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MARIA SMITH
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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Born in the Netherlands, Maria J. Smith, began painting in oils at age fourteen. Completely self-taught, she learned to paint by studying the Dutch Masters. The primary influences on her work are Rembrandt and Vermeer. She is still studying the work of these Masters. Maria's art is characterized by serenity, exquisite use of color, and a special quality of light.
Although her subject matter includes landscapes, flowers, wildlife, animals and figurative work, she specializes in still lifes and portraits. She sold her first commissioned portrait at age seventeen, and continues to accept portrait commissions to the present. Although it takes time, knowledge and skill, her preferred method of painting (especially for portraits) is the indirect painting method, involving a completely modeled monochrome underpainting, followed by carefully crafted layers of transparent paint, resulting in an optical mixture of colors and great luminosity. This is a special quality of luminosity can be achieved with oil paints. She uses Old Master techniques and Maroger medium for this process.
She has painted in oils for more than 50 years, and is not only an artist, but an author and teacher as well. She has taught off and on for more than 30 years in various states of the U.S. Her paintings have been shown in the Netherlands, and in museums and galleries in the United States, California, Alaska, and Idaho. Her work can be found in private collections in Europe, Australia, Mexico, England, Canada, and throughout the United States.
She is a member of Oil Painters of America, American Society of Classical Realism, and the Portrait Society of America.
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Still Life with Honey Bee
12x12 Oil on Canvas
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Maria says: "In the course of my life I have become increasingly aware of the workings of my mind. Eventually, by exploring and observing this mysterious inner place, I came to understand its profound nature, leading to a gradual, but fundamental transformation in my life because of a revolutionary way of thinking and a new awareness in the creation of my art. I call it Intuitive Thinking.
In brief, the Right Brain is designed by nature for conceiving ideas and creating art in intangible form, whereas the Left Brain is designed by nature for producing a work of art in tangible form. Intuitive Thinking is revolutionary in the sense that the power of the Right Brain (Intuition) and the power of the Left Brain (Intellect) are, through awareness, consciously directed to interact harmoniously instead of adversarially (and unconsciously), as is the norm.
it has taken me 50 years to understand this phenomenon, and it is, without doubt, the most important thing I have learned in my life. As an artist, author and teacher, I enjoy communicating this to others through my art, art instruction, my book 'Think Better-Paint Better Using Both Sides of the Brain' as well as other writings.
Intuitive Thinking allows me to become deeply acquainted with my subject, no matter who or what the subject may be, and express that insight. This intangible quality is, I believe, what makes my art different and meaningful to others who perceive it".
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If you wish to contact Maria J. Smith abour her art, art lessons, or the Twin Falls Plein Air Painters, please click on the link below, or call or write to THE ARTIST'S ATELIER.
maria@theartistsatelier.com.com
THE ARTIST'S ATELIER
1300 Kimberly Road, Suite 17
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Tel. (208) 734-3003
Here are links to some other websites. Please check them out.
THANKS for visiting our site! Come back soon!
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