Born in the W Midlands, Steve was educated at Cheltenham Grammar School. He left at 16 with eight O-Levels including art. At the age of 17, he had two terms of painting tuition with John MILLER. Self-educated from that time, he was employed by the civil service, then as a railway clerk. At 25 Steve became self-employed, beginning his painting career in earnest. He began selling his work in St. Ives in 1979 with Keith English. His paintings became more widely known in Cornwall and beyond. In 2009 his work was included in National UK Art A-Level syllabus, for students to study with regard to use of light.

Steve enjoys working alone, but he also paints collaboratively with Vincent RYMER. He is a regular exhibitor at Tregony Gallery on the Roseland peninsula.