Meeting the Man Behind the Brush: Steven Robert Bruce

Meeting the Man Behind the Brush: Steven Robert Bruce

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting Steven Robert Bruce, a celebrated local artist, for a coffee and chat at the Pavilion Café in Ashton Gardens, St Annes-on-Sea. For those who don’t know, Steven’s art not only graces walls across the Fylde Coast but also pops up at various exhibitions throughout the year. And if you haven’t seen his work yet, the Pavilion, stocks his prints year-round!

We dove into his journey as an artist, which started with an amusingly humble beginning. Back in the early 90s, Steven was a mobile hairdresser (yes, really!) with a packed schedule. Then, one fateful day, his partner at the time, inspired by his wistful comment about wanting to paint like a certain artist he admired, bought him a starter kit of oils and canvas. And off he went, creating a few paintings before being commissioned to paint Eric Cantona for a client's son's birthday. And he got paid for it. Something us artists never believe possible until it actually happens.

Craving more time to paint, Steven traded scissors for pints, taking up a job as a barman in Blackpool. This shift gave him the freedom to focus on his art. Later, he transitioned to being a postman, working mornings and dedicating his afternoons to painting. A stroke of genius, really, as it allowed him to grow his craft while paying the bills.

Fast-forward to today, Steven has an impressive résumé. He’s won numerous awards, exhibited widely, and has an ever-expanding fan base. His most recent exhibition update - he's displaying his work at the Gaydon B&B in their dining room. It now exhibits 17 of his paintings. 

The Art: A Window into Everyday Life

Now, let’s talk about Steven’s art. His work captures scenes of everyday life across the Fylde Coast with an extraordinary vibrancy and attention to detail. Take a closer look at the pieces he’s created (I picked out three of my current favourites - he has A LOT more):

He typically has 10-20 paintings on the go at the same time at various stages of completion. That's becuase it takes a long time for the oil to dry a little before adding the next layer. It can take weeks to get to the finished piece!

I love this painting. A lively outdoor café setting with dappled sunlight filtering through leafy trees. There’s a warmth to this piece that’s impossible to ignore. It’s a celebration of community life, capturing moments of joy, laughter, and casual conversations. The intricate details—from the reflections on sunglasses to the subtle shadows on the pavement—demonstrate Steven’s technical prowess and his ability to breathe life into a scene.

Another standout features a classic car parked outside a quaint British pub. There’s a sense of nostalgia in this piece, as if you’ve stepped back in time to a quieter, more idyllic era. Steven’s ability to balance the bold metallic sheen of the car with the textured brickwork of the surrounding buildings is masterful.

A more contemplative piece showcases a rainy day scene with silhouettes of figures walking through glistening pavements. This work is all about atmosphere—the wet reflections, muted colors, and play of light create an almost cinematic quality. It feels like a moment paused in time, inviting the viewer to step into the shoes of the figures and take a stroll through the drizzle.

Why Steven’s Work Stands Out

Steven’s art is a love letter to the Fylde Coast. His paintings don’t just depict places; they evoke feelings. Whether it’s the vibrancy of a sunny day, the nostalgia of a classic car, or the quiet introspection of a rainy walk, his work connects deeply with its audience. The balance between realism and painterly texture in his pieces draws the eye and invites you to linger.

Steven’s story is a testament to how talent, persistence, and a bit of serendipity can lead to incredible things. I left our meeting inspired—not only by his journey but by the vivid images of life he paints so beautifully.

You can find his work here https://www.stevenbruceart.co.uk/

And on Lytham Handmade https://www.facebook.com/groups/lythamhandmade