Brian M. Smith
Artist Statement
“ART IS A DIFFICULT PLEASURE”
“As far back as I remember there is no time, I didn’t make pictures. Life sometimes interfered, slowing progress but art was always lurking about. My second-grade teacher framed a pencil drawing I made and hung it in the principal’s office. My first plein-air experience came in fifth grade although I didn’t know it was called that. The art teacher, Mrs. Rickenbacher, took us outside and said to draw whatever we see. Sitting on the lawn working on an image of the Town and Country market across the street I realized she was standing over me. Looking up at her she said, “If you don’t grow up to be an artist, I’m coming back to haunt you!” So, I did. In spite of many distractions, I became a plein-air painter some 50 years ago. Evolving to plein-air plus studio happened naturally after. I’m privileged to have gallery representation for nearly 30 years. Mostly self-taught, I did have some art schooling. Hits and many misses, painting with other artists and attending plein-air events like Fall Color Week (PleinAir Magazine) and PAAWM are the full story. Simple moments in nature’s time can describe my image choices. It is over 30 years since I participated in an Art Hop, when there were just seven venues. These plein-air oil paintings are a collection of journeys since. They range from Michigan to the Canadian Rockies, Coast of Maine, Adirondacks, Southern states and Central America, some not so good, some not so bad and the only criteria for choice being each is a moment in my time and the pursuit of a difficult pleasure.”
Venues
