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| MARIA SMITH |
About
Maria Smith And Her Work
Born
in the Netherlands, Maria J. Smith began painting in oils at age fourteen. Completely self-taught, she learned about painting by reading everything
she could get her hands on and by studying the Dutch Old Masters. The
primary influences on her work were Rembrandt and Vermeer but she continues to study the works of these Masters.
However, Maria's art leans more toward the style of Vermeer and tends to be characterized by quietness, sensitive use of color
and special qualities of light. Although her subject
matter includes landscapes, flowers, wildlife, animals and figurative work, she specializes in still lifes and portraits.
She loves portrait work and sold her first commissioned oil portrait in 1958, continuing to accept portrait commissions to
the present. She tends to paint most subjects using the alla prima, or direct, painting method, working wet into wet.
However, she enjoys using the Flemish method of painting, especially for portraits, that is the indirect method of the Masters,
involving a completely modeled monochrome underpainting, followed by carefully crafted multiple layers of transparent oil
paint. Each layer of paint must be thoroughly dry before applying the next layer. This process must be done in
the correct sequence with no mistakes, otherwise the luminosity for which this method is known will be lost. However,
if done correctly, this time consuming, difficult method results in a beautiful optical mixture of colors and great luminosity.
No other method can achieve such an effect. She uses Old Master techniques and Maroger medium for this process.
Maria Smith's entire life has revolved around art. In
fact, she has painted in oils for more than 50 years and has painted portrait commissions since 1958. She is not only
an artist, but also an author and teacher. Her book "Think Better - Paint Better, Using Both Sides of the Brain"
was placed in the collection of the Public Library in Soldotna, Alaska. Beginning in the late 1960's she taught
in various states of the U.S. She is the founder and director of The Artist's Atelier in Twin Falls, Idaho. Her
work has been shown in the Netherlands and in galleries in California, Alaska and Idaho. Her work can be found in private
collections in Europe, Australia, Mexico, England, Canada and through the United States. She is an associate member of Oil Painters of America and the Portrait Society
of America.
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TERRI IN THE ROSE GARDEN
28x22 Oil on Canvas Collection Terri Brutke |
MARIA SAYS: "In the course of my life
- in fact, since was about 10 years old - I have become increasingly aware of the workings of my mind. Eventually, by exploring
and observing this mysterious inner world, 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. I call it Intuitive Thinking.
In brief, as it relates to art, I learned that the Right Brain is designed by nature for conceiving ideas and creating
art in intangible form and that it is truly objective, whereas the Left Brain is designed by nature for producing an idea
or a work of art in tangible form and that it tends to be subjective because of the involvement of self-image. Intuitive
Thinking is revolutionary in that the power of the Right Brain (Intuition) and the power of the Left Brain (Intellect) can
and should, through awareness, be consciously directed to interact harmoniously instead of adversarially (and unconsciously),
as is the norm. This harmonious interaction can be observed and allows both sides of the brain to function at their
highest level.
It has taken me 50 years to understand this phenomenon
and the value of it 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, and my book 'Think Better-Paint Better Using
Both Sides of the Brain' as well as through 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 meaningful to others who perceive that "certain something" when they are attracted to my paintings.
Thus, it becomes a special experience to view or live with my art. |
If you really want to get to know me, I suggest
you read a condensed version of my life's story. I promise you'll not find it boring! In fact, you'll find it
quite engaging because - well - it reads like a novel! Beginning with World War II, through a time of adventures
involving gold and guns and the East European Mafia to life in the Last Frontier and survival in the wilds of Alaska, culminating
with a new life in Idaho.
From reading this you'll get a good idea
of the kind of person I am and you can form your own opinion of me and how I got where I am today - and what the prospects
may be for my future as an artist! .
P.S. 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 know how a cow can catch a rabbit", as they say in Holland.
CLICK HERE - TO READ IT - ENJOY! |
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