W. Steve Seltzer

W. Steve Seltzer biography:

Painter Steve Seltzer grew up with the influence of his grandfather’s, O.C. Seltzer’s, western artwork, and has always held an interest in art.  This influence is apparent even in Steve Seltzer’s earliest pieces, which often feature western subject matter.  It was not until the mid-70’s, after graduating from Montana State University and working in the architectural and real estate fields, that he decided to concentrate on his passion for painting. 

With this decision to become a full time painter, Seltzer and his wife moved to Southern California where he shared his enthusiasm and his studio with brother-in-law and fellow artist Dan McCaw. In California, he studied with well-known Russian artist Sergei Bongart whose impressionistic influences as well as McCaw’s and fellow artist Don Putman, inspired him to experiment with subjects outside the Western theme, such as reflected light on the sea and sand. 

However, Seltzer is quick to explain: “Subject matter comes second to the atmosphere, the feeling, the flavor I want to suggest.” It is this belief that allows him to continue painting with such variety. Whether the subject is Western or impressionistic, his goal is to suggest rather than describe, to allow the audience to create their own interpretations. 

In 1996, Steve Seltzer won the Juror’s Award and the Artist’s Award for the best painting and group of paintings at the Northwest Rendevous show in Park City, Utah.  The following year, he won the Peoples Choice Award at the Chapparal Gallery’s annual summer show.  He is one of only two artists to be accepted into all 35 C.M. Russell Auctions.

Available painting:

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Untitled
W. Steve Seltzer
watercolor   12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″
$2,500

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