Emergency Medicine prof draws more than just blood

April will mark the 10th anniversary of Emergency Medicine Professor Steven Larson's first painting exhibition at the Faculty Club's Burrison Art Gallery. Larson was completing his last year as a student at the University's Medical School when his artwork was first shown in 1988. And he did not give up his artistic passions as his medical career advanced. His second exhibit, "Steve Larson: Paintings & Drawings," -- which includes figurative and landscape oil paintings as well as sketches -- is on display at the Burrison Art Gallery through September 26. Although he had no previous formal artistic training, Larson studied traditional painting at Haverford College, where he majored in art. While he knew he had talent, Larson said he was hesitant to commit to the life of a professional artist, which he likened to that of a researcher "isolated in a lab all day." Chris Cairns, a Sculpture professor at Haverford and Larson's mentor, echoed those sentiments. "He has the capacity to be a full-time painter," Cairns said. "But he's a broadly humanistic individual and likes to deal with people." To fulfill his artistic desires, Larson established a studio in Havertown, Pa., with a few other artist friends in 1993. But he noted that he now has a family to consider and -- per an agreement with his wife -- does not work in the studio on weekends, but instead spends the time with his two young children. Larson said his wife has a unique understanding of his "marriage to art" and she has been "incredibly supportive." She is a professional photographer who was also involved in the health care profession as a head trauma nurse. While some professionals in high-stress careers might look to art as a means of relaxation and release, Larson emphasized that this is not exactly the case for him. "I don't go to the studio to unwind," he said. "It's more of a distraction than a relaxation. "It's not even about whether I like it or not," he added. "Art is very important to me -- I can't get it out of my system." Larson said the medical field has had a tremendous impact on his art, adding that he strives to communicate what he sees as a physician through his paintings. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see a homeless person, a young gunshot victim or some other tragedy in the ER," he explained. "People look at a painting for about three seconds and then move on. There must be some way to put something in front of them that will make them stop to look -- that's what I try to do." Among Larson's favorite works at the exhibit is "The Trinity," a painting from the 1988 show. Most of Larson's earlier works were from the abstract, minimalist genre, while his works currently on display tend to be more traditional. Whether minimalist or traditional, his works have generally met with positive reviews. While walking through the exhibit, Joyce McGregory, a long-time friend of Larson's, said, "I've known Steve for years, and since I missed the opening, I'm here to check it out now. I wanted to see what he included in the show -- it looks good." And Cairns noted that Larson is "a very special person." "Penn is lucky to have him both as a painter and as a physician," he said.