WYLAND GALLERIES INTRODUCES STEVEN QUARTLY AT KEY WEST SHOW JANUARY 15-17

Featured artist Steven Quartly is shown here at his easel. "Portofino Retreat" is one of Steven Quartly's European scenes inspired by his travels.

Wyland Galleries of Key West presents artist Steven Quartly, appearing for the first time at the 623 Duval Street gallery, Friday through Sunday, January 15-17. Quartly, the latest artist to join Wyland’s creative coterie, is to display his images at the 623 Duval gallery only. Largely self-taught, Quartly is a great admirer of Charles Mundy for his plein air techniques. He also admires the palette-knife technique of Howard Behrens and has been influenced by Rembrandt’s use of light and dark. “Mixing on the canvas is fun and exciting,” he says of his plein air scenes. When he was growing up, Quartly found school difficult because he suffers from dyslexia. His parents encouraged him in painting and music, both of which he loves. Though painting is his vocation, he still sings and writes music. “Most people think that if kids don’t do well in school, they don’t have a future,” he says. “But I just learned differently; I learned on a creative level.” Today, much of Quartly’s art is inspired by his travels, with wife Natalie, in Europe, Hawaii and tropical regions. His scenes may be a Mediterranean seascape, European city, or California landscape — all capturing a feeling of romance or emotion. Some of his works are created from photographs taken on his travels, while others are from sketches. Born in California and still living close to the ocean, Quartly loves to surf. It’s not unusual for him to ride the waves in the early morning. “I have surfed for years,” he says. “It is my escape.” Meet Steven Quartly, and discover the work of this intriguing artist, at Wyland Galleries’ 623 Duval Street location daily and by appointment January 15-17. For more information about the show and Quartly’s images, call the gallery at (305) 292-4998.