Born in Preston, Lancashire, in 1974 Steven grew up in a small village. He studied A Levels and then a Foundation in Art at Wigan & Leigh College before completing the first year of a BA Hons degree at Cleveland College of Art.
In 1995 Steven left university to become a full time artist, quickly gaining recognition for painting large scale scenic works. He travelled throughout the UK and Europe completing major commissions for Madame Tussaud’s, Sea Life, Blackpool Tower and Museums such as the Natural History Museum. These commissions included restoration to ceiling murals in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the painting of a 36 metre backdrop for the ‘War Horse’ exhibition at the National Army Museum.
Alongside this work Steven continued to paint portraits and figurative studies in his Studio. His realist figurative paintings, still life paintings and drawings became highly sought after in UK galleries.
In 2016 Steven began painting with a group of Plein Air painters who have become affecionately known as the Northernboys and has become increasingly passionate about painting outdoors from direct observation. They travel annually to paint in London, Venice & Seville as well as meeting up regularly to paint in other UK towns & cities.
Working outdoors whenever possible and occassionally developing larger works from these paintings in the studio, Steven looks to capture what he sees in the everyday modern world around him working in all weather conditions. He also has a passion for still life painting, capturing everyday objects and nostagic items that he has collected throughout his life. All works are in oils on either panels or canvas.
After a successful inaugeral exhibition with the Northernboys at Contemporary Six Gallery, Manchester in 2019, and two group exhibitions with the Northernboys at Windermere Fine Art Gallery in 2020 & 2021 the group are planning for a major London Exhibition in 2022/23.
Steven exhibits regularly with Manchester academy of Fine Arts and in Galleries throughout the UK.
Steven has exhibited with Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 2021, 2022 and with the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 2020, 2021 and 2022 at the Mall Galleries, London.
Steven was elected a Member of Manchester Academy of Fine Arts in 2019 and a MAFA Council Member in 2021.
Awarded 2nd Place in the Preston Portrait Challenge 2022 at The Guild Hall, Preston.
Winner of the Preston Portrait Challenge 2019 at the Harris Museum & Gallery, Preston.
Winner of the People’s Choice award and 3rd prize overall at the Painting Padiham 2019 Plein Air Competition.
Steven was Pre-selected for the RA Summer Show 2019
