For decades, Steve Wariner has been celebrated as one of country music’s most versatile and accomplished artists — a GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose catalogue has left a lasting mark on the genre. But this summer, Wariner is inviting audiences to experience a different side of his creativity: one that has quietly developed alongside his music for more than 30 years.
Opening on June 21 at the Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee, The Flip Side: Paintings by Steve Wariner offers a rare and intimate look at Wariner the painter. Featuring 60 works across oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, the exhibition spans three decades of artistic exploration, revealing a creative voice that is as expressive on canvas as it is in song.
For Wariner, painting isn’t a new venture or a side project, it’s a lifelong companion to his music. Growing up in Indiana, he was inspired by his brother David, a professional artist, and gravitated early towards watercolor. That influence still echoes through his work today, particularly in his signature loose, “washy” style: a fluid, instinctive approach that prioritises feeling over precision.
“For me, painting has always been a kind of therapy,” Wariner explains. “It’s my sanctuary and escape.”
That sense of freedom runs throughout the collection. Much like his songwriting, Wariner’s art is rooted in observation and memory: rural landscapes, seascapes, portraits and guitars all feature prominently, reflecting a life spent travelling, performing and absorbing the world around him. One standout piece, ‘Happy New Year, Dad,' captures a deeply personal moment, depicting his father’s band onstage in 1963, a snapshot of both family and musical heritage.
What makes The Flip Side especially compelling is Wariner’s willingness to evolve. While he long resisted working in oils, he began experimenting with the medium in 2020, producing richly textured pieces like ‘Purple Presence,' works that can take months to complete and reveal a more layered, contemplative side of his artistry.
That same philosophy drives both his music and his painting. “I learned a long time ago that you have to write 50 songs to get 10 good ones,” he says. “And the same is true of painting.” It’s an ethos built on risk, repetition and the rejection of perfectionism: a reminder that creativity thrives in the process, not the outcome.
The exhibition opens with a public reception from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, where Wariner will be in attendance to meet visitors and discuss his work. Just days later, on Thursday, June 25 at 6 p.m., he will return to the venue for a special live performance as part of the Heritage Music Series, a rare opportunity to experience both sides of his artistry in one place.
Tickets and event details can be found via the centre’s official events page:
View tickets and event information
Running through July 26, The Flip Side is more than an exhibition, it’s a reminder that even for an artist as established as Steve Wariner, there are still new ways to tell a story. Whether through melody or brushstroke, the instinct remains the same: to capture a moment, a feeling, or a memory and share it with the world.
