Born in Mishawaka, Indiana, May 22, 1947, to John R. (Russ) Hills and Ruth E. Hills, Steve was the first of four brothers. He blazed his unique trails as an Air Force brat and moved all over the country collecting interesting hobbies and friends. Steve may be best known as one of the most gifted of watercolor artists. In 1965, he graduated from Choctawhatchee High School, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and then attended Okaloosa-Waltohn Junior College, now Northwest Florida State College until 1967. From 1967 to 1969, he attended John McCrady Art School in New Orleans. During his service in the Army from 1969 to 1971, he was the Head of the Graphics Department for the Berlin Brigade. In 1974, Steve completed his formal art education, earning his B. A. from Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California. For several years, Steve was involved with commercial illustration, advertising, and design, with agencies in New Orleans and California. His clients included Bell Telephone, Mo-Town Records, Mattel Toys, Continental Airlines and many more. Steve was also a very colorful and giving teacher. He shared his vast knowledge on many subjects with others. As well as exhibiting in several galleries, he won numerous awards from juried art shows and was featured in magazines, articles and reviews in the art world. His original watercolor paintings, oil paintings, and limited edition prints are in local galleries and in collections within the U.S., Germany, England and Australia. You may enjoy viewing his art at www.shills.com. Steve was also a world-renowned model airplane enthusiast and an icon in u-control combat. He was one of the surfing pioneers in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, during the early '60's and in Hermosa Beach, California, from the '70's until the '90's. Along with his long-time friend, owner and driver Jim Jack, of Milton, Florida, he designed and built the Reptoid Monster Truck. Steve's artistic skills, keen intellect, acerbic wit, and inability to be snowed by a pre-spun political sound bite fed his political satire cartoons. Preceded in death by his parents, and brother, John M. Hills, Steve is survived by Trudy Craine, brothers, Thomas L. (Tom) Hills, Eric D. (Rick) Hills and wife Sally, niece and nephew Margaret (Maggie) and Adam Juengst, sister-in-law Janet Hills, niece Jennifer Ranck and husband Rich, grand nephew, John Richard Ranck, aunt Barbara Baumann and husband Bill, and numerous cousins. Steve's unique perspective was lost to us all on his 63rd birthday, May 22, 2010. Due to his untimely death by natural causes, the world will be an even stranger place without him. In lieu of flowers, support the arts and think of Steve. Feel free to leave a note in the Guestbook. |
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The wake in the harbor rocks boats gently to create small waves and ripples of hot summer colors. |
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Show a different painting every thirty seconds.
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© 1998-2010 Steve Hills
Painting Quicklinks
22nd Street Alley | Hermosa Beach, California | Blue steps lead to the back door of an old Craftsman-style house where the one-way alley at 22nd Street runs between Hermosa Avenue and the Strand. A metal garbage can guards a private parking place. |
Afternoon Shift | Manhattan Beach, California | As a surfer himself, Steve Hills' painting captures a nostalgic feeling with intentional composition and color. An experienced surfer returns from the big waves, and in passing, advises the two young surfers of how it really is. |
Beach Cat | Fort Walton Beach, Florida | The Fort Walton Beach area is noted as a hot spot for catamaran racing. Carlton Tucker won 3rd at the Hobie 16 World Championships in 1993. |
Beach Chairs | Hermosa Beach, California | Time to cool off in the water! We'll be right back to catch some rays and enjoy the scenery. |
Beach Family | Florida, USA | The white sand beaches of northwest Florida invite people from many places. The chance for families to spend time together can build wonderful memories. |
Between Sets | Manhatan Beach pier, California | Who can resist those glassy summer days? |
Cafe L.A. | Los Angeles, California | This colorful painting of a mural painted on the side of the building expresses the bigger-than-life illusion that so typifies the L.A. area. |
Calm After The Storm | Manhattan Beach, California | People gather at the end of the famous Manhattan Beach pier in California to watch the giant glassy waves. The sun breaks through the afternoon mist silhouetting the familiar red roof of the old "Round House Cafe". |
Catalina Avenue | Redondo Beach, California | This quaint Craftsman-style house has a view of Palos Verdes on the left and King Harbor on the right. On a clear day, Catalina Island can be seen. |
Chico Bayou | Pensacola, FL | Private boats harbor near commercial and Naval shipyards in Pensacolas Chico Bayou. |
Coppertone Can | Hermosa Beach, California | After a winter storm, sand waves ripple across Hermosa Beach toward Palos Verdes. |
Dark Sky | Okaloosa Island, Florida | The very warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico sometimes produce violent weather conditions. Snow white sand dunes create a dramatic contrast unique to the area. |
Destin Bridge Southeast | Destin, Florida | This painting attempts to convey the feeling of the Destin Pass. |
Destin Nets | Destin, Florida | Those who were around Destin in 1978 will remember the piles of oyster shells and nets drying on racks. Restaurants have since replaced this scenery. |
Destin Pass | Destin, Florida | The Destin Pass connects the Choctawhatchee Bay with the Gulf of Mexico. World famous as the "luckiest fishing village in the world", Destin harbor shelters its busy fleet. Pastel colors reflect a misty Florida afternoon as showers come and go. |
Driftwood | Okaloosa Island, Florida | The white sand dunes on the gulf of Mexico build up as new life emerges around the weather-beaten tree trunk. This watercolor painting reflects the rare beauty of the delicate environment. |
East Pass | Destin, Florida | The colors and angles of this intricate composition create a feeling of more than the place itself. Neighboring boats quietly accept the early evening rain. |
Employees Only | Destin, Florida | The work shed at the Black Fin Marina comes to life with the enchanting color changes in the late afternoon. Employees take a break from packing bait fish for the Destin charter fleet. |
Flipper | Destin, Florida | At the foot of the Destin Bridge, the emerald green water reflects onto Flipper's hull. |
Foster Freeze | Redondo Beach, California | Residence of Redondo Beach will remember this Foster Freeze on Pacific Coast Highway. It is greatly missed. |
Gas Station | San Pedro, California | Before the days of self service, this colorful independent gas station stood proudly in the late '70s. Violet shadows enhance the vivid memories of days gone by. |
Gulf Queen | Destin, Florida | The Gulf Queen is part of a fleet of fishing boats that live at the mouth of the Destin Pass on Choctawhatchee Bay. |
Harbour Colors | King Harbor, Redondo Beach, California | The sunset brings magical colors upon the harbor where the boats settle in for the evening. |
Hermosa Afternoon | Hermosa Beach, CA | The South Bay beaches of Southern California are world famous for producing movies, surfers, and volleyball stars. Warm afternoons invite families to enjoy the occasional free court. |
Island Dunes | Okaloosa Island, Florida | The snow white sand on this barrier island is pristine and beautiful. |
Jackson Square | New Orleans, Louisiana | At the heart of the French Quarter, civil war hero Andrew Jackson rears up on his horse. The Cathedral of Saint Louis established as a Parish in 1720, stands in the background. The Presbetere on the left is now the Louisiana State Museum. |
King Neptune | Palos Verdes, California | This historical landmark of the King Neptune Fountain guards the entrance of Malaga Cove Plaza in Palos Verdes, California. Neptune stands majestically over the mermaids and cherubs as the artist creates the color fantasy of a life-like feeling. |
Life's A Beach | Manhattan Beach, CA | Life presents us with tough decisions. Whether to play a game of volleyball or take a refreshing swim to cool off, can be an awesome responsibility... |
Live Bait | near Mobile, Alabama | A way of life exhists along the bayous surrounding Mobile Bay that defies time. Fishermen of all kinds make a living by knowing secrets lost to the rest of the world. Finding live bait is just one example. |
Louisiana Heritage Fair | Louisiana | On the last week end of April and the first week end of May, thousands of people come to Gentilly at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Track to "Jazz Fest". They gather to hear some of the best jazz, rhythm and blues and contemporary music in the world. Crawfish, gumbo, shrimp and more are available at Congo Square, site of the first Fest in 1970. |
Low Tide | Manhattan Beach, California | Wide beaches catch the swells at low tide, casting reflections that seem to make the Manhattan Beach Pier stand taller. Surfers start appearing from nowhere, ready to enjoy the glassy sunset. |
Magnolia Grill - Brooks House | Fort Walton Beach, Florida | This beautiful old house was also known as the French House. It was moved from its original location, shown here, to become the Magnolia Grill restaurant on Brooks street. |
Manhattan Beach Bikers | Manhattan Beach, California | Looking east from the beach... |
Manhattan Beach Palms | Manhattan Beach, California | These landmark palms have been seen in countless movies and television productions from Baywatch to MTV. They proudly cast their shadows on the endless summer days. Lovers, surfers and strand cruisers all agree, "There ain't no life east of PCH". |
Mary Lousie | San Pedro, California | The Mary Louise ties along side the Santa Teresa in the afternoon mist of San Pedro Harbor. Net boats are an essential part of the fleet and tell a story of their rough life in Pacfic waters. |
Miss Destin | Destin, Florida | The first Miss Destin waits out the storm in the calmer green waters just inside Choctawhatchee Bay. It was built at the foot of the Destin Bridge many years ago. |
Miss Diana | Destin, Florida | Charter Boat, Miss Diana docks quietly under the tropical sky. She waits patiently in the cool aqua-green waters for her next fishing adventure. |
Miss Julie | Pensacola, Florida | The Miss Julie waits for the late afternoon shrimp run in Pensacola Bay. She docks in a small inlet where both seafood packers and drydocks share the waterfront. |
Misty Bay | Okaloosa Island, Florida | A misty fog rolls slowly over Choctawhatchee Bay at low tide, casting colorful shadows. |
Misty Pass | Destin, Florida | The entrance to Destin Harbor is separated from Destin Pass by Norriego Point. |
Niceville Nets | Niceville, Florida | The complimentary colors and angles are inviting and the mood is set. The boat docks as the early evening casts warm reflections of a hard day's work. |
Nina | Destin, Florida | The Nina docks in the crystal clear water, waiting for the next trip out. The mid-morning tropical weather boils up the clouds on the Emerald Coast. |
North Manhattan Storm | Manhattan Beach, California | Sometimes it does rain in Southern California, but even then the South Bay is magical. |
Outriggers | Destin, Florida | It was called "L" Dock, because it was shaped like an L. The old wharf used to be down there with the Happy Hooker and the Sea Catch. |
Palm 7 | Florida, USA | Cool sky with palms. |
Palmetto Shadows | Fort Walton Beach, Florida | Nature takes its course... |
Party Boats | Destin, Florida | Looking back to the early '80s when old Destin, Florida was just beginning to grow, the warm tropical colored skies continued to illuminate the ready-to-go party boats. |
Passing Storm | Okaloosa Island, Florida | The edge of the storm passes quickly and the bright sun splashes everywhere. |
Pensacola Shrimp Boats | Pensacola, Florida | Its nice to the shrimp boats on the calm waters. |
Pier Reflections | Destin Harbor, Destin, Florida | Tranquil reflections of color and time welcome the rhythm of the waves. As time seems to stand still one wonders how many boats have come and gone. |
Red Sky | Okaloosa Island, Florida | Pine trees silhouette the warm evening sunset as blue shadows fall on the Bay's white sand dunes. Wild flowers catch the evening light as they perfume the sea breeze. |
Redondo Beach Jetty | Redondo Beach, California | The Redondo Beach Jetty has been a landmark for many years hosting visitors and residents while protecting King Harbor. The breakwater is the perfect place to get away from it all. Some fishing spots provide a challenging walk across the rocks. |
Rocky and Bullwinkle | West Hollywood, California | Cartoon fans remember the larger-than-life statues of Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkle Moose standing on Sunset Boulevard. Around the corner was Jay Ward Studios, the creator of the popular Bullwinkle Show that still airs daily. |
Roots | Okaloosa Island, Florida | On the edge of the bay, a tree has fallen revealing the roots that will someday serve as the anchor for a growing dune. |
Rose Colored Glasses | Hermosa Beach, California | There are so many things to do at the beach like playing paddle ball. Sometimes it's easier to lie back in the sun, get a tan, and look at the world through rose colored glasses. |
San Pedro Harbour | San Pedro, California | As the afternoon mist approaches, work boats raft together in the old part of San Pedro Harbor just around the corner from Cabrillo Beach. |
Silvery Nets | Destin, Florida | Captain Artie Fortner of the Vitamin Sea mentioned this was Dewey Destin's boat probably around 1979 to 1982. |
Skating Girls | Hermosa Beach, California | On the Strand in Hermosa Beach, pretty young skating girls roll by on a typical summer afternoon. |
Sound Palms | Okaloosa Island, Florida | These palms overlook the Intercoastal Waterway near Brooks Bridge. |
South Bay | Manhattan Beach, California | It would be hard to find a more classic view of the South Bay than the Manhattan Beach Pier volley ball courts. Palos Verdes Point peeks through the afternoon rain that temporarily hides Catalina Island and clears the crowded strand. |
Still Waters | Okaloosa Island, Florida | Tranquil evening shadows fall on a natural Gulf Island spring that borders Choctawhatchee Bay. |
Sunny Pier | Manhattan Beach, California | Classic days, shades required. |
Swanee River | Swanee River, Florida | Far, far away, where my heart is turning ever... |
Tire And Muffler | Valparaiso, Florida | In Valparaiso, Florida, nestled on the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay, the old Tire and Muffler shop reflect the colors of the quiet country style and friendly atmosphere. Beautiful pine, oak and magnolia trees line Boggy Bayou that is just behind the shop. |
Valpraiso Boats | Valpraiso, Florida | The disappearing horizon suspends the Thomas E. Goodwin on a timeless bayou. |
Viking | Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, California | The colorful image of the Viking from Newport floats gallantly until the next outing. |
Vitamin Sea | Destin, Florida | The colors in this painting set the mood as Vitamin Sea, resident of Destin Harbor, Florida, docks in the emerald green water. Captain Artie Fortner takes great pride in his beautiful fishing boat. |
Yacht Club | Fort Walton Beach, Florida | Boating is a way of life along the Emerald Coast. Located on the western end of Choctawhatchee Bay, the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club is home to many champion sailors. |
Yellow Harbour | At Sunset | The wake in the harbor rocks boats gently to create small waves and ripples of hot summer colors. |
Yellow Sky | Okaloosa Island, Florida | The dunes on the south side of Choctawhatchee Bay have secret hiking areas known to locals. They are shadowed with late afternoon cool colors of blues and purples. This spectacular array of colors reflects on the snow white sand. |