Steele received some instruction in drawing during his youth, which was spent in Waveland, Indiana, and subsequently studied art in Chicago and Cincinnati. In 1873, Steele moved to Indianapolis, where he executed portraits. The artist continued his training in Munich in 1880, where he worked at the Royal Academy with Benbear ? and Loefftz. He began executing landscapes during his European residence.
After Steele returned to this country, he lived in Indianapolis, on property which is presently the site of the John Herron Art institute. He purchased a summer home in Brookville, Indiana in 1899, which he retained until 1905.
Steele became known for his landscape paintings that focused on the transitory moments of the seasons. He died in Bloomington, Indiana.
To complete his ANA requirement, Steele went to Boston to have his portrait painted by Frank H. Tompkins. As there was some discussion over the pose, two portraits were executed, one in profile and one a frontal depiction. Evidently, Steele preferred the portrait of his full face, for he chose to donate it as his ANA diploma work.
