Steve Abbott

About Steve Abbott

“Hi, I am Steve and I live in Marple, Stockport in Greater Manchester, England. I am a retired Aircraft Design and Publications Engineer.

I have, for over 20 years, been a Lecturer and demonstrator in Drawing and Watercolour Techniques. I started painting 30 years ago when I joined the Society of Marple Artists, a family of friends who have shared their love of art to all.

In the evenings, after shift work, we would draw and paint at the Quarry Bank Mill at Style, Cheshire.

One evening in 1984 I was approached by the director of the Mill. He was organising an Edwardian fair and wanted a Silhouette artist. I searched the North of England and found no one, so for the day, I became a Silhouette artist and painted profiles of visitors to the fair.

By the end of the day I was invited to do more at local school fairs and Folk Festivals. I then started my research into Shades of the Past. I am now an active member of the Silhouette collectors club and am pleased to see its popularity growing.

Today, the art of Silhouette is being revived by a handful of profile artists.

Without drawing, using only a pair of scissors and black paper your head and shoulder portrait can be cut in about one minute. Using only hand and eye coordination an accurate profile can be cut out of paper.”