Stanley was born in Nottingham, though from early days his home was in North Devon, where he initiated his career in drawing and painting. He first studied Art and Design at the North Devon College, achieving distinctions for his work, and then worked for and received a first class honours degree in illustration from kFalmouth College of Arts. His studio is in Devon, but he is represented by London and New York agents who commission work widely.  In 2010 he presented a solo show of work: West Penwith - a homage to colour, through The Great Atlantic Galleries.

One of the artists whose work was taken by Gallery TRESCO to the Affordable Art Fair 2010, and who exhibits regularly with the Gallery on the island of Tresco in the Scillies. (see www.gallerytresco.co.uk). The titles of his paintings reflect the love of the Islands that shows strongly in such pieces as Last Fleeting October Light, The Autumn Sun Sets Behind Bryher, Solitary Winter Beach, Tresco, and Approaching Twilight Over the Eastern Isles.