David E. Smith Artist/Illustrator
| Contact: David Smith |
| P.O. Box 582 |
| North Plains, Oregon 97133 |
| Website: home.comcast.net/~pixelmaven/portfolio.html |
| Contact David E. Smith Artist/Illustrator via e-mail |
I have always believed that the best of American art came to the world as “commercial” art in the early and mid twentieth century. So I am challenged by great American artists like Maxfield Parrish, Haydon Sundblom, Norman Rockwell, and a few equally important names such as Antonio Vargas and Gil Elvgren. The influence of these five people can be seen in everything I do. They brought subtle humor and a unique texture to American art.
The work I do involves many different mediums; Paints, Inks, Photography, Computers and more. All these might play a part in what I produce, but the process is not as important as the work itself. One might say that an internet search engine is equal to any brush in my results. Art is a window which looks into a world I did not create alone.
Art for me is a layering of audience derived meanings which begins as a four year old seeing “pretty” and “shiny” and ends as the scholarly viewer seeing deeper than I ever intended. In truth, while most of my works are figure studies, all of my work is illustration. There is no joy for me in producing “shiny” and “pretty” pieces which are purely decorative. I endeavor to introduce a storyline with my work, complete with words and the likelihood of a sequel. If I can get my audience to join the conversation, sit in the audience which I did not put on the page, or want to know what happened next, then the work of my vocation is done.
I do mostly figure studies in poses and situations which tell a story to a particular audience.
Almost everything is done on Canvas Board or 140 pound watercolor paper in acrylics, pastels, inks, penicls, and crayon.
Inspiration comes from everywhere.
Work which is not specific oftens starts as a point of light, which becomes and object which is surrounded by places and people which tells a story I had no intention of telling when I started.
Other work might begin with a desire to see my limits.
Life is good
