For over four decades, I’ve devoted myself to capturing the emotional essence of landscapes like those in Cornwall and Dartmoor through my paintings. But this year, I’m at a pivotal moment in my career. It’s a time of transition, where I’m moving beyond painting to embrace writing and mentoring—a shift that mirrors the changes in the art world itself.
As the luxury market faces broader economic shifts, including a decline in gallery sales, the art world is being reshaped. Buyers are becoming more cautious, and there’s a growing trend toward direct, personal engagement between artists and collectors, bypassing traditional galleries. I, too, have felt this impact, with a noticeable slowdown in the sale and production of my own work. In response, I’ve made the decision to step away from gallery representation, taking control of my unsold pieces, allowing me to engage more meaningfully with my audience.
This shift in focus has also led me to new creative avenues. My energy is increasingly directed toward writing and developing The Creative Freedom Academy, an online platform aimed at fostering creative freedom. Stepping back from galleries reflects this broader transformation—allowing me the independence to present and sell my work in a way that aligns with my values, free from the constraints of traditional systems.
In the art market, there is often a disconnect between hype-driven pricing and the real-world principles of supply and demand. While galleries and social media attention can inflate prices in the primary market, the secondary market—through auctions—offers a clearer picture of an artwork’s true value, driven by scarcity and demand. This contrast has led me to question the role of hype in art valuation, prompting me to focus instead on aligning my work with real-world economics.
As I shift toward writing and mentoring, my artistic output will naturally decrease, making my existing work more rare and valuable. But for a limited time, I’m offering a unique opportunity to acquire my work at a more accessible price point. This is about more than just a sale—it’s a chance for you to own a piece of my journey, before scarcity inevitably drives the prices higher.
Looking ahead, I see this as an exciting evolution. I’m not stepping away from art, but expanding into new roles—writing, teaching, and sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered over the years. It’s a New Renaissance for me, and I’m embracing this opportunity to connect with others in deeper, more meaningful ways. The work I’ve created, and the work I will continue to create, will remain a testament to the emotional depth and vision that have always driven me.
As I continue this exciting new chapter, I invite you to explore my evolving creative work—not just through my writings and courses, but through the pieces I’ve created over the years that reflect my artistic journey. As I step back from the traditional gallery system, I’m also offering a unique opportunity to acquire my work at special prices for a limited time.
If you’ve ever considered owning one of my pieces, now is the perfect moment to do so before scarcity again raises their value. You can explore the available works with their new prices on my website here through the menu above. Maybe there's a piece you've had your eye on, but hesitated over the price? This is an unrepeatable opportunity to own a part of my journey as I step into this exciting new phase of creativity.
Thank you for being part of this transformative time with me.
Steve - 21st October 2024
Read the full story in my short eBook: Art and the Economics of Emotion.
(This document also contains a personal message to my loyal collectors)