would be cool, too.
Can you describe your art in one sentence?
An abstract anarchy of motion and memory.