Venturing out into the landscape is the starting point for all of Steve’s paintings. The experience of
place is a vital component of his practice and sensing the atmosphere, weather, colour and scale of a
particular location are all important factors in producing each artwork. Through creating studies and
paintings either entirely or partially painted outdoors (en plein air), Steve’s work serves as an
ongoing exploration of translating these perceptions to the rich and evocative medium of oil paint.
Steve has developed a manner of painting that consists of simple and direct brush and palette knife
work to reduce the landscape into what he perceives to be its fundamental elements. His practice
sits between the representational and the abstract where texture is equally as important as colour
and form. Paint is applied generously in thick and luscious passages (impasto) which catch the light
and cast shadows, inviting you closer to the painting’s surface. This application of paint when
combined with intensely saturated colour, creates works that are characterised by a vibrancy and
freshness that act as both a document and celebration of the experience of being immersed within
the landscape.
Steve Roberts is a professional contemporary landscape painter living and working in the Cotswolds.
He studied Fine Art at Cardiff School of Art between 2009 and 2012 where he specialised in painting
with oils. After several years working as a freelance illustrator, he decided to study for an MA in
Illustration at the University of Gloucestershire. Since graduating with his MA in 2021, Steve has
reignited his love of painting, focusing on the subject of landscape. This decision has resulted in
Steve joining artForce collective, a group of seven Gloucestershire based artists who exhibit together
regularly and has led to his work being selected for several group shows in Cheltenham.
