Behind every artwork is a story, and Stephen Roby’s debut collection with Castle Fine Art is a definite page-turner. His own tale began with a working-class childhood in 1970s Liverpool, where money was scarce, but memories could be made for free. Peppered with touching anecdotes, this humorous series of original works takes viewers inside the local pub, onto the golf course and through a narrative that weaves real life with the imaginary. Completely self-taught, the former IT engineer works mainly in oils for his figurative and portrait paintings. Cubist elements include geometric shapes, bold statement colours and a simplicity of facial structure that makes every character – from a football player to a sausage dog surrounded by his favourite toys – instantly relatable. No matter our age or background, we can recognise ourselves and become a part of the story. Situational humour and heartwarming moments of human interaction are shaped by the intersectional lines, which draw the viewer’s eyes around the piece. Stephen derives his full palette from just five colours; inspired by Impressionist painters like Claude Monet, Pierre- Auguste Renoir, Joaquín Sorolla, Pierre Adolphe Valette and L.S. Lowry, he mixes colours to create the illusion of light and shadow. Further inspirations include the American realist painter Edward Hopper and the Old Masters of the Renaissance, such as Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
An avid people-watcher, Stephen draws upon real-life memories and experiences – including his friends and family, and time spent living in France and Switzerland. Each painting takes up to two months to complete, and is part of an intimate emotional connection between the artist and his creation. Whether his paintings make you laugh, smile or roll your eyes in recognition, they will ultimately make you feel and remember life beyond the canvas. Find out more about the collection online or by contacting your local Castle Fine Art gallery.
“In the dull environment that we’ve had for the last year, my paintings will hopefully lighten both the mood and a lot of rooms.”
Stephen Roby I N T R O D U C I N G
BROWSE COLLECTION ONLINE
Could you Blink Any Louder OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 149.5 X 100CM £3,950
The Great Debate OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 100 X 100CM £2,950
First Kiss OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 60 X 80CM £2,500
Ladies Day OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 42 X 59.5CM £1,950
Play Time
Bonnie And Clyde
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 29.5 X 24.5CM £695
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 35.5 X 45.5CM £1,500
Chip Off The Old Block OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 80 X 60CM £2,500
Keeping The Dream Alive
Get Down Lad
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 59.5 X 80CM £2,500
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 59.5 X 42CM £1,950
Oh Honey OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 60 X 80CM £2,500
Yes Dear
The Idiot
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 73 X 48CM £2,250
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 80 X 60CM £2,500
Shampoo Simon
Mum’s Shoes
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 42 X 59.5CM £1,950
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 12 X 16CM £995
Who Is She Looking At OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 47 X 36CM £1,500
The Bum Notes
The Nervous Putter OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 36 X 47CM £1,500
OI L ON CANVAS IMAGE SIZE 60 X 79.5CM £2,500
I N S I D E T H E STUDIO
Stephen invited us to his studio in Cheshire to take us through some of his favourite pieces from the collection and reveal how he creates his vibrant artworks using just five shades of oil paint and an understanding of 2D and 3D perspectives. “It’s just simple geometric shapes, bright colours, some slight gradients and intersecting lines,” he told us. “My engineering background has given me an eye for looking at certain things in a different way.”
Like the early Renaissance painters, Stephen allows the dark background to show through on the shadowed areas to add depth. He adds: “I block-paint everything in, and then add the outline later. It gives a brilliant effect.” Discover more about Stephen’s techniques and inspirations in our exclusive YouTube video below.
“I’ll see something and think ‘That would make a good little storyboard painting’.”
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Stephen Roby I N T R O D U C I N G
The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. © Washington Green 2021. The content of this brochure is subject to copyright and no part can be reproduced without prior permission.
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