Steve Penley Portrait of Mark Twain Signed Original 30x30 Acrylic on Canvas Painting

Artist: Steve Penley
Title: Portrait of Mark Twain
Size: 30" x 30", unframed
Medium: Original Acrylic on Canvas
Year: c. 2005-2015
Inscription: Signed "PENLEY" on bottom front
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

"Portrait of Mark Twain" is an original painting by Steve Penley, an American contemporary artist known for his synthesis of gestural abstraction and figurative representation. Penley's work frequently engages historical figures and cultural icons, situating them within a visual language that emphasizes movement, color, and expressive immediacy. In this portrait, the likeness of Mark Twain is rendered through vigorous brushwork and layered pigment, producing an image that balances recognition with painterly abstraction. The composition reflects Penley's interest in portraying historical subjects not as static commemorations but as dynamic presences shaped by both personal legacy and collective memory.

Penley's approach draws upon traditions of Abstract Expressionism while maintaining a firm commitment to figuration. His use of acrylic paint allows for rapid application and reworking of the surface, resulting in visible energy and texture that contribute to the psychological intensity of the portrait. By combining gestural marks with a recognizable visage, Penley positions the work within a broader dialogue concerning the reinterpretation of historical figures in contemporary art. The subject of Mark Twain, a foundational figure in American literature, aligns with the artist's recurring focus on individuals who have shaped national identity and cultural discourse.

The painting measures 30 by 30 inches and is presented unframed. It is executed in acrylic on canvas and signed "PENLEY" on the bottom front. The work is dated circa 2005–2015 and is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity. Together, these details situate "Portrait of Mark Twain" within Penley's mature period, during which he consistently explored the intersection of history, expression, and modern painterly technique.

About Steve Penley

Steve Penley is an American contemporary artist known for his large scale figurative paintings that merge gestural abstraction with representational imagery drawn from American history, popular culture, and classical art. Born in McDonough, Georgia, Penley studied at the University of Georgia, where he earned both his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees. His academic training, combined with a sustained engagement with art historical sources, informs a practice that balances expressive brushwork with recognizable iconography.

Penley's work is characterized by its energetic application of paint, often employing broad, forceful strokes that create a sense of movement and immediacy. His subject matter frequently includes historical figures, political leaders, athletes, and cultural symbols, rendered in a style that recalls Abstract Expressionism while maintaining a strong figurative presence. By layering imagery and color, Penley explores themes of identity, national memory, and cultural continuity, positioning contemporary subjects within a broader historical framework.

Throughout his career, Penley has worked across multiple media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. His paintings often reference canonical works and artistic traditions, reinterpreted through a modern visual language that emphasizes scale and physicality. This synthesis of abstraction and figuration situates Penley's work within ongoing dialogues about the relevance of historical imagery in contemporary art.

Steve Penley's work has been exhibited widely in galleries and museums across the United States and is held in numerous public and private collections. His paintings have also been featured in prominent civic and institutional settings, reflecting the broad appeal and cultural resonance of his work. Penley continues to live and work in Georgia, maintaining an active studio practice that contributes to the evolving landscape of contemporary American art.