Paintings and Photography

My focus is on watercolour painting and photographing the natural environment around us, particularly in Northern Ontario, with Lake Superior as an inspiration. I paint for personal pleasure and well-being. I attempt to capture the essence of the scene I have witnessed, and nothing gives me more self-gratification than producing a piece o
My focus is on watercolour painting and photographing the natural environment around us, particularly in Northern Ontario, with Lake Superior as an inspiration. I paint for personal pleasure and well-being. I attempt to capture the essence of the scene I have witnessed, and nothing gives me more self-gratification than producing a piece of art or a photograph that brings it to life for others to experience.

I have a unique, diverse style.
It is realistically influenced by the Canadian Group of Seven and Tom Thompson.

I was born in Barrie, Ontario. An avid artist, I graduated from high school and applied to and considered attending the Ontario College of Art. After much reflection, he followed his passion for the outdoors and attended Sir Sanford Fleming College, graduating with a diploma in Fish & Wildlife in 1979. Stephen began working for the Ontari
I was born in Barrie, Ontario. An avid artist, I graduated from high school and applied to and considered attending the Ontario College of Art. After much reflection, he followed his passion for the outdoors and attended Sir Sanford Fleming College, graduating with a diploma in Fish & Wildlife in 1979. Stephen began working for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as a Fish and Wildlife Technician and then transitioned to a Conservation Officer in 1985. Retired in 2016 in Thunder Bay

Title: Driftwood Sentinel
Location: Prairie Cove, Lake Superior, Ontario. Canada
Notes: A small pebble beach in the Prairie River Mouth Provincial Park is home to a considerable amount of driftwood of all sizes. This park is classified as a Nature Reserve and was established in 1985. It is a non-operating provincial park located near Marathon, Ontario. A small pebble beach in the Prairie River Mouth Provincial Park is home to a considerable amount of driftwood of all sizes. This was once a large, tall and proudly standing tree, now a piece of driftwood from a place of mystery. It has been shaped by storms and smoothed by waves. Battered by tossed pebbles and continually pushed and moved by the lake. It retains its skeleton, a sentinel for the unknown.
Legal & Copyright - All images and content contained here are the exclusive property of Stephen Emms and are protected by U.S., Canadian, and international copyright laws. Images may NOT be copied, reproduced, or used in ANY way (personal or commercial) without prior written permission. All Rights Reserved. **Note that the logo/watermark will not be on the finished print**
These websites provide a platform to transform my artwork into custom wall art, home decor, and merchandise. My work is uploaded so you can purchase specific products that would otherwise be unavailable.
Legal & Copyright - All images and content contained here are the exclusive property of Stephen Emms and are protected by U.S., Canadian, and international copyright laws. Images may NOT be copied, reproduced, or used in ANY way (personal or commercial) without prior written permission. All Rights Reserved.

I will do commissioned artwork. To get started, contact me to discuss what you would like done. You can provide me with photographs of the subject you want painted. We will then communicate to determine the size and pricing of the original artwork. The price will reflect the subject's size and complexity.
Remember that commissioned artwork is an artistic interpretation of the image and is not a replica. That's what photography is for. The painting will showcase my unique creative style, as in this example, created for a couple as a gift, depicting a place of significance. You will possess a unique piece of art that holds personal meaning and value for you and is enjoyed by others. All work is watercolour, created on archival paper (Arches cold-pressed) with professional paints such as M. Graham and Winsor & Newton.

A couple walking in solitude on a remote beach, Lake Superior. Art that means something to you.

The painting will not be an exact duplication; it is an interpretation that depicts the scene and the subject.

The Walleye is Thunder Bay’s alternative arts and culture magazine. It is a free magazine available at locations throughout the Thunder Bay region and south to Minnesota’s North Shore. The Walleye delivers an essential print and online package with in-depth, intelligent, and fresh cultural reporting that introduces new and exciting artists, acts, and events that help define Thunder Bay.

Visit these locations to purchase cards and matted prints of your favourite paintings.

Located in Schreiber on Hwy 17, The Voy is 6 minutes from Lake Superior. This motel has a gift shop with artwork from local artists. You can find some of my artwork there for sale.

It’s always heartwarming to witness the connections that unfold at Hospice Simcoe, and this story is a beautiful example of that. Years ago, artist Steve Emms generously donated stunning hummingbird paintings to decorate the rooms and halls of our residence. Fast forward to November 2024, and Steve’s paintings have come full circle in an unexpected way. As Jack’s family gathered to visit him, the story of the artwork came up, and the clinical team thoughtfully added one of Steve’s paintings to his fathers room, bringing an extra sense of warmth and familiarity. A heartfelt thank you to Steve for his thoughtful contribution and to everyone who makes this place feel like home. It’s these small acts of kindness that create an atmosphere of comfort and peace for families during such important moments. Thank you.


This is a watercolour painting of an invasive species, Emerald Ash Borer, discovered in Quetico Provincial Park, Northwestern Ontario. The park commissioned several paintings for its interpretative program, which is now on display throughout the park. Prints and cards are available on this website.

Prince of Wales Public School was built in 1876 in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. It was closed in 2011, and the property was sold in 2016. However, this small school had special meaning and memories to many. This painting was done for one of those people.


Yes, you can have a painting done using your favourite picture. It can be a location, cottage, or something that has special meaning to you or for someone as a gift.
Grass and Rock
20 x 26 Watercolor $500.00
Redbubble was founded in 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. It gives independent artists a meaningful new way to sell their creations. The site connects over 700,000 artists and designers worldwide with millions of visitors. You can see my artwork in various formats on this site; these are a few examples. Visit http://skemmss.redbubble.com/
Sand River Beach. Lake Superior Provincial Park.
01/16
All watercolour artwork is done on Arches manufactured of pure cotton fibre paper; this paper is so durable that the artwork will remain beautiful and vibrant for centuries without conservation. All prices are in Canadian Dollars. Framing is available upon request. Note: Quetico paintings are available as prints and cards only!
Do you have a favourite scene that you want to remember? Why not have a one-of-a-kind original painting you can display and enjoy for years to come? The cost of paintings will reflect the size and quantity desired. I can also custom-frame your art.
The purchasing price of an existing original painting reflects the subject's size and complexity. Prices are listed for some paintings. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested in purchasing an original painting.
Prints can be purchased on the websites displayed. However, you can contact me directly to buy prints from me. All prints are done on archival paper. Prints are available for all artwork displayed. I can also frame the print at an additional cost. Shipping costs are not included.

8 x 10 = $15.00
11 x 14 = $25.00
16 x 20 = $65.00
Custom order for larger prints.

Greeting cards of your favorite paintings are available. This includes conservation card paper and envelope in a sealed bag.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to inquire about a project or my artwork. Thank you for visiting my site.
You can visit my studio by appointment.
Welcome to my Blog, a place to share my experiences.
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