Location: United States
Stephen Estrada’s paintings reflect an intimate, human connection with the natural world. His work traces his personal journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast, as well as travels in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico where he has worked to rebuild homes after hurricanes Katrina and Michael.
Stephen continued his studio practice while working as design chief at the Smithsonian and director at US Department of State's Museum of Diplomacy. He now makes art full time at his Bethesda, MD studio. He has shown nationally and his work is in collections throughout the United States. He has two daughters and lives in Silver Spring, MD with his wife Leslie and their bullmastiff, Ruby.
I returned to the sea as a source for my paintings after a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway in 2010. Growing up in California, the ocean was a source of excitement and solace. I have painted along America's coastlines, Central America and the Caribbean. The sea reminds us of our fragile place at the edge of the natural world.
Size: 60x96"
Oil on canvas
2020 was an active hurricane year. Surfing, photographing and sketching along the east coast during a two week run in September provided me with a rich vault of source materials for my Hurricane '20 series.
72X62"
Oil on canvas
Oil on canvas
60X72"
“Hurricane '20 no. 7 ”
“Hurricane '20 no.6”
“Blue Headland”
