Steve Johnston previously worked as a London based photographer with clients including Vogue and I-D. His artwork was published in various books and magazines and was later included in the “Lives” exhibition curated by Derek Boshier at the Hayward Gallery, London. He returned to painting in 1991.

Refering to his most recognised work, Steve takes the shape of his figures from photographs and uses profile or back views to create an anonymous character. He prefers minimal backgrounds that allow his figures to remain prominent in the painting.

To achieve this unique standout Steve uses a mixture of oil and acrylic on the same canvas. His backgrounds are always in acrylic and the figures in oil. His work “Wet Umbrella” shows this characteristic style featuring a lonesome man accompanied by an umbrella and his trusty dog.

Steve comments:
“I approach my “backgrounds” very much as an abstract painter, colours composition etc are chosen instinctively rather than being pre-planned. Certain images can unlock powerful emotions which can be separtate from the actual content of the image…the aim is to portray an essence and emotion rather than a precise person or specific location.

Steve’s work is currently published as limited edition prints with the UK’s largest publishing companies and his original works being Internationally collected.

The Colomb Art Gallery is proud to exhibit a number of paintings by the British artist Steve Johnston. View all art by Steve Johnston