Steven Dews
Biography
Born in Beverley, North Humberside in 1949, Steven Dews is the foremost contemporary marine painter in the world. A keen yachtsman, Dews’ subjects range from 19th century Merchantmen, through J-Class yachts from the 1930s to the present day competitors for the Americas Cup. His paintings have been exhibited in many countries including America, South Africa, Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates, and his work has been commissioned by international companies such as Amoco and BP. Demand for commissions means there is currently a three to four year waiting list. Steven’s stature is such that he was official artist to the British challenge for the Americas Cup in Perth in 1986. As a result of his paintings of the challenge, he was commissioned by the New South Wales Marine Services Board to produce two paintings to mark Australia’s bicentennial year celebrations. To complete the commission, Steven was provided with a boat and helicopter to sketch the Bicentennial First Fleet arriving off Botany Bay, as well as the celebrations in Sydney Harbour. Steven’s rapid rise to the pinnacle of marine art has created wealth and an assured place in art history. However, the early part of Steven’s life proved to be difficult and his success is not only due to his artistic ability, but also to his relentless determination. Poor examination results cost him a place at Nautical College and led to the Royal Navy turning him down. However, he was able to study Fine Art and Graphics at Hull College of Art. An additional factor which has assured Steven’s success is that he is a perfectionist. Everything, absolutely everything, in his paintings must be exactly right. As a result of his concentration on the most minute detail, Steven’s knowledge of maritime and yachting history is almost encyclopaedic. Steven’s seafaring connections can be traced back through his family to the 17th Century. Himself a yachtsman of long standing and ability, Steven finds sailing his 40ft yacht “Fine Art”, a great relaxation and an ideal way of turning his back on the pressures of a hectic life. Steven can often be found aboard his yacht, happily sailing up and down the Solent, realising in a small way his original dream of becoming a sailor.