Artist Details

I became interested in art when I was a pre-teen. Although I started with a “paint by numbers” oil color set, I soon found that I didn’t want to stay within the lines nor use the assigned colors. Majoring in art in high school gave me the opportunity to explore various mediums and to study art history. I included art courses while pursuing my Business degree at Indiana University. I have taken art classes at the following institutions: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN South Bend Art Center, South Bend, IN Indiana University at South Bend, South Bend, IN Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge, CO Manhattan Beach Arts Foundation, Manhattan Beach, CA Continuing Education Art Programs, San Luis Obispo, CA Art Sherwin Painting Workshops, Cambria, CA John Barnard Painting Workshop, Avila Beach, CA I have exhibited my art in the following locations: South Bend Art Center, South Bend, IN Colorado Mountain College, Breckenridge, CO Allied Arts Schoolhouse Gallery, Cambria, CA Cambria Public Library, (One man show) Cambria, CA Harbor Gallery 2, Kawaihae, Big Island, Hawaii West Hawaii Plein Air Painters Shows, (2 shows) Pua Mau Place, Kohala Coast, Hawaii Parker Ranch Historic Home, (2 Shows) Waimea, Hawaii La Di Da Café, La Di Da Café, (2 Shows) Half Moon Bay, CA Foster City Recreation Center (One Man Show) Foster City, CA Half Moon Bay Library, (2 Shows) Half Moon Bay, CA U.S. Bank, (One Man Show) Half Moon Bay, CA Coastal Arts League Gallery, (2 Shows) Half Moon Bay, CA In 1998, I started to develop a new painting style. I was greatly influenced by the Fauve Landscape Art of 1904-1908. I find that the works of Andre Derain and Henri Matisse have influenced my style the most. I have entered my art in various competitions and have received awards for my work. I have sold my art to private collectors in California, Arizona, New York, Hawaii, and Canada. Eric Greenhut

I don't want to take my art too seriously. I feel that I want to approach a new painting with the freedom to escape from reality and create a whimsical interpretation of the scene. I think that being too serious about it will drive me toward more realism. I often add objects to the painting to create a better composition and use contrasting colors to emphasize various objects. I enjoy Plein Air painting because it gives me the opportunity to connect with nature on many levels. I find appealing compositions in seascapes, old buildings, wooded lanes, and gardens. My painting style could be called Fauve for its "colorful" compositions. I have studied art since my childhood and continue to explore new techniques.

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Susan Smith
Ry Smith