 |
"Paint as you like
and die
happy."Henry Miller |
About Diane Smith
A graduate of the University of California at Santa
Barbara, Diane Smith has been painting watercolors for the past sixteen years.
She emphasizes the use of vivid color, strong value
contrasts and composition to create striking images of subjects that are near to her
heart.
Her love of painting people can be seen in her series of
family images from the 50’s and 60’s, and in her portrait work. She also paints still
life and flowers.
Diane has received several awards and commissions in juried
shows.
Artist Statement
I love the sheer joy of using the medium of watercolor. I
become totally absorbed in painting and enjoy creating images that are inspirational to
other people.
My current series is of images from the 50’s and 60’s. The moments of peoples’ lives transcend time. We all share
emotions--love, joy, anger, etc., and painting a moment can bring the viewer back to the
experience of the people in the picture.
My images symbolize the emotions and feelings we all have
in common. People seem to relate to my paintings as if they were from their very own life
experiences.
Painting Technique
My paintings are vivid with strong color and images that
are well defined yet oozing with paint--intertwining to make connections and pull you into
every corner.
Making sure the composition contains varying shapes and
sizes, I make a pencil drawing and begin painting as the feeling moves me. I am careful to
create images that have interesting value and composition and I paint around the page
watching for balance.
I have incorporated into my paintings a looseness that
allows the media of watercolor to do what it does best--flow and mingle. I feel as if the
creative process almost flows through me and some of my best paintings come when I allow
the page to speak to me!
Since reading these words from author and painter Henry
Miller, my motto has been-- "Paint as you like and die happy." Painting will
always be a part of my life and a source of satisfaction and enjoyment. |
