
John Steensma is a contemporary Canadian painter based in St. Catharines, Ontario, whose abstract acrylic paintings combine visual precision with bold, experimental composition. With a multidisciplinary background in design and engineering, Steensma creates work that resonates with collectors seeking technically sophisticated and visually powerful art.
JOHN STEENSMA
John Steensma
(b. 1958, Hamilton, Ontario | Lives and works in St. Catharines, Ontario)
John Steensma is a Canadian visual artist known for bold, graphic acrylic paintings that emphasize innovation, technical precision, and expressive abstraction. Working across a range of media, Steensma’s work appeals to collectors who appreciate visual impact, material versatility, and forward-thinking composition.
With a diverse professional background spanning interior and graphic design, architectural modeling, engineering, and software development, John brings a cross-disciplinary sensibility to his art practice. His career has taken him across North America, but since settling in St. Catharines, he has turned his focus fully toward painting.
Primarily working in acrylic, John explores abstraction through planned yet playful experimentation. His compositions often push boundaries—inviting viewers into unexpected visual experiences that blend structure with spontaneity. Each piece reflects a deep understanding of design principles, while also embracing creative freedom and chance.
Over the past decade, John has exhibited in respected institutions including The Mann Gallery, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, Grimsby Public Art Gallery, and the VISA Gallery at Brock University. He has participated in outdoor festivals and art walks across the Niagara region, including Rodman Art Institute Art Walk, Fonthill Art Festival, and Oakville Outdoor Festival, and received Honourable Mention at the Hamilton Plein Air Festival.
Collectors are drawn to John Steensma’s work for its conceptual strength, refined execution, and dynamic presence—making his pieces a strong addition to contemporary Canadian art collections.