About

Stephen Bishop was born in England in 1963. Just as Beatlemania was sweeping the world. His favourite period is the 60’s, Northern Soul in the 70’s, the punk era and Flamenco. Something of this musical attitude and creative energy is evident in his approach to painting. He is on a mission to make you cry.

Bishop's artistic journey began early, nurtured by a creative family. His mother Emily, foresaw his future as an artist before he was born. Choosing his name and spelling as looking good as a signature. He won several art competitions as a child.

He enrolled at the Berkshire College of Art and Design in 1980 in the post punk era. His tutors described Stephen as having a natural talent for oils.  A college trip to Italy was a profound experience. He returned with a burning passion to be a fine artist. Soon leaving education in design in 1984 to follow his dream.

Stephen moved to London and dived into culture and self improvement. He became an avid reader and it was this period that was his real artistic education. A pivotal moment came in 1987 during a studio residency Andalucía. It was here that he discovered Flamenco and decided to relocate to Dorset to paint his favourite locations from life.

His impressive self-taught painting style features unconventional impasto and oil mixed with water based mediums.

He has received numerous awards, including being a finalist in the Winsor & Newton Young Artist Award and the Royal Society of Oil Painters at the Mall Galleries in London.

His full scale portrait of his grandparents was selected by highly esteemed artist Frank Ouerbach for an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. 

Today his colourful art is hung all around the world.  He has some notable collectors including PJ Harvey, who said, "I have loved Stephen’s work for years and enjoy seeing him constantly experimenting and challenging himself to move into new areas."

His current work is inspired by his daily sea swim and he plans to work on the theme of Northern Soul dancing soon.

Stephen has now established the beautiful White Room Gallery and working studio in Bournemouth’s East Cliff district.