The Reverend – 2024, 16 x 20 inches, oil on primed board, private collection
aka Stephen Michael "esem"
In celebration of American Artist Appreciation Month, I am sharing the art and backstory of an old dear friend, Stephen Michael Barnes, known professionally as Stephen Michael, or simply, esem.
Stephen’s website esem.studio, presents the two segments of his world. The first segment, “Gallery,” is a portfolio of work that he does as an oil painter. The second segment, “Studio,” is a description of the work that he does professionally as a content creator for websites and social media. It also contains a portfolio, as well as learning materials.
Someone once said that there are painters who think and thinkers who paint. He is both.
Stephen Barnes, an evocative painter whose works seamlessly blend life’s experiences with imaginative vigor, was born and raised in the sun-drenched expanse of Tucson, Arizona. As the eldest of three children in a single-parent household, Barnes found solace and inspiration in his grandparents’ home, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the desert. Though the family’s economic limitations curtailed lavish vacations, young Stephen found adventure in the pages of comic books and the wilds of his immediate landscape, often exploring with his brother.
Three Women Dancing – 1984, 24 x 30 inches, oil on canvas, private collection
It wasn’t until his senior year in high school that Barnes first considered a potential career in art. Encouraged by an art teacher who appreciated his talent for replicating the illustrations of artists like Virgil Finlay, Barnes flirted with the idea but initially veered towards a more traditional path. Post-graduation, he attended the University of Arizona on a journalism scholarship but soon realized that his true passion lay elsewhere. Shifting his focus to the Art College, Barnes delved into the study of painting but eventually left, disillusioned by the curriculum and his need to support himself financially.
In the bustling heart of Tucson’s downtown barrio, Barnes initially juggled various small jobs, finding a semblance of community at a local frame shop where he honed his craftsmanship alongside fellow young artists. However, conflicts in his neighborhood propelled a move to Phoenix in 1978, seeking a more conducive environment both for a stable life and artistic growth. Yet, pursuing his art full-time remained a challenge, with fiscal responsibilities demanding his attention. Despite various full-time jobs, Barnes continually carved out space for his creative pursuits, a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
Woman with a cat – 2002, 30 x 40 inches, oil on canvas, private collection
The pivotal year of 2002 marked a shift, allowing Barnes to focus resolutely on painting after securing some financial leeway—though this period of fruitful creativity was curtailed by the financial crash of 2007, compelling him to return to conventional employment until 2012. This journey carved out the essential philosophy that permeates his work: perseverance and the unyielding commitment to artistic creation, no matter the obstacles.
Barnes’s art is a vibrant mix of realistic and imaginative reflections on life. He draws inspiration from what he sees, dreams, and experiences, transforming them into visually compelling narratives on canvas. Rejecting the idea of being confined to a single subject matter or style, his oeuvre is fluid and eclectic, ranging from abstract compositions to representational depictions. Each piece is an authentic record, a form of personal therapy, making his art deeply unique and resonant.
Influenced by historical giants such as Rembrandt, Goya, Corot, Morandi, Odd Nerdrum, and contemporaries like Lucian Freud, Barnes has nurtured a sophisticated technique through relentless study and practice. For Barnes, painting from life—be it a human figure, landscape, or even a simple vase of flowers—has been particularly rewarding, merging direct observation with his introspective vision. Noteworthy projects often involve this direct engagement with his subjects, creating works that are both intimate and timeless.
Abigail sleeping – 2005, 36 x 24 inches, oil on canvas, private collection
While Barnes has organized his own exhibitions, finding the traditional gallery circuit somewhat disheartening, the self-driven path has been liberating. Through local events like the Phoenix Arizona Art Detour and various shows in restaurants and coffee shops, he has successfully brought his art to a broader audience. Though not abundantly awarded, the second-place finish in a Phoenix juried show remains a testament to his recognized talent.
The best art is the art that remains meaningful over the centuries,
Jesus, 1929 – 2005, 30 x 40 inches, oil on canvas with charcoal, iron dust, asphalt sealer, private collection
Beyond the realm of art, Stephen enjoys a rich tapestry of interests—classical music, mid-twentieth century jazz, cooking, hiking, and reading. Nature, with all its unadulterated beauty, provides a meditative counterpoint to his urban life, reinforcing his creative visions. Professionally, his work as a web designer and content producer has run parallel to his artistic endeavors, each informing and enhancing the other.
Returning, always returning – 2023, 14 x 11 inches, oil on canvas with board, private collection
For Barnes, art is a profound expression of the human soul, transcending mere craftsmanship to encapsulate the essence of cultural and historical experiences. His ultimate goal remains clear: to attain the financial freedom to devote himself entirely to painting, capturing the myriad facets of human existence for posterity. As Barnes eloquently states, “The best art is the art that remains meaningful over the centuries,” a principle that underscores every brushstroke and canvas he creates. Through resilience, perseverance, and a heartfelt dedication to authenticity, Stephen Barnes has etched his unique mark on the ever-evolving tapestry of contemporary art.
Stephen Michael
American Artist (1954 -)
See more of esem's art online at esem.studio
All art and images copyright © Stephen Michael Barnes. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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A.D. is an artist who started drawing at a young age. Throughout his life, he has worked with different creative tools in traditional and digital art and design. His art and writings have been showcased in various publications such as Airbrush Action Magazine, Airbrush Magazine, American Art Collector, Art & Beyond, Dream To Launch, Easyriders, Las Vegas City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, L’Vegue, ModelsMania, Quick Throttle, and The Ultimate Airbrush Handbook.
