EmmyLou Smith
Artist Statement
Emmylou Smith is deeply inspired by history, drawing from a wide range of
sources—historical events, people, monuments, and cultures—to breathe
new life into the past. Her paintings serve as a bridge between generations,
inviting modern viewers to reflect on and honor the lives of those who
came before us.
To bring these stories to life, Emmylou paints with watercolor on tempered
hardboard, a surface treated with archival coating and finished with a
kaolin clay veneer. This process not only enhances the vibrancy of the
watercolors but ensures their longevity. Each work is varnished with UV
protection, allowing viewers to engage with the artwork without the need
for glass framing. This technique highlights both the beauty of the past and
the durability of its memory.
Although not a professional historian, Emmylou Smith is deeply committed
to accuracy, dedicating several weeks of research to each subject. Through
this devotion to both art and history, she strives to create a lasting tribute
to the people and events that have shaped our world.