Secret Moo'ments
Jeanette Smith, Dartmouth Artist
Jeanette Smith - Dartmouth Artist
Jeanette Smith was born in Brixham and, apart from spending two years in Australia as a ‘ten-pound-pom’ with her family aged 12, she has always lived in South Devon. Subsequently the views Jeanette paints are of the beautiful rolling countryside, the crystal waters of the surrounding coastline or one of the many charismatic creatures that inhabit it.
‘The aim of my work is to show the viewer how beautiful nature is, maybe the tiny things they didn’t notice before, the colours and the detail, like telling a story.’
After starting a career as a hairstylist and running a small flower arranging business, that seemed to satisfy her creativity, she moved on to bring up her children. “I’ve always enjoyed art from a very young age and it has always been very important to me. I achieved my highest grades through school in art, where some encouraging teachers nurtured my interest. However, I’ve found that being an artist takes a lot of emotional energy, so for some time my career has taken a back seat so I can focus on other parts of my life, such as my children.”
She took the decision to turn professional in 2008 after winning Landscape Artist of the Year in Artists & Illustrators magazine; a huge boost to both her confidence and her career. “I started with oil paints many years ago but found it difficult with young children around as they take so long to dry. Then I fell in love with watercolours a few years back after attending evening art classes. I’ve since moved on to acrylics which I am loving using as they are so versatile. I would like to do some mixed media work but there aren’t enough hours in the day for me. Being so interested in detail, I like to sketch out my work and always use a grid.”
Jeanette sees herself as an ‘analytical artist’, her attention to detail is unparalleled; when viewing her artwork, the tiniest flowers, tufts of heather and wisps of white water are apparent, drawing your eye across a spotless horizon.
“I honestly think I could get excited about painting any living thing. This could be anything from a leaf to sea, trees and animals. I am constantly thinking of painting everything I see. When out for walks I find myself zooming in on all the detail. I spend a lot of time assessing the detail of everything. Colour plays a huge part in my work too and I am always amazed at how many shades it takes to bring things alive.”
After her initial success, Jeanette is grateful for the support from her family and friends. “They have some of my work on their walls, but I like the honest criticism, and I can rely on that from my youngest daughter who can be quite helpful, and also my sister is always happy to give an opinion. I trust her as she has a wonderful eye for colour and also paints. I have never lost a painting yet and am happy to change things and work on it until it is right.”
Her typical day starts with a cup of tea in bed. Then, as much as she hates it, a 25-minute run on a treadmill has to be done to counteract standing painting all day. She always aims to start work by 10am, usually finishing by 5pm to cook dinner. Jeanette confesses “I don’t put any limit on my work, it has to be right and it will take as long as it takes. Artists that have obviously spent time on their work always inspire me.” When she isn’t working she enjoys walking in the countryside and by the sea taking photos for her reference library. “I have to make time for family and friends and get out and about as painting is quite solitary, although I love what I do and am never lonely.”
Jeanette is currently exhibiting at the Mayne Gallery, Kingsbridge. When asked why, Jeanette explains, “I chose Mayne Gallery as most of my landscape paintings are of the South Hams. It is my favourite area and I find it immensely inspirational. Being a relatively new artist, I trust their professional experience and expertise. The gallery has a great atmosphere and variety of work without being overcrowded.” To view more of Jeanette’s stunning new work please visit our website at www.maynegallery.co.uk or why not pop into the Gallery on Fore Street in Kingsbridge.
First Published April 2011 By The Dart
