Steve Lilly (stevelilart)
Artist’s Biography
View Range Here in our Pet Memorial and Remembrance Category
I guess my artistic career began when I was quite young. As a child I used to enter the colouring competitions in local newspapers at a prolific rate, occasionally winning some interesting prizes. The most memorable of which, was been pulled in a dingy round a pool at a fair rate of knots by a dolphin at Dudley Zoo on a freezing cold day. From colouring competitions I moved onto painting album covers onto my friend’s leather jackets (usually for a free night of beer).
A number of sensible jobs followed, whilst employed as an upholsterer working hours were reduced to a four day week. I took the opportunity to enrol on a First Certificate in Graphic Design at Sutton Coldfield College. Passing my final project with a distinction. Encouraged, I then moved onto Matthew Boulton College to study at National and Higher National levels passing both courses with distinctions and receiving the accolade of HNC Final Year Graphic Design Student of the Year award (1997).
As far as subject matter in concerned, it has to be something I have a connection with. Whether it is the comedy shows and horror movies I grew up on, the different genres of music that have had a big influence on my life (and hair styles!), or my life long love of birds and animals.
Although I have outlined my preferred subject matter I also create bespoke commissioned pieces ranging from people, pets, cars, corporate logos, book illustration and even battle ships. A long with limited edition prints and an ever expanding body of greetings cards, both illustrative and photographic.
In my artwork I have tried not only to create a likeness but also to capture the essence of the subject. I have spent many enjoyable hours creating these works and I hope that in my portraits, I have managed to do so.
I work almost exclusively in graphite pencil as it not only suits my style of working but also adds bold dramatic contrasts.
The beauty of a graphite portrait lies in the depth of tone and contrast achievable by using varying grades of pencil and differing pressures of application. I often draw in reverse by lifting out areas with a putty rubber. It is an ideal medium for expressing texture and detail.
My portraits are built up over many hours by blending layers of finely laid pencil. All my pencil work is created on 220g/m acid free heavy weight cartridge paper.
I hope you enjoy my work.
Exhibitions The Hanging Space Gallery, Birmingham Central Library
Comedy Classics
10th December 2007 – 19th January 2008
The Highbury Theatre, Sutton Coldfield
Portfolio selection
14th March 2008 – 24th April 2008
The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
Comedy Classics
Part of the Birmingham comedy festival 2008
1st October 2008 – 17th October 2008
The Little Cake Shop, Sutton Coldfield
Comedy Classics
27th October 2008– 31st January 2009
Permanent display at Leighswood Publishing, Aldridge
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