For pastel paintings, base layers and background are painted using a 'sofft' sponge with soft pastels & panpastels to define shape and colours. Pastel pencils are then used to gradually build up layers and depth to give a more realistic look, taking between 15-40hrs for each painting. Abstract paintings are made with acrylic paints and palette knives, painted on a canvas board.
Reference photos used as the basis and inspiration for these paintings are either taken by steve or downloaded from royalty free or royalty paid sites, e.g. wildlife reference photos