The oil painter has created spectacular landscape and figurative works of art from sights around Clydebank.

Stevie, 30, told how he turned his life around from a troubled and misguided youth five years ago to follow his passion for painting oils.

Now he’s studying contemporary arts at Glasgow Clyde College and looking to establish himself as a professional artist.

“Clydebank has a great history and the present regeneration is massive,” said Stevie.

“As an artist I see this happening and paint history as it unfolds in front of us. One day paintings of Clydebank will be looked upon with great reflection and personal memories and emotions will come to the surface.” He works from a studio in his parent’s house using the essential tools of the oil painter — brush and palette knife.

The art student likes to focus on pulling the viewer in with vivid colours to catch their attention and invoke thoughts about the scene depicted.

Stevie says his inspirations are renowned German-born British portraitist Lucian Freud, Scots artist Jack Vettriano who had a best selling image in 1992. As well as that, he cites Mitch Griffiths, well-known for his highly detailed, figurative paintings.

But he admits he is angered by spending years in “dead end” jobs when he could have been following his dream.

Stevie said: “I changed my life five years ago when I decided to make a go one last time with my art. It gave me focus and a vision and I set my sights of becoming a successful artist painter.

“My dream project is to have a solo exhibition in Clydebank Museum and to exhibit in the Tate Modern in Liverpool and the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.” Stevie also told how he thinks more kids in Clydebank should be getting involved with art.

“Art should be funded — it helps kids to express themselves, it’s part of our culture as well as our universal language,” he added.

For prints and additional information contact Stevie on nicholson.2010@hotmail.co.uk.