Joe Esteban is a contemporary artist originally from Chicago, IL. He has spent most of his adult life in various cities throughout Florida, with the exception of one year in Washington, DC. He now resides in Orlando. Growing up, Joe displayed a talent for drawing, placing 3rd in a contest while still in elementary school. But, he never pursued an interest beyond what was offered in the art classes taught in public schools.

It wasn't until Joe reached college that he truly started to show an appreciation for art. In particular, the art and architecture of Europe. One of his favorite courses was Introduction to Art History. Joe went on to receive his Associate in Arts degree from Manatee Community College in Bradenton. From there he attended The Florida State University in Tallahasse, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a minor in International Affairs. Since graduating, he has worked as a cartographer for a major automobile club.

In the years following, Joe made several trips to Europe and saw first hand many of the great artworks and architecture that he had learned about in school. To document his travels, Joe became an avid photographer, tirelessly shooting roll after roll (until digital came along). He fueled this new passion by taking classes in color and B/W photography, darkroom developing, and printing. But, after several years of taking pictures Joe realized he wasn't taking out his camera as much unless he was traveling.

The house he bought in 1998 came with all the furnishings and among the items was a wooden box with a complete set of used oil paints. He kept the box in the laundry room thinking he might use them one day. After suffering on the golf course one too many times, he took out the wooden box and enrolled at a local art school. He has been studying abstract painting at The Maitland Art Center with Kaye Callaway since 2007. He plans to further his studies at art schools in New York City and Chicago.

WORKSHOPS  ATTENDED

A Color Workshop for Artists-Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL; Mar. 2010 (Instructor: Peter W. Brown)

Figurative Workshop for Artists and Teachers-Maitland Art Center, Maitland, FL; Jan. 2010 (Instructor: Marianna Hamilton Ross)

EXHIBITS

May 14-June 4, 2010 STUDIO SIX Art Show-Creative Spirit Art Gallery, Orlando, FL

Jan. 23-Mar. 14, 2010 RSVP Members Only Exhibition-Maitland Art Center, Maitland, FL

December, 2009 Maitland Library, Maitland, FL - Group Show

December, 2008 Maitland Library, Maitland, FL - Group Show

November, 2008 Southcreek Library, Orlando, FL - Group Show

July, 2008 The Dunlop Law Firm, P.A., Winter Park, FL - Group Show

June, 2008 Maitland Library, Maitland, FL - Group Show