Anne SMITH : June 15 - 20, 2008

Acrylics : painting landscapes in an innovative way

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Anne Smith never fails to astonish us by the quality of her work and the diversity of her techniques. She elevated acrylics to an impressive level by finding new paths and developing innovative techniques. She is in love with Brittany and, for our greatest satisfaction, merges together her two passions : the ocean and painting.
You will be attracted by the versatility of acrylic paint, it’s marvellous adaptability, a multitude of painting possibilities and its rapid drying time which means that you will carry only one set of tubes and use the paint either diluted in washes on paper or thickly built up on canvas. The modern image of acrylic paint is appealing. The possibility of innovation exists. Feel freer rather than being tied down to a set of academic rules. Many of the techniques that I teach are personal discoveries learnt the hard way through trial and error. Working outdoors with acrylics is simplified because the paintings dry quickly, are resistant and easily transportable. Most painters want to express their personality but can get bogged down by technical problems that make them lose their way. It’s difficult to listen to your “inner voice” if you can’t mix the colour that you want! Once one has learnt sufficient technical capacity it’s the way that each uses it which makes the difference between artists. The quest then becomes individuality and personnel style. Learning in a group gives support and encouragement. Learning from another painter's experience cuts corners and inspires.
Anne Smith trained at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design (London) before moving to France in the 1980’s. She became one of the few women to have ever been given the prestigious title ‘Peintre Officiel de la Marine” in 2005. She is the president of the Brest painters association in Brittany and exhibits her paintings all over that part of the country. Famous organizations are collecting her work as well as the city of Brest and the SACEM Contemporary Art Foundation. Galleries : Domaine de Rochevilaine at Billiers, les Artistes et la Mer at Saint Malo. Bibliography : "Cargo, Travaux et Reveries Portuaires" (Seuil) 2002; "de l’Abeille à l’Abeille" 2005 (Seuil); "La Presqu’ile de Crozon vue par les Peintres de la Marine" 2006 (Equator); "Ile de Sein apres l’Ete" Geo n°282; "Le Zoo sur la Mer" Geo n°303; "Forcer la Porte du Port" Geo n°317; Pratique des Arts special edition n°11 "The great painters of the sea" 2007 p.50-59.