Steven P Smith AROI, MAFA, a distinguished artist born in Preston, Lancashire in 1974, has built a career upon a foundation of technical mastery and a profound commitment to capturing the modern world. His artistic journey began in 1995 as a full-time scenic painter, where he gained recognition for painting large-scale scenic works for high-profile clients such as Madame Tussaud's and the National History Museum. This background, which includes restoring the ceiling murals in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the painting of a 36-metre backdrop for the 'War Horse' exhibition, showcases an exceptional command of his medium and the ability to work on a grand scale. Alongside these commissions, Smith continued to pursue his passion for fine art, focusing on portraiture and still life in his studio. His pursuit of technical excellence led him to study the techniques of both the Old Masters and contemporary figures, including American photo-realists like Chuck Close and Richard Estes, developing a signature style that is both classical and highly realistic. A pivotal shift in his practice occurred in 2016 when he began painting outdoors with a collective known as The Northern Boys. This dedication to plein air painting, or working from direct observation, has become central to his work, allowing him to capture the character and atmosphere of everyday life in cities across the UK and Europe. Steven P Smith's work has been exhibited at some of the UK's most prestigious venues, including the Mall Galleries in London, where his paintings have consistently sold well. He has been pre-selected for the Royal Academy Summer Show and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters exhibition, and in 2019, he was elected a full member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA). Most recently, he was also elected an Associate Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (AROI) , a prestigious new credential that solidifies his standing in the British art establishment. His talent has also attracted a high-profile collecting audience, evidenced by portrait commissions for public figures such as boxer Amir Khan and football managers Sam Allardyce and Kevin Davies. Smith's artistic practice, which divides time between expressive outdoor landscapes and contemplative studio still life, offers a diverse and compelling collection for any serious collector. As a leading member of The Northern Boys collective and a native Northern artist, Steven P Smith is a cornerstone of Stephenson's Gallery's new identity and a valuable long-term asset.