Brendan Smith
Biography
Brendan Smith has been painting in watercolour and other water-based media for many years. Largely self-taught, he made the decision to become a full-time artist in 2014. His exhibitions include seven Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours Open Exhibitions between 2019 and 2023, as well as exhibitions with the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 2021 and 2022. He won the Escoda Barcelona Prize for an outstanding landscape at the 208th RI Open Exhibition in 2020 and the Schmincke Prize for an outstanding work at the 209th RI Open Exhibition in 2021.
Artist Statement
I like to cover as broad a range of subject matter as possible, from the built environment to the natural landscape, always based on my own perception of the place or subject. I aim to create a sense of light and atmosphere, together with a feeling of human involvement with the scene. Increasingly, I am less interested in the detail of a subject and more in its overall impression.
I am fascinated by the ability of pigment, water and paper to produce everything from subtle atmospheric effects in a sunrise to strong tonal contrasts in a dark urban setting. I am a firm believer in working from life and plein air, although I am equally happy to work in the studio as circumstances dictate. Watercolour has always been my favourite medium, but I also enjoy exploring the potential of other water-based media, including acrylics and gouache, both alone and in combination.