Michael Stephen Doherty

Michael Stephen “Steve” Doherty, 74, passed away suddenly November 12, 2022 in his home.

Steve was born in New Orleans, LA, in 1948. He lived in New York for 34 years before making a home in Waynesboro, VA for nearly 10 years.

Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sara (Meister) Doherty, brother Charles “Chuck” (Marilyn) Doherty, his daughter Clare (Doherty) Deyo, son Michael (Jennifer) Doherty, granddaughter Amanda Deyo, and step-grandchildren Riley Lowder, Denali Lowder, Parker Smith, and Avery Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles “Chic” Doherty, Dorothy (Hall) Doherty, and his sister Patsy Doherty.

Steve majored in art at Knox College in Galesburg, IL and graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. He then earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in printmaking from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; taught art in public schools, a community college, and at Knox; worked in the marketing department of a company that manufactured screen printing art supplies; and then moved to a suburb of New York City. For 31 years, he was the editor of American Artist magazine and launched three other art magazines: Watercolor, Drawing, and Workshop. He was Editor-in-Chief of PleinAir magazine for 6 years. During those years he also published numerous books, including Dynamic Still Lifes in Watercolor, the Art of Sondra Freckelton (1983 Watson-Guptill Publications, Inc), The Watson-Guptill Handbooks of Landscape Painting (1989, Watson-Guptill Publications, Inc), and The Art of Plein Air Painting. An Essential Guide to Materials, Concepts, and Techniques for Painting Outdoors (2017, Monacelli Studio, New York,NY). His artwork was exhibited many places, including Bryant Galleries, New Orleans, LA & Jackson, MS; The Century Association, New York NY; and Cabell Gallery, Lexington, VA.

Steve was very active in the Waynesboro community, singing in the First Presbyterian choir, serving on the board of directors of the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, and a volunteer at the Wayne Theater. Steve spent countless hours helping in his wife’s beautiful garden. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. In the days since his passing, his family has received many, many messages from artists and writers whose careers he supported and mentored.

Steve did not wish to have a memorial. He has asked for donations to his alma mater Knox College, the Wildlife Center of Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley Art Center.