Steve Bellamy gained a Diploma of Fine Arts at Canterbury Fine Art School in Christchurch, and has also completed a 4 year trade degree in sign-writing. After moving to Nelson with his wife Sharon he started a business called Bellamy Graphics creating on illustration work and signage. During his time as a sign-writer, Steve created hand painted murals before the advent of digital machines, he also specialised in many of the more traditional forms of signage. He is well known for his highly detailed chalk-boards, and precise hand illustrated signs. During this time he also painted a number of NZ landscapes and fine art drawings, usually on commission. 

In his later years Steve has committed to paint full time, he has moved from traditional landscapes to seascapes. As an avid fisherman Steve is drawn to the sea and coastline of New Zealand. 

He paints in acrylic on canvas, implementing glazing and scrambling techniques to enhance illumination as seen in nature, reflected in his painting.