| | | | | | | | | Lee Smith |  |
| | | | | Greensboro, North Carolina USA | | | | | | | | | | | 
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Juried Member of EBSQ+
About Lee Smith
1952 -
Lee Smith was born in Jacksonville, Florida and has resided in North Carolina since 1957.
She is a self-taught artist and has been painting since 1998; primary medium is acrylics with periodic experimentation in oils and watercolor. She has been described as a traditionalist as well as a true expressionist.
Smith says, " My work encompasses various styles and subject matter simply because I refuse to limit myself to a particular area or to be restricted during this early phase of my career. This is a time for observation, study and exploration, in a word, freedom.
I follow natural energy flow and circadian rhythms. When energy is high and focus is intense, the result is realism. Following a detailed work, the piece after tends to be loose, with broken color, and unblended. It may be impressionist, expressionist, fauvist or abstraction. This is my "rest" phase.
The common denominator in my work is color play, color relationships, light and shadow. I prefer a warm palette, and vibrant dramatic colors. Other than commissions or architectural works, I seldom do preliminary sketches, yet I'm inclined to grab any readily available paper to quickly sketch any idea that pops in my head. These are scattered all around, in piles just waiting for when I hit the wall, piles of inspiration. Many times, I spend more time on the idea and thought processes than the actual painting process. I must have a clear idea that jells, before I can begin, yet it isn't unusual for a piece to evolve in an unexpected direction and that's ok, I go with it. Direct painting gives me the freedom to add or delete elements as the work is advanced. When I can't visualize something, I'm likely to wildly pull out objects from closets or drawers, set up lighting, in an effort to answer my questions. I also set up photo sessions and use recorded information for reference.
I don't consider myself a technical painter but an intuitive one. There is an insane sanity to my methods. No matter how analytical my mind strives to work, no matter whatever data I've acquired, when that first brush of paint goes on, I manipulate the paint furiously and freely which serves to energize the work. That beginning has to be effortless. Whatever flows from me and out, must be discernable to the viewer, it must reach and connect. Only then is the illusion of painting complete."
The artist accepts commissions for both originals and old master reproductions ( must be in public domain ), oil or acrylic, including portraits from clear photos ( human and animals). Scans of photos are used for reference. Your original photo is returned unharmed.
Smith's work is held in collections across the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan and Asia.
You may visit Smith's online journal at:
http://www.livejournal.com/~artchick48/
"A true artist sees, feels and expresses his own truth regardless of what others do, say or think about his work." Lee Smith 2003
Gallery Representation:
Free Rein Gallery ( formerly Nelson-Lee ) North Carolina
Cuz I Gotta Have It!, South Carolina
Exhibitions ( Partial )
Group, Artwrap, November 2002, GAL Gallery
Group, Summer Salon, August 2003, GAL Gallery
Solo & Live Demonstration, January 2003, GSO Coliseum Special Events Center
Group, Artwrap, December 2003, GAL Gallery
Greenhill Center for Art, Greensboro NC 2004
Folkfest 2004 Atlanta
Urban Market, Charlotte NC
Group, Juried, "The Best in Local Portraiture", The Marshall Gallery, Greensboro NC June 2005, First Place Animal Division
Previous Venues
The Red Collection, Greensboro, NC
Archdale Antiques, Archdale NC
GAL Gift Shop, Greensboro, NC
Interior Transformations, Greensboro, NC
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