A Midwestern impressionist watercolor artist, now residing in Woodridge, is the featured artist in a new solo show in the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild gallery.  Bret Steinhaus’ exhibit, “Glimpses—Expressions in Color,” runs from March 4 through April 11, with an artist’s reception open to the public on Friday, March 7, from 7 to 9 pm.  The EAG gallery is located at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst.
   Formal art training began for Steinhaus at the age of 7 and bloomed under the tutelage of his Libertyville High School art teacher. During that time, he won a National Honorable Mention from the Wieblot’s Scholastic Awards, and his winning oil painting was displayed in the Wieblot's National Art Show in Washington, DC.
   He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design from Northern Illinois University.  Concentrating on watercolors, his art was then and still is greatly influenced by the Midwestern everyday scenes found in Illinois and surrounding states.  About six years ago, he made the decision to make art a top priority in life.  “I released my passion for art, and I am inspired by it daily,” he said, “In the past, I was lucky to paint one or two paintings a year. Now that I am devoting time to my art, despite a full-time job and a busy family life, I am happy to do almost one painting a month.”
   Steinhaus has evolved from a realist to an impressionist painter over the last three years.  Based on his own photography, his watercolors capture the ambiance, vistas, and details of cityscapes, landscapes and portraits.  He is a frequent exhibitor and prizewinner at art shows in the Midwest.
   The Steinhaus exhibit can be viewed during regular Museum hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm; Friday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Friday is the Museum’s free admission day. At other times, admission for adults is $5, seniors and students $3, and children under 5, free.
   The EAG gallery is not-for-profit, operated by the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild. It features original contemporary artworks in a variety of styles and media. Each year it hosts several group shows featuring the artwork of Guild members, an invitational show for a significant local artist, and the National Art Premiere, a nationwide juried group show. Exhibits are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. More information is available at elmhurstartistsguild.org