Belgian artist Steven Van Hasten grew up in Courtrai, an ancient commercial town in West Flanders. He drew and painted on everything as a child, and created his first illustrated story – about a knight - at the age of six. His parents knew he’d grow up to be an artist. Now he’s a successful illustrator working across children’s books, editorial and advertising, he still has that passion for drawing. Each week he and some friends practice life drawing with a nude model.
Based in Gent, he goes hiking in Scotland every year, owns over 10,000 comic books, and – as he should – enjoys a good Belgian beer.
Training
As a boy, Steven went to his local art academy to learn drawing and painting. He later completed a Masters at the Sint-Lucas School of Arts in Gent, where he studied graphic design and illustration.
Approach
Steven’s preferred medium is acrylic paints. If he’s illustrating a book, he’ll read the story and let it settle for a week or so while he thinks about it. After playing with the ideas, he’ll start sketching. Paintings begin with him blocking out the composition in opposing shades – a dark purple versus a paler green, for instance. He’ll then paint on layers to create depth and texture.
Style
Steven has a unique, painterly style that’s perfect for picture books, advertising and editorial commissions. Strong contrast, plenty of detail and a variety of brushstrokes are characteristics of his work, while his characters have plenty of oddball charm.
Client list
Reader's Digest
Averbode publisher
Abimo publisher
ZeKookt
Die Keure publisher
Waelkens
Seedfactory
EDG