Trained in traditional methods of oil painting and drawing at the University of New Hampshire, Stephen Florimbi’s colorful coastal scenes fall squarely in the artistic tradition of his home state of Maine.
Born in Philadelphia, he moved to Madrid Spain at the age of six where he was introduced to the works of masters in the Prado Museum. He recalls being deeply moved by the raw emotion conveyed in the works of Francisco Goya, and still considers Goya one of his primary influences.
His paintings have been exhibited in Midcoast Maine, Connecticut, New York City, and Singapore. Stephen cherishes the the close connection to his community and to the natural environment that plein air painting brings to his work. His loose expressive brushwork and distinct color pallet have won him awards at the Ogunquit, Perkins Cove Plein Air Festival (2024 and 2025) for depictions of the working waterfront. He has also been invited to participate in several juried plein air events including Cape Elizabeth’s, Paint For Preservation, and The Adirondack Plein Air Festival. This year he is excited to add Plein Air Litchfield to his schedule.
Currently a dedicated full time professional artist, Stephen also celebrates a notable career as a wooden boatbuilder. When he’s not painting you can find him running, and hiking on the local coastal mountain trails.
Statement
I paint from direct observation, taking my easel out during all seasons—into the woods, along the coast of Maine, across the country. Working in oils, I enjoy distilling complex layers of color and shape to create a sense of place. I’m keen to notice what I’m drawn to–looking outward as a way of seeing inward.
I’m compelled to create in this direct way because it connects me to nature, to my community. It reminds me that I am in and of this beautiful world.
Stephen Florimbi
