Mary O. Smith grew up in Louisiana where she studied fine arts and design. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 1982 and worked as an interior designer. She developed a love for watercolor and painting en plein air. Now she has an art studio in Steinhatchee, Florida, and her work has been represented across the Southeast. You can see her art on display at Village Arts Framing & Gallery.
Tell us about your artwork. What inspires you?
My artwork is representational with a loose application of watercolor on paper or oil on linen. Painting en plein air has inspired me from the very beginning of my painting career.
Tell us about your journey as an artist. What first sparked your interest?
My journey started with a background in design and architectural renderings, which has developed my loose style over time and experience. I also love painting with other artists on location. The creativity events or painting on location feeds my creative core.
Tell us about your art on display in the gallery. What inspired it and what mediums did you use?
I exhibit a variety of mediums, watercolor, oil and gouache. The wall space is hung by the owners, and the featured artists rotate each month.
What is your artistic process like?
I paint in plein air events in various locations across the South. Florida and Georgia scenes are most represented. I also compete in events. 2024 was a great year as I won Best of Show in my favorite national event, Teche Plein Air in Louisiana.
What do you like best about what you do?
Meeting new people in new locations is the best way to keep a fresh outlook for my work.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day starts off with promotion and the business of art. It takes a lot of time to promote events or works newly created. I have a few galleries to keep up with and a website. I plan my painting that is next on my creative palette. I work out a small sketch of values and placements of elements in my paintings. Mostly they are inspired by my work out on location.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I also paint at weddings. A live artist at a wedding is entertaining for everyone. I sometimes create little sketches that the attendees will take home as a little memory of the day. To capture that special day for the bride and groom is a goal. Photos are great but a painting can sometimes capture a special moment between the couple. Quick sketching skill on location is a must for this genre.
What’s next for you and your art?
I just keep thinking of the next painting. I love to paint portraits as well so maybe I will do some more studio painting. I also love painting commissions. I get to create an image in their memories or special places. Next is the spring event, Teche Plein Air Paint out in Louisiana, is first. I am from Louisiana, so I love painting that landscape. Great oaks and moss there as well.
