Stephen Roby

Stephen Roby was born in Liverpool and moved to Widnes aged 2. Behind every artwork is a story, and Stephen Roby’s own tale began with a working-class childhood in the 1970s, where money was scarce, but memories could be made for free. Peppered with touching anecdotes, this humorous series of original works takes viewers 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 new ‘Snorkies’ paintings. No matter our age or background, we can recognise ourselves and become a part of the story.

Stephen Roby 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.

An avid people-watcher, Stephen draws upon real-life memories and experiences – including his own friends and family. 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.