about the artist
The artistic visions of Stephen Koury engage the viewer to be swept away into his world, the world of nature. He uses vivid colors and creates fabulous textures in the creatures and habitats he depicts. Stephen moves you to where you want to be in nature, stimulating your senses…one can feel the breath, hear the call, and see the perfect imperfections that make life unique.
Born in Holbrook, Arizona, Koury showed an innate ability for drawing and painting from the beginning. After completing a masters’ degree from the University of Wyoming he moved to Lakeland, Florida to coach baseball at Florida Southern College.
He helped lead Florida Southern to a National Championship Title, then he turned his underlying passion for painting into a way of life. He blossomed again and the paintings that followed were testaments to his reaching a new level of mastery of the art. Koury’s works have since shown in numerous galleries, museums, and one-man-show exhibits around the globe. Stephen has led African and Central American Photo safaris, was named Florida’s Ducks Unlimited Artist of the year three times, and authored his first book, the very successful “Painting Natures Little Creatures”, for Northlight books. The book led to teaching workshops, the most recent of which was at the New York Botanical Gardens. Stephen’s works can also be found in another book, “Wildlife Art: 60 Contemporary Masters and Their Work”.
about the paintings
Koury’s paintings begin with him immersing himself in the field, coming away with an excitement for his subject. Then on carefully prepared composition board, he lets his passion for the subject flow from him to the brush to the canvas, creating true dimension, light, and feelings. His medium of choice is creamy gouache mixed with a clear acrylic binder that creates permanency. The paint goes on smooth and can be used as a wash to create wonderful moods and beautiful light with crisp clear color or can be applied heavy for rich texture. Koury’s paintings encompass the diversity of nature; they pay tribute to the flora and fauna he loves and gives you a glimpse into real beauty.
Koury’s art enjoys international acclaim through the numerous awards and tributes he has received. Writer Jim Barger has called Stephen, “One of the great naturalists of our time.” US Art Magazine named him a “Star” and said, “his works are pushing the boundaries of wildlife art”. The Southeastern Wildlife Expo says, “Stephen is on a rocket ship to the top”. Thank you all for your support. Enjoy~
Collections: Clint Eastwood, Ret. United States General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Andy Bean, Ted Turner Family, Kenny Rodgers, United States Environmental Protection Agency
Awards: Best in Show 3x Castle Rock, CO, Best In Show Englewood, FL, Best in Show Manitou Springs, CO, Best In Painting Sedona, AZ, Best In Painting South Miami, FL, and Best In Painting 2x Tempe, AZ, Best in Painting 2x Castle Rock, CO.
Achievements: Named Contemporary Master by Portfolio Press, NY, NY, National Quail Unlimited Artist, National Forestry Service Artist, Florida Turkey Stamp Winner, National Featured Artist Plantation Wildlife Art Festival, National Featured Artist Florida Wildlife Art Exposition