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Preston-born artist Steven Smith has been selected for this year’s ING Discerning Eye.
Steven will have two oil paintings in the prestigious exhibition, chosen from more than 6,500 entries.
The exhibition, which will feature a wide range of works including sculpture, photography, textiles, ceramics, and video, will be on at Mall Galleries in London from Friday 14 November to Sunday 23 November.
The annual event celebrates diverse artistic talent, with this year’s collection curated by leading cultural figures, artist Polly Morgan, journalist Rosie Millard, and museum director Dr Chris Stephens.
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Steven, who was born in Preston and now lives just outside the city in the village of Charnock Richard, is an Associate Member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (AROI), an organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in oil painting since 1882. As an elected member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA) Council, he is passionate about representing the region’s creative community on a national stage.
We caught up with Steven to find out more.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I went to Bishop Rawstorne School in Croston, before studying A Levels and completing a Foundation in Art at Wigan College. After leaving university in 1995, I became a full-time artist. Early in my career, I supported myself through large scenic painting commissions across the UK and Europe. I worked regularly on major commercial projects for clients including Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Centres, and theme parks such as Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures.
Over the following decades, I developed my painting practice as part of a group of ten artists known as The Northern Boys, which included Preston artists Norman Long and Michael Ashcroft. We’ve travelled regularly to paint en plein air in locations such as Venice, Seville, London, and New York. Our group has exhibited widely, including at Contemporary Six in Manchester, Panter & Hall in London, and Stephenson’s Gallery in York.
How would you describe your style?
My work is grounded in realism, painting in oils from life. I look to capture what I see in the everyday, modern world around me — working in all weather conditions and painting directly from observation. I’m especially drawn to urban scenes and shifting weather patterns, always chasing that fleeting quality of light that brings a subject to life.
I also have a real passion for still life painting. I often paint everyday objects I’ve collected over the years — items that hold personal meaning and connect me to specific memories, people, and places.
Who are your influences?
Many of the great plein air painters, as well artists such as Sorolla, Walter Sickert and Harold Gilman. In my still life painting, I’ve been particularly influenced by American artists such as Richard Estes, Charles Bell, Ralph Goings, Audrey Flack and Chuck Close. Their dedication to realism — especially through the lens of photorealism — had a big impact on how I think about observation, precision, and surface. I aim to create work that feels both immediate and considered — something that invites viewers to step into a moment and see the beauty in the ordinary.
How does it feel to be selected for the ING Discerning Eye exhibition?
It’s a real privilege to be selected. Out of more than 6,500 entries, just 735 works by 529 artists were selected, so I feel grateful to have two paintings included. The Discerning Eye is known for championing individuality and giving space to a wide range of voices. It’s an amazing opportunity to connect with a wider audience. The exhibition brings together an incredible mix of work, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Being able to exhibit my paintings in a London show like this means a great deal. It’s not just about sharing my own work, but also about shining a light on the wealth of talent that exists across our region.
Why are you passionate about representing our region on the national stage?
The North has so much to offer artistically, and I’m proud to represent this part of the country. Alongside exhibiting regularly with MAFA in locations such as Manchester Cathedral and Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery, I recently took part in both the New Light Prize Tour 2024 and the New Light Summer Exhibition 2025 — two fantastic exhibitions that celebrate and support Northern artists.
It’s been a real privilege to be part of those shows. Seeing just how many talented artists come from the North makes me incredibly proud. There’s a particular kind of creativity that comes from growing up here — shaped by resilience, humour, and a strong sense of community — and I believe it deserves far more national recognition.
How has Preston inspired you and your work?
Preston has always been home in one way or another – it’s where my creative journey began, and it continues to shape my outlook and my work. The landscape, the people, and the strong sense of northern identity have all played a part in influencing how I see the world and what I choose to create.
Before the pandemic I spent many years attending live Tuesday evening portrait painting sessions at Norman Long’s studio at Oyston Mill where I made good friends with many artists from Preston Arts Society and I also spent some time painting with Simon Plum at Birley Art Studios. In 2019 I won first prize in the first-ever Preston Portrait Challenge at the Harris Museum.
What are your thoughts on Preston’s arts and culture scene?
Preston’s creative scene is full of potential. There’s a growing network of artists, grassroots projects, and cultural events that reflect the city’s unique character and energy.
I was fortunate to be invited to exhibit in a 2024 pop-up show called The Turning Point, held in an empty shop on Market Place opposite the Harris Museum. It was a fantastic event that brought together many young, talented artists and recent graduates from Preston — and it was a great example of the kind of fresh energy emerging in the city.
I’ve also painted with artists based at The Birley Studios. The artist-led studios were established in 2014 by a group of graduates from the University of Lancashire and include members such as Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid CBE RA. Working alongside artists there, I’ve seen first-hand the creativity, originality, and ambition coming out of Preston. There’s a new generation of artists in the city with exciting and unique ideas.
Preston also has a strong creative legacy — from figures like Nick Park to the many practising artists who continue to contribute to the wider cultural conversation. With the newly-renovated Harris Museum and ongoing developments at the market, I hope the city continues to champion its local talent and helps give them the platform to be recognised across the UK and internationally.
While Preston may not always have the spotlight, there’s a huge amount happening beneath the surface. I believe we’re only just beginning to see what this creative community can achieve with the right support and visibility.
To find out more, visit Steven’s website, or follow him on Instagram or Facebook.
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