Kevin J. Smith
Images in hyper-realism
Kjoel_arts@yahoo.com
(407)
221-5502
In my artwork I seek to combine organic and synthetic shapes, created with a diverse range of colors,
values, and textures I feel is only possible through the use of combining Wet on wet technique of watercolors and a variety
of techniques with oil paints. This is done on archival watercolor canvas, and as far as I am aware is a technique that I
am the inventor of. In combining synthetic and organic elements I attempt to create images representative of an impressionist
painting gone awry. Something that looks like it could have started with a reference photo, but somehow evolved beyond it.
My artwork is inspired by the writing of Umberto Ecco “travels in hyper-reality” which is
about the concept in American culture of creating places that are not based in history, with their own sense of history (such
as Disney World) to give the illusion of history, to a (historically speaking) young country.
I grew up in the Midwest (North Dakota/MN) have since lived for a time in Venice Italy, San Diego CA,
New Orleans LA, and now Orlando FL on the path of creative inspiration and seeking the right place to balance out my creative
energies.
I have no formal art training, but have grown up in a very creative/artistic environment from birth.
My dad is an amateur artist/photographer and my mom is an author. I credit this
lack of formal training not as a detriment as most would but a source of inspiration. Because I have not been formally trained
by others in conventional art I have never been told what is/is not possible, so I do not limit my artwork by the limits of
conventional boundaries.
ˇ Solo show The Other Side Café, San Diego, CA
ˇ Group exhibit Independence Gallery, La Jolla CA
ˇ Group Show Cafe Calabria, San Diego CA
ˇ Group show Little Italy Studios, San Diego CA
ˇ Cover illustration, Janet Elaine Hallette.
ˇ Several paintings in private collections nationally.
 12x16)
 9x12)