Steven Howard Artist

You’d never know it by looking at me. You’ll never know that today, just getting out of bed was a victory. The smile I gave at the store was the only one I had in me. My forced facial expression, my clothes, my routine - I’m still breaking. Because grief doesn’t always look like tears. Sometimes it looks like forced laughter. Like perfectly turned out. Like showing up, nodding politely, and answering, “I’m doing okay,” when I’m really not. I wear the mask to protect myself. To keep from making people uncomfortable. To keep from breaking down in the middle of a meeting, a dinner, a day. But underneath? I'm screaming. I'm trying my best to hold it together with threadbare hope and sheer willpower. I'm carrying the weight of the person I lost in everything I do - quietly, invisibly, relentlessly. So, if I seem short today, or quiet, or like I'm “not myself"... If I cancel plans or I don’t answer your text... If I smile but it doesn't quite reach my eyes......

 At Steven Howard Gallery they are showcasing quite a few additional pieces in August and their exclusive members are getting discounts of up to 15% when applying a promo code at checkout. (Minimum spend £240 applies). Click image to subscribe To become a member simply subscribe and they'll send you the most recent newsletter link with their monthly offer.

It's with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have the heartbreaking announcement of the passing of my Mum. You were one in a million. Passed away peacefully Saturday 19th April 2025.  You've grown your angel wings, heaven has truly gained a new angel. I'm absolutely heartbroken and in complete shock. My tears just won't stop. I know that we can't live forever and I know we can't choose our time. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye and yet I drove as quickly as I could to be with you but the angels took you so quick. No pain now and no worries. Rest in peace mum, you're with your dad, your mum and brothers, Terry and Bill.  I was only looking at some old photos a few days ago of aunty nans farm. You loved going on the farm and I loved the stories you told me. So sorry we didn't get to celebrate Mother's Day like we used to, what I would give to have one last chat together. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, your love and guidance, ...

  I wanted to name my latest oil painting "The sea, the sky & everything in-between" but having numerous discussions with others, the thought was the title was too long. The decision to name it "Reflections" was easy, because that's what the painting conjours up. We reflect on stages in life, make decisions, set out goals and celebrate achievements. Not forgetting of course the obvious reflections of the boats and masts captured in the deep blues to create the sea.   "Reflections" it is and the series will be "The sea, the sky & everything in-between". More paintings of the ocean, beach scenes and coastline will be displayed in the coming months at the gallery in Trentham along with paintings from the gardens.  I've decided to tackle some commissions, pet portraits will be accepted on a  "First come, first served"  basis and will begin in May. Just pop into Steven Howard Gallery at Trentham and we'll take your detail...

 To all our loyal customers, your support is very much appreciated. We couldn't have done it without you.  Although my personal journey started when I was just 3 years old, our journey as a small business started just 2 years ago. The markets were hard work, sorting stock out for the next event, getting up in the early hours on Saturday morning. It wasn't too bad in Summer, but winter, that was harsh! Anyway that's all in the past, we are now settled in our Trentham gallery/shop. Click image for website Steven Howard Gallery  Unit 70, Trentham Retail Village,  Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent. ST4 8AX  In just 6 weeks it does seem we have out grown our little shop already! Who knows where our next adventure will take us? A bigger gallery where you can have a sit down and a coffee while you ponder over the next wall art for your home. See you all very soon!

Yes, not quite March, but my last painting "Misty Morning" has been reserved, so it's off to the photographer. A new painting on the go for the gallery/shop is underway titled "Young hearts run free!" It's about halfway and should take me a few more days of titivating between drying times and a spot of fine detailing.  This painting conjures up so many emotions! A young couple running through a puddle barefoot passing an old abandoned church. You can see the final developments of this painting throughout the latter days of February until it's completion in March and other examples of my work at the Gallery/Shop in Trentham Shopping Village. Steven Howard Kiosk 1 Trentham Retail Village Stone Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8AX