Biography

Steve Devenyns is one of the finest western and wildlife artists painting today. That fact is a testimony of his talent, diligence and destiny. From decisions he has made, to those made for him, his life has culminated into the stories told in his paintings.                   

Devenyns has talent, vision and the diligence to make his dreams reality.

Devenyns works have received numerous awards and accolades including:

• The purchase of his paintings "Happy Hour" and “In the Wings” for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.
• In 1997, Steve was chosen “Artist of the Quarter” and “Artist of the Year” for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. His painting "Fringe Benefits" was the RMEF Anniversary Print and Stamp and was an immediate sellout.
• Devenyns is a 3 time Gold Medal winner at the George Phippen Memorial Art Show in Prescott Arizona.
• In 2002 the Foundation for North American Sheep named Steve "Artist of the Year".
• In 2005, he was the Featured Painter at the Brinton Museum.
• In 2006 at the Buffalo Bill Art Show in Cody, Wyoming,his painting "The Spirit of Wyoming" won the People's Choice Award.
• In 2010, he received the “Red Smith Artist’s Choice” Award at the Western Visions in Jackson, WY at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
• In 2011, Featured Artist at the "America's Horse in Art” Show and the “Buffalo Bill” Art Show.
• In 2015 he was inducted into the Academy of Western Artists at a ceremony in Ft.Worth Texas.
• In 2019, at the Western Visions Show at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Devenyns was awarded the "Robert Kuhn Award for Drawing"
• Art Talk Magazine once described Devenyns as, "a major talent in the use of oil paint to depict the life of the West."

Over the years Devenyns has been a "featured artist" and his work has graced the covers of many prestigious art publications, including:

Art of the West & Southwest Art Today’s Horse Rocky Mountain Rider Inform Art & U.S. Art Western Horseman

Beef Nebraska Cattleman New Mexico Stockman Journal Super Looper America’s Horse

 

Devenyns was born with the talent to visualize and create. However, his direction did not merge with his talent until an automobile accident allowed him the opportunity to focus on his God given ability. During a nine month recuperation period in 1974, the artist began unfolding and discovering the layers of his creativity. Steve's bareback and saddlebronc riding, as well as his pre-veterinary studies at CSU were put aside and the pursuit of his artistic talent began. It continues today. His dedication to quality and perfection has lead to a successful career as a self-taught artist. His work today is a reflection of the input and friendship of several well known artists that have helped and supported Steve throughout his career. Ray Swanson, Robert Tommey, Jim Wilcox, Tucker Smith and John Kittelson have all had a tremendous influence in Steve's work.

Raised in Colorado, Devenyns has always enjoyed wildlife, the west and open spaces. As a boy, his love for livestock and horses put him in a saddle or near a rodeo. The lifestyle Steve enjoys today that takes him to the places that he paints. He is a horseman and outdoorsman that enjoys time in the mountains or with rancher friends working livestock. Devenyns is selective of the West that he paints. His story of the West is told in episodes that reveal moments he knows to be true from personal experience. "I prefer to paint the cowboys of today, the ones I've worked with on horseback. Their work isn't always glamorous, but they are fortunate in so many ways. It's a life they love, and you can't pry them out of the saddle. I want to capture on canvas what they feel and see, as well as their independence and dedication." No extravagant, wreck a minute, action-packed scenes, but simple, pure stories are found in a Devenyns painting. One reason he paints contemporary life is to prove that the openness and the chance for freedom still exists ... if you want it bad enough.

Life in Cody, Wyoming:

Steve Devenyns lives with his wife, Karen, on the Southfork of the Shoshone River near Cody, Wyoming. He continues to pursue his fine art career and now publishes limited edition prints of selected paintings. He is represented by Big Horn Galleries in Cody, WY and Tubac Arizona. Devenyns is proud to now offer his western paintings and reproductions on the internet as well as in galleries.