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About Brian Smith RI

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Biography

Artist's Statement

I am trying to put a twist on a subject that may initially appear ordinary. Light selection creates atmosphere to explain my narrative. Simplify the image to three or four collective tonal shapes creates focus. Plein Air, sketch book or my own reference are starting points. Suggest and imply, let the viewer have input.

Biographical Details

In 1978 I went freelance after 8 years under the wing of experienced artists. I shared a room with 4 other artists and first encountered the wonderful work of John Blockley who left an indelible mark on me. Watercolour enthralled me and he showed the scope that set me on my path. Soho was my base for 20 years before moving to Eastbourne on the South Coast with my wife Chris and 3 children to run a residential painting school from our home for the next 14 years. In 1995 when the nest was empty we continued our adventure on Menorca in the Balearic Islands until returning to the UK in 2010.

I am based in Malmesbury, Wiltshire and have a studio near my home besides running workshops and demonstrations around the UK as well as tutoring at West Dean College, West Sussex and Higham Hall in the Lakes.

I am inspired by people going about their daily lives usually within an architectural setting.

Society Memberships

Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours

Exhibitions

Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours 205th Exhibition

Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition 2016

Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours 2016

Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours 2015

Other exhibitions

Submissions for Major Exhibitions in UK, Europe & USA

Finalist in Artbox Project Exhibition 2020, Barcelona, Spain

RI Open 2020 (4 paintings accepted)

RI Open 2019 (2 paintings accepted)

RWA 2019 (2 paintings accepted)

San Diego, USA Open 2018

RI Open 2018

RI Open 2017

Windsor Castle Plein Air 2017 (Gained People’s Choice Award)

Lakeland Artists Exhibition 2017

Finalist in Artbox Project Exhibition 2017, Basel, Switzerland

Art Gemini 2016 Exhibition, Asia House, London

RI Open London 2016, painting sold at exhibition

RSMA Open London 2016 (Gained Sea Pictures Award) Painting sold at exhibition

RI Open London 2015, painting sold at exhibition

RBA Open London 2014

RI Open London 2014, both paintings sold on Preview Day

RWA Bristol (Gained Best Watercolour Award)

RWS Open London 2011 (Gained Artist Award)

RI Open London 2011 (Gained Matt Bruce Award)

Sunday Times Watercolour Exhibition 2011 London.

Cork Street Open London 2011

RWS Open London 2010

Publications

I have written articles for a number of the Instructional Art magazines as listed below:

The Artist 2020 – three 4 page articles My Working Methods

The Art of Watercolour 2017 – 6 page article My Working Methods

New Artist 2017 – 4 page article Step by Step Guide

New Artist 2016 – 4 page article on method of work

International Artist Finalist in Favourite Subjects 2013

International Artist 2011 – 6 page feature article My Working Methods

The Artist 2011 – 4 page feature article My Working Methods

Leisure Painter 2008-2010 – Instructional Articles in Various Editions