C. S. “Steve” Talley developed an art interest not long after graduating with a degree in astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978. Juggling a career in the sciences and ultimately computer programming, his art skills continued to improve by taking workshops from primarily plein air artists. Talley’s style of impressionistic realism is a blend of rich colors but under control. He takes artistic license to push a color or include a compositional element to accomplish his goal of creating the intangible “strong emotional content”.

Beginning as a portrait painter he has evolved to become primarily a landscape painter. He also enjoys painting religious themes. His main influences come from members of the Plein Air Painters of America members John Budicin and Ron Rencher. In the deceased category, influences come from Paul Strisik, Edgar Payne, Will Sparks, and Fredericks Mulhaupt. Almost every summer, Steve travels from his home in Fredericksburg,Texas to the northern reaches of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, and places between searching for inspiring vistas. His painting of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area was chosen by the Texas Parks and Wildlife department as the focal point for the informational kiosk at the Enchanted Rock Summit trailhead.

He is the past president of the Die Kunstler von Fredericksburg (The Artists of Fredericksburg), an art group located in the Hill Country of Texas and a member of the Oil Painters of America and the Copinni Art Academy. His works have shown with the Nomadas del Arte and Texas Wild Bunch groups. He has been happily married to Ginette for over 28 years and they have two sons, Austin and Aaron.