“My goal as an artist is to interpret nature and create a harmonious design. I seek not to copy but to select and heighten what I find to be beautiful. I admire the artists of the past who combined representation with invention to achieve their artistic vision. My desire is to present my art and experiences and to invite response.”

Drawing and painting were early hobbies for Steve Armes, but by high school he began to consider a career in art. His first semester at San Jose University was initially frustrating as he soon realized traditional techniques were not popular and were not being taught. Anyone who has endeavored to study traditional painting knows how difficult it is to find teachers, but fortunately by the second semester at the university Armes found Maynard Dixon Stewart, who was educated in 19 th century academic ideals and techniques. Stewart, who became Armes' friend and mentor, had received instruction from his father, Utah landscape painter LeConte Stewart, as well as from British artist Alvin Gittens. Stewart also had studied at the Art Students League with the renowned Frank Vincent DuMond, who had the great fortune to study at the legendary 19 th century Acadamie Julian in Paris .

Armes eventually graduated with a painting degree and then began working as an illustrator while pursuing classical painting. He moved to Dallas in the mid 1980's, and had an opportunity for further study with Herbert Perleman, who had received instruction from Frank Reilly at the Art Students League.

In 2006, Steve Armes was invited to become one of the “Triad: Three American Painters,” that included Stephen Gjertson and Kirk Richards. This traveling exhibition debuted at the Newington-Cropsey Foundation in Hastings-on-Hudson , New York . In addition to landscapes, Armes paints figures and still life in the classic manner. He also teaches workshops throughout the United States and Europe .