John Steel Paintings & Artwork for Sale | John Steel Art Value Price Guide

Dec. 01, 2024
John Steel (CA,1921-1998) acrylic painting
Est: $500 - $625
ARTIST: John Steel (California, 1921 - 1998) TITLE: Aircraft Carrier Battle Scene MEDIUM: acrylic on board CONDITION: Very good. No visible inpaint under UV light. ART SIZE: 6 x 15 inches / 15 x 38 cm FRAME SIZE: 8 x 16 inches / 20 x 40 cm SIGNATURE: on verso CATEGORY: old antique vintage painting for auction sale online AD: ART WANTED: Consign, Trade In, Cash Offer SKU#: 135230 US SHIPPING: $49 + insurance. BIOGRAPHY: Born in New York City in 1921, and raised in France and Spain, John became fluent in French and Spanish before returning to the United States as a teenager.From a family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed briefly on Broadway as one of the Dead End Kids as a young boy, also occasionally singing on the radio. An avid hunter and fisherman even as a young man, John attended a private school in Florida, where he had the enviable task of catching enough Bass each week to feed the entire student body and faculty for Friday's dinner.His early art training was taken at the Art Students League in New York City and the Art Center School in Los Angeles. He was fond of telling a story about one of his early teachers at Art Center, who told him he should quit art and open a hamburger stand.At the start of his career one of his early design efforts was to work on the Matterhorn and Western Village in Disneyland, as well as other Disney projects. He also designed and drew the storyboards for movies Ben Hur, Spartacus and Mutiny on the Bounty. He also did design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation.A real patriot and true American hero, he was a distinguished veteran of three wars, serving a brief stint as a Signalman in the Coast Guard, and then transferring into the Marine Corps. John fought in World War II, where he saw action on Guadalcanal, among other places. He also served during the Korean Conflict, where he was one of the Chosun Frozen. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to serve with the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in numerous books, and are on display in Washington, D.C. His military decorations include the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondants Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco.During the 60's and 70's he painted hundreds of illustrations for the covers of Revell and Monogram model companies, in addition to working for Skin Diver Magazine as the cover illustrator and a contributing writer. John worked extensively with Pacific Press, Scripture Press, and the Southern Baptist Convention on hundreds of religious illustrations that are still being used, such as the Bible Stories series and Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories.In his later career, he turned to his passion for wildlife fine art and has had many limited edition prints published. A prolific artist, John happily spent countless hours in the studio at his home, often working from dawn 'til dusk, 7 days a week, when not traveling the world to research the subject matter for his paintings. His work has been exhibited nationwide at many galleries, including Wild Wings, and may currently be seen at Christopher Queen Gallery in Duncan's Mills (California).A man of many talents and interests, he was an avid hunter, fly fisherman, early diving pioneer, underwater photographer, published author, celebrated wildlife artist, as well as a black belt in Judo.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Nov. 02, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $100 - $200
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Illustration of World War I fighter planes. Overall: 9 1/4 X 21 1/4 in. Sight: 7 3/4 X 19 3/4 in. #3923 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Oct. 19, 2024
John W. Steel The Intruder Signed/Numbered Print
Est: $500 - $2,500
*Pick up suggested - due to weight, size and fragility, art usually incurs additional shipping/handling charges* American artist John W. Steel (1921-1998). 18 X 26" in a 26.5 X 34.5" frame with a few scuffs. Numbered 36/500 bottom left and signed bottom right.
Donley Auction Services
Oct. 10, 2024
John Steel (American, 1921-1998) Oil on Canvas "Closing In", H 20" W 40"
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Depicting a pack of wolves running in a snow covered pine forest with mountains in the background. Signed lower left. In a rustic carved wood frame H. 26" W. 46".
DuMouchelles
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Oil on Canvas
Est: $400 - $800
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Oil on Canvas. Depicts the penultimate moment before the matador kills the bull in a bullfight. Signed bottom right. Overall: 27 1/4 X 45 1/2 in. Sight: 17 1/4 X 35 1/2 in. #2694 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $200 - $400
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Original illustration of World War II fighter planes in mid-air combat. Signed on back. Overall: 6 1/2 X 9 1/2 in. Sight: 4 3/4 X 7 3/4 in. #2820 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $200 - $400
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Original illustration of a World War II destroyer. Signed and inscribed "#1" on the back. Overall: 5 3/4 X 18 1/4 in. Sight: 4 1/4 X 16 3/4 in. #2818 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $200 - $400
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Original illustration of the World War II Landing Craft Tank 1201 used in the D Day Invasion, with a tank embarking and a plane strafing it. Signed and inscribed "#8" on back. Overall: 8 1/4 X 17 3/4 in. Sight: 6 3/4 X 16 1/4 in. #2819 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $200 - $400
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Original illustration of a World War II Landing Ship Tank fighting off attacking planes. Signed on back. Overall: 8 1/2 X 18 in. Sight: 7 X 16 1/2 in. #2817 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $200 - $400
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Original illustration of the PT-109 that future President John F. Kennedy commanded during World War II. Made for AMT Model Kits. Signed and inscribed "#3" on back. Overall: 8 1/4 X 16 3/4 in. Sight: 6 3/4 X 15 1/4 in. #2821 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $200 - $400
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Original illustration of Coast Guard patrol boat. Signed and inscribed with the letter "W" on the back. Overall: 8 5/8 X 18 1/4 in. Sight: 7 X 16 1/2 in. #2814 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $200 - $400
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Original illustration of an aircraft carrier in a firefight with two fighter planes approaching. Signed and inscribed with "#5" on back. Overall: 7 5/8 X 16 1/8 in. Sight: 6 1/8 X 14 5/8 in. #2815 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 24, 2024
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board
Est: $200 - $400
John Steel (1921-1998) American, Gouache on Board. Original illustration of a Lockheed P-2H Patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Signed and inscribed "#7" on back. Overall: 10 1/4 X 15 1/4 in. Sight: 8 3/4 X 13 3/4 in. #2816 . John Steel was born in New York City in 1921. He spent many years traveling with his parents in France and Spain as they acted in touring theatrical productions, and was fluent in both French and Spanish by the time they returned to the United States in 1931. Encouraged by his artistic family of accomplished singers and actors, he performed with the Dead End Kids on Broadway in 1935 and sang on a handful of radio shows. He became a skilled hunter and fisherman in his teens as well, and attended a private school in Florida where he routinely caught fish for their Friday night fries. He returned to New York to take courses in drawing at the Art Students League, but when World War II broke out he joined up immediately and served in both the Coast Guard and the Marine Corp. Afterwards he went to the Art Center College in Los Angeles on the GI Bill, where the rough style he had begun to develop sketching during the War was underappreciated. A favorite story he told for years after was one of his early art teachers recommending that he quit art and open a hamburger stand. His first job out of school was working on conceptual projects for Disneyland, particularly the Matterhorn. When the Korean War began he reenlisted, and was part of the infamous “Chosin Few” who withstood an assault by Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir for two straight weeks. Returning to the United States, he settled in Santa Rosa, California with his wife Carole and their three children, and drew storyboards for movies like “Ben Hur,” “Spartacus,” and “Mutiny on the Bounty.” His steady work as an artist for Revell Model Car Kits led to him being hired for design and drafting work for Northrop Aviation. He became well known throughout the country for his cover illustrations for Skin Diver Magazine, and taught himself to be an underwater photographer. When the Vietnam War started, he accepted invitational orders to rejoin the Marine Corps as a Combat Photographer and Artist, serving for 5 tours of duty. He produced thousands of photographs and sketches for the Department of Defense, which have been published in books and are on display in several museums in Washington, D.C. His military decorations included the Bronze Star, the Navy Cross, and three Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, Joe Rosenthal Chapter, in San Francisco. He devoted his remaining decades to creating Biblical illustrations and wildlife art, after a diving accident led to a long-lasting illness that limited his breathing and mobility. He died on August 9th, 1998.
Sarasota Estate Auction
Feb. 19, 2023
Antique Figural Landscape Oil Painting by John Steel SHEPHERDESS WITH HER FLOCK
Est: $500 - $700
Antique Figural Landscape Oil Painting by British artist John Sydney Steel (1863-1932) Entitled SHEPHERDESS WITH HER FLOCK | Oil on Relined Canvas | Housed in a gold gilt gesso wood frame | Approx. Measures: 17" W x 14" H.
Worthington Galleries
Dec. 10, 2022
Antique Figural Landscape Oil Painting by John Steel SHEPHERDESS WITH HER FLOCK
Est: $300 - $500
Antique Figural Landscape Oil Painting by British artist John Sydney Steel (1863-1932) Entitled SHEPHERDESS WITH HER FLOCK | Oil on Relined Canvas | Housed in a gold gilt gesso wood frame | Approx. Measures: 17" W x 14" H.
Worthington Galleries
May. 15, 2022
Rare Signed Litho KACHINA MARCH by John Steel
Est: -
Pencil signed and numbered 48x29 inches, rare listed artist
R & R Auction INC
Nov. 21, 2019
John Hoskin (1921-1990) - Monolith
Est: £1,000 - £1,500
John Hoskin (1921-1990) Monolith welded steel, unique 16 ½ in. (42 cm.) high
Christie's
Jun. 28, 2015
Steel, John. 42' Chris Craft Sport Fishing Boat
Est: $2,000 - $2,500
Steel, John. 42' Chris Craft Sport Fishing Boat. Original gouache on paper boxart for 1962 Revelle Model. John Steel (1921-1998) was a celebrated illustrator and painter of a staggering diversity of subjects; marine, wildlife, combat, religious themes, warships and boats. To this day a huge diversity of giclees and prints remain popular of his work at galleries world wide. Offered is an original gouache on paper Steel executed for the box art for the 1962, hardbox issue model, of the 42 foot Chris Craft sport fishing boat at sea as a fisherman hooks a marlin. Original boxart has become extremely popular with collectors and this piece is exceptional. (Model boxtop not included.) Art measures 14" x 22" handsomely framed to 22" x 32" and in excellent condition as examined in frame. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500
Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
May. 03, 2012
Jon Hoskin (British, 1921-1992), slate and metal work
Est: £300 - £500
John Hoskin (British, 1921-1992), title unknown, a steel relief sculpture mounted on a slate plaque, numbered 4 of 10, 93 292 h:27 w:23 cm
Cheffins