Steven Phillip Smith was born in Preston, Lancashire in 1974 and has been a fulltime artist since 1996 after studying Fine Art at Wigan & Leigh College and Middlesbrough University. Working in oils from direct observation, he captures everyday objects and places, traveling frequently for inspiration. His work has been shown in leading UK exhibitions, including the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI), Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) and The New Light Prize Exhibition. His solo exhibition, ‘Brushstrokes to Brands’, was held at the Museum of Brands, Notting Hill (2023 2024). In 2024 Steven was made an Associate Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI). He is a full member of Manchester Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA), where he served on the council (2019-2024) and was appointed AGBI Steward in 2025. Recent travels to Europe, the USA, and Canada, are part of preparations for an upcoming solo exhibition.