In '64 I was 16, living in Wisconsin, Willem de Kooning was my art hero and I thought that I was going to be an artist too. I became an engineer instead and ultimately president of the National Geographic Society's world-wide mapping operations. 40 years, several jobs, countries and cities later, I am back where I belong - in front of a canvas with a brush in my hand. so here is the deal, at 55, I simply quit the best job I ever had so that I could paint."

Stoehr began painting upon his retirement in 2003 as president of National Geographic Society's worldwide mapping operations. While primarily self-taught, Stoehr has been influenced by the works of Matisse, Degas, Kahn, and De Kooning. "I pored over the art collections in great museums and galleries around the world. Finally, I could no longer simply be a spectator - I had to paint." Stoehr has been anything but a spectator, painting his way into exhibits in St. Thomas, Denver, New York and Miami since beginning his career as an artist. "Stoehr's work stands apart from many emerging artists in his ability to cast aside any trepidation about painting from life and using strong colors. His enthusiasm, confidence and talent are all equally apparent in his pieces, creating a very exciting exhibit," states previous gallery owner, Claire Ochoa.