Jo Smith

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I have been working as a professional artist since 2006, and my painting practice focuses on an exploration of my connection to and reverence for nature. Growing up on the Wirral, I have a particular affinity for the coast and the effects of ever-changing light. I work in acrylics and more recently in oil with cold wax medium which I love applying in rich, thick layers; it’s so deliciously tactile.

During lockdown I have found sanctuary in spending more time outdoors, in particular, enjoying late night walks which have inspired a series of night paintings. I have also discovered a passion for twilight plein air pastel sketching which has opened up a whole new, magical, colour filled world. Itâ€™s a very mindful, spontaneous process, reacting to fast and dramatic changes in light and it fills me with such joy.

I have exhibited and sold widely across Merseyside, Cheshire and Wales and have many private collectors across the globe. My work also hangs in public collections including Arrow Park Hospital, Heswall golf club, Williamson Art Gallery and Liverpool Aintree hospital who have commissioned a number of pieces over the years. My artistic practice is ever-evolving as my relationship with my chosen materials and subject matter change, like the seasons and landscape itself. Ultimately it is my emotional response that I wish to express and hope that on some level this resonates with the viewer.