Well known Valley artist Joe Smith will be holding his annual summer art show this coming weekend, July 12 & 13 at Filberg Lodge in Comox.
Smith who paints in a realistic style using acrylics or watercolors is recognized for his unique style and approach to capturing West Coast landscapes and seascapes.
“Most of my paintings capture scenes that are recognizable,” says Smith. “In fact a lot of them are painted from vantage points that are easily accessible and quite often familiar to residents and visitors alike.”
According to Smith’s artist’s statement he says that art is a reflection of a moment in time. A moment that can have an emotional impact on people in many different ways. The color in a sky, light reflecting on water, memories conjured up by a familiar scene … these and more join to become a part of our persona.
The paintings in his show at the Lodge are an eclectic mix of not only the various styles and mediums he works in but also of his travels on the island and trips to the mainland.
His vibrant use of color and ability to create great depth in his acrylic paintings brings the viewer right onto the beach or into the rainforest. At the other end of the spectrum, some of his watercolors capture the misty and tranquil beauty of living on the Pacific Rim.
Smith is a very versatile artist who is also recognized for his ability to capture the essence of a family home in one of his commissioned home portraits or the fond memories that are brought back to life in a painting of a special scene or portrayal of a private or commercial boat heading out to sea.
Many of his paintings are seen only by those who have commissioned him and now hang in private homes or offices. On the other hand some of his renderings for builders and developers are enlarged and reproduced on development signs and materials that convey the artist’s concept of what the new project may look like. Thousands of people pass by them on a daily basis and would not know that they have been created in the same studio that has also painted the spectacular colors of a mountain meadow.
All of the paintings in his show at Filberg Lodge are what he calls his gallery paintings. These represent the scenes he feels are important because they highlight the beauty that surrounds us on the West Coast and help people appreciate the need to preserve and protect what makes this part of the world so special.
From shoreline to mountaintop, familiar landmark to a single iris, visitors to Smith’s show are sure to find something that will stir their imagination, bring back a fond memory or provide inspiration. To get a real sense of Smith’s versatility visit his website at www.joesmith.ca
The show at Filberg Lodge is open from 10 am to 4 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13. Smith will be on hand both days of the show to answers questions and speak about his art. The Lodge is located at 61 Filberg Road in Comox.
