ABOUT the artist
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Biography
Steve Allen (B. 1964, Cumberland UK) is an oil painter who has spent his working life within the field of creative image making and was Director of Imaging at one of the North’s leading agencies.
He began oil painting in his early teens and has a passion for traditional techniques.
He trained at Carlisle College of Art & Design and has taught Portraiture and Fine Art Printing at the Burslem Campus, Stoke on Trent.
He now lives and paints in Derbyshire.
Jackson’s Art Prize (Longlisted)
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026 (Shortlisted – pending final judging results)
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Artist’s Statement
Nothing is more artistically stimulating for me than the blank canvas or the empty paper. The impulsion to make marks to express a vision is immense. There is little in the world that is not fascinating when viewed from the correct standpoint.
My inspiration is informed by history and focussed by current times.
I express themes with limited pallets, creating duotone and tri-tone paintings. Grisaille is achieved only with black and white. Verdaccio (achieved with black, white and green), Brunaille (achieved with black, white and brown). I use the traditional methods of underpainting followed by four distinct layers of painting to build the work.
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Exhibited Works
Solo Exhibitions
1995 Romantic Portraiture – Ancient High House, Stafford.
Selected Exhibitions
1982 – Northern Arts Show, Tully House, Carlisle.
1984 – South Quay Studios Summer Exhibition, Maryport, Cumbria.
1986 – Staffordshire Open, Stoke on Trent. (Commended)
1988 – Staffordshire Open, Stoke on Trent.
2024 – Cumbria Institute of the Arts @60 Exhibition, Vallum Gallery, Carlisle.
