About
Raised in rural Ohio,  the parents of Steven Spathelf recognized his artistic talent as a young child.  He started painting at the age of 8 under the direction of Ethel Berlin. He received additional formal training at Bowling Green State University in Ohio & Kendall School of Design (later to become Kendall College of Art & Design) in Grand Rapids,  Michigan.

Soon after moving to the Tampa Bay area of Florida 25 years ago,  Steve started to paint professionally.  His first murals were on children's walls in the homes of friends.  He then later presented his portfolio to interior designers & obtained commissions to paint hundreds of murals in the area's finest communities.

Steve's work has been seen in local publications such as "St Petersburg Times",  "Tampa Bay Magazine",  "Imago",  & "House Trends".  His wall paintings impress the viewer with their realism, a technique known as "trompe l' oeil", a French term meaning "to deceive the eye".

Many clients have some idea of what the subject matter is to be for their project,  such as a scene from a favorite vacation spot.  Others ask for guidance as to what would be most appropriate for the site. Paintings of a door or window leading to a vista are popular themes.  Each wall is a "blank canvas",  as Steve would say.  The possibilities are endless.  The artwork does not necessarily need to encompass a whole wall.  Many times,  just an illusion of an architectural feature such as a stone crown moulding is enough to finish off a room.

Believing that life is a learning experience,  Steve continues to attend painting classes from artist,  Melissa Miller Nece at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. Over the years,  he has received numerous awards.  One of which was the City of Dunedin's Chamber of Commerce  "Rookie-of-the-Year" for 2005, as a reward for artistic contributions.

He is eternally grateful to his wife,  photographer,  Candace for her continued love & support.  The Spathelf's make Dunedin their home,  & are involved with their church & community.  Steve,  Candace, & their spaniels,  "Tripp" & "Reuben" also enjoy traveling throughout North America in their motorhome,  gathering subject matter for some future project.