Gary Smith

My prime interest is people. It is no surprise that my art life is mostly portraits, figure drawings and teaching art.

 I think my art is different because of:

1. My mother, Babe

My mother’s extraordinary life and wisdom have profoundly influenced my art by instilling in me a deep empathy and an ability to perceive the essence of individuals. From an early age, she encouraged me to value people and to observe them closely—their movements, interactions, and emotions. These lessons became the foundation of my portraiture and my teaching. Drawing or painting a live subject is an intimate, collaborative act, and I have completed over 3,000 portraits to date.

2. Expo’67& 68

My experience at Expo was transformative. Drawing portraits for 10 hours a day, seven days a week, I honed my ability to capture one likeness in five  to 15 minutes.  This rigorous practice taught me to quickly identify what makes each face.

3. Visits to China

As a guest of China, arranged by my international agent, 'Global Fine Art!',  I frequently traveled with Asian artists to a variety of areas. We painted and exhibited together in major galleries. This deeply enriched my practice. For example Chinese painters master up to 95 distinct brushstrokes.  To them a painting must have meaning and visual poetry.  I value the friendships I made there.

Recent Work and Legacy

During Covid, I relocated to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where I am exploring St. John's Harbour themes. Here I am able to slow down and create fewer but more impactful works in oils or pastels. I am also digitizing my art lessons through using Zoom and Vimeo, ensuring that my knowledge and techniques are accessible to future generations.

My work has been exhibited from Canada and New York City to Paris and China. I have sold paintings ranging from $1.75 to $34,000 and am proud to have taught, coached, and mentored many visual artists.

Murals have also been a significant part of my journey, including a notable 2007 project at #2 Outer Battery ('The Admiral's Adventure B&B') in St. John’s, which depicts historical scenes such as  the Fire of 1892, the Outer Battery fish flakes and the famous Sealing ship, the S.S. Neptune in the ice. The mural was unveiled by former Mayor John Murphy and was covered on the CBC National News that evening.

For me, the life of an artist is a lifelong journey of discovery, connection, growth and beauty.

Education:

         University of London: BA with Major in Business Admin)

         Teachers' College: Teaching and Art Supervisor Certificates),   

         University of Guelph: BFA

         Academy of Art Canada, Toronto: Academy Training