Stephen was born in 1959 and has spent his whole life amongst the hills and villages around Caernarfon and Anglesey. These are paintings of scenes close to his home, scenes that he can see from his windows. They are a celebration of places he loves and that have sustained him. A celebration of his return to painting after a period of serious illness.
What makes Stephen’s work fascinating is his ability to be both straightforward and subtle. The work has a naive graphic clarity, alive with a kind of childlike energy and enthusiasm, but still manages to be full of character and observation.
Using simple shapes and contrasting blocks of colour he catches the effects of time and weather on the natural and manmade element of the landscape. Windswept fields, exposed trees lop-sided and hunched, sagging cottages all persist beneath oblivious skies. His approach is recognisable and eminently accessible.
Created always with sincerity and affection, Stephen’s understated paintings reflect the stoicism and perseverance of his community and the specific character of his environment.