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MARIA SMITH
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Some Basic Info. about Maria Smith
Born in the Netherlands, Maria J. Smith,
began painting in oils at age fourteen. Completely self-taught, she learned to paint by studying the Dutch Masters. The primary
influences on her work are Rembrandt and Vermeer. She is still studying the work of these Masters. Maria's art is characterized
by serenity, exquisite use of color, and a special quality of light.
Although her subject matter includes landscapes,
flowers, wildlife, animals and figurative work, she specializes in still lifes and portraits. She sold her first commissioned
portrait at age seventeen, and continues to accept portrait commissions to the present. Although it takes time, knowledge
and skill, her preferred method of painting (especially for portraits) is the indirect painting method, involving a completely
modeled monochrome underpainting, followed by carefully crafted layers of transparent paint, resulting in an optical mixture
of colors and great luminosity. This is a special quality of luminosity that can be achieved with oil paints. She uses Old
Master techniques and Maroger medium for this process.
She has painted in oils for more than 50 years, and is not
only an artist, but an author and teacher as well. She has taught off and on for more than 30 years in various states of
the U.S. Her paintings have been shown in the Netherlands, and in museums and galleries in the United States, California,
Alaska, and Idaho. Her work can be found in private collections in Europe, Australia, Mexico, England, Canada, and throughout
the United States.
She is a member of Oil Painters of America, American Society of Classical Realism, and the Portrait
Society of America.
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Bad Apple and Ladybug
12x16" Oil on Canvas
Copyright Maria J. Smith
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MARIA
SAYS: "In the course of my life I have become increasingly aware of the workings of my mind. Eventually, by exploring
and observing this mysterious inner place, I came to understand its profound nature, leading to a gradual, but fundamental
transformation in my life because of a revolutionary way of thinking and a new awareness in the creation of my art. I call
it Intuitive Thinking.
In brief, the Right Brain is designed by nature for conceiving ideas and creating art in
intangible form, whereas the Left Brain is designed by nature for producing a work of art in tangible form. Intuitive Thinking
is revolutionary in the sense that the power of the Right Brain (Intuition) and the power of the Left Brain (Intellect) are,
through awareness, consciously directed to interact harmoniously instead of adversarially (and unconsciously), as is the norm.
it has taken me 50 years to understand this phenomenon, and it is, without doubt, the most important thing I have
learned in my life. As an artist, author and teacher, I enjoy communicating this to others through my art, art instruction,
my book 'Think Better-Paint Better Using Both Sides of the Brain' as well as other writings.
Intuitive Thinking
allows me to become deeply acquainted with my subject, no matter who or what the subject may be, and express that insight.
This intangible quality is, I believe, what makes my art different and meaningful to others who perceive it."
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Here is a link that will take you to my life's story. If you really
want to get to know me, I suggest you read it - it reads like a novel!
I promise you'll not find it boring! In
fact, I promise you'll find it quite exciting because I have had a very unusual life, to say the least (especially for a woman!).
If you have entertained even the slightest doubt that I might not "stay the course" as an artist and stop
short of reaching the very top of my discipline, let me assure you right now that after reading my story you will be convinced
that falling short of meeting that challenge is simply not in my character.
Some day, when I "retire"
I plan to write a book about my wild adventures. Actually I think it might make a great television series .......... is it
possible? Well, "one never knows how a cow can catch a rabbit", as they say in Holland.
Click here and be entertained:
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Here are couple more interesting links for you:
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