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
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