Robert Steiner was born in Philadelphia on October 10, 1949.  As a youth, he lived in Miami, where his main interests were seascapes and modern art.  At the age of 18 Steiner won his first art competition which landed him a National Scholastic magazine scholarship to the Rhode Island School of Design. Steiner graduated from RISD with a bachelor of fine arts degree in 1971 and moved to San Francisco, where he developed his interest in wildlife.  Steiner enrolled in San Francisco State University and earned a masters degree in Fine Art & Print Making in 1976.  He then taught college-level art, and did freelance work such as book and magazine illustration.

In 1981 he won the California State Duck Stamp competition. Mr. Steiner continued to teach until 1986, however, until he won the 1986 Florida duck stamp print and decided to publish his own prints. In the late 1980’s, Mr. Steiner established himself as one of wildlife art’s most successful painters, racking up numerous state duck stamp contest victories and commissions. His works have been displayed at major art shows and exhibitions throughout the country. Currently, there is a five-year waiting list for his originals and he has been awarded over 75 different state and federal duck stamp competitions since 1981.

Mr. Steiner is married to Boots Whitmer and they have two children, Marc and Katie Steiner.  They live in San Francisco.

Information submitted by Kevin Scheer.