03.16.1952 - 05.20.2024

Stephen with Self-Promo Illustration
Photo by Walter Nelson
1976

Larry McEntire
Airport
1977

Stephen took this photo while they were waiting to board a plane to accept an award from the Art Directors Club of New York. Great memories.

Stephen will always be grateful for Larry McEntire’s support. Larry was the first person to hire Stephen, and the first one to guide him into a business that was completely new to him. Everyone in Texas and beyond in the graphic arts industry knows Larry, as many have relied on him as a designer, illustrator, artist, teacher, mentor and creative hero. His talent is second only to his big heart. We love you, Larry!

Illustrators are constantly requiring reference. Family members get used to posing.

After the first couple of years in studio spaces Stephen was always working from home. We created well-separated spaces, and it served him just fine. The long hours and creative demands dictated a flow of work and life that was natural and fun to us. Our neighbors probably wondered what those hippies who never left the house were up to. It was great to have that life together, especially after we had kids. Even though he worked long hours he was always available to them and a big part of their activities.

Durke’s Burger
Orange, Texas
1969

BREAKFAST 5 A.M.
Stephen’s parents built and operated two restaurants in Orange, while raising him and his brothers, Vernon and Larry. They owned and operated a sandwich shop outside the Livingston Shipyard for many years before opening Durke's Burger in 1969. His father was a full-time mechanic at DuPont, while his mother managed both businesses. Locals came to rely on the restaurant for burgers, fried chicken, ice cream and on Fridays, gumbo. Stephen and his brothers helped out from the time they were big enough to sweep floors. Like many family-business kids, they grew up knowing the value of working hard, doing things well and respecting and caring about customers. And they’re all great cooks.

Stephen
Orange, Texas
1958

Blind Shooter
Acrylic on Masonite
10” x 15”
1980

Some works defy categorization. Never intended to be portfolio pieces, they’re too controversial or personal. They are similar to the illustrations in their size and method, but very different from the large paintings. Still…the technique needs practicing and the thoughts and feelings need to find expression, as reflected in this piece Stephen painted when we were living in Los Angeles.

Stephen and I met when I was working at Texas Monthly the same month he appeared on the cover. He was working in Larry’s McEntire’s studio, Lonestar, when Sybil Newman Broyles, Texas Monthly’s co-founding art and design director, walked in and said, “You!” She convinced him— a typically modest guy— to pose as Jesus for the photographer, Ron Scott, depicting the recruitment trends by Baptists in Texas. The photos became award winners, and the issue was a newsstand success.

Stephen also had illustrations in that issue that caught my attention. I was intrigued by the handsome man who had amazing talent. I became a lot more interested when I discovered what a really good person he was. We were married a year-and-a-half later.

THE ALFA
1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000

Portrait, Richard Pryor
Self-Promotion Illustration
Acrylic on Crescent Board
11.75” x 17.75”
1980

We are extremely grateful to each and every person who supported and encouraged Stephen along the way. You are appreciated and loved beyond words. Thank you!

Sunset
Pastel on Paper
10” x 15”
1980

Some works defy categorization. Never intended to be portfolio pieces, they’re too controversial or personal. They are similar to the illustrations in their size and method, but very different from the large paintings. Still…the technique needs practicing and the thoughts and feelings need to find expression, as reflected in this piece Stephen painted when we were living in Los Angeles.

Portrait
Stephen’s grandmother, Levi Bourgeois
Acrylic & Pastel on Crescent Board
15.5” x 20.5”
1979

Portrait, Salvador Dali
Self-Promotion Illustration
1976
Airbrush Acrylic & Pencil on Crescent Board
14.5” x 15.5”

Pencil Drawing
1968 (Age 16)

Self-Promotion
“Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Acrylic on Crescent Board
23.5” x 20”
1979

When we moved to Los Angeles, Stephen was fortunate to be represented by Jae Wagoner. She encouraged him to create a sample of his movie poster capabilities. Ultimately the recession that set in slowed down the flow of movie promotion, but she garnered him some good advertising work for the next several years.

Drawing, Stephen’s cat “Bebe”
2017
Pencil on Paper
5” x 8.25”

[Visit the Gift Shop for a print of this image.]

Stephen created a series of antique toy paintings when our kids were young. I love that they aren’t overly cute, just colorful and nostalgic.

A fun sample in the early digital years, with David as inspiration.

Hermosa
1980
Acrylic on Crescent Board
12.5” x 18”

Some works defy categorization. Never intended to be portfolio pieces, they’re too controversial or personal. They are similar to the illustrations in their size and method, but very different from the large paintings. Still…the technique needs practicing and the thoughts and feelings need to find expression, as reflected in this piece Stephen painted when we were living in Hermosa Beach.

The transition from traditional media to digital was one Stephen embraced. He led the way for others, including agents, clients and associates. His early digital work looks elemental now, but on that slow, first Mac he turned out some good work. (Image #6/River City Silver poster; thanks, Hank.)

MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE
The editors of several publications—Catalyst, Discovery, Sombrilla, Innovations and others—of the Colleges of Science at The University of Texas at San Antonio, UT Arlington and other academic institutions came to rely on Stephen frequently starting in 2007. His visual representations of complex or abstract situations, concepts and theories that couldn’t be photographed or illustrated any other way were one area where he excelled. Interpreting the data provided by authors and editors and working closely with them, he made the work scientifically accurate and beautiful, serving a valuable role in furthering research and education.