Jennifer Smithwell

By Painting Directly from nature I can soak in the feelings of the place-the warm glow, the rich colors and feelings.

Using oil or acrylic paint outside means you have to paint quickly and this encourages a spontaneity that is more successfulin catching fleeting moments

than a more belaboured approach.

I love to capture the glow and intensity of light that pulls my eye. I find that richer colors give a vibrancy and raw emotional depth to a piece that feels more authentic to me

than a photo realistic piece.I enjoy when people can recognize, in my work, the magic in an every day sight.

I usually paint within the city limits, but the conservation areas, ravines and community gardens

provide lots of opportunities to explore the urban forest.

These pockets of nature vibrate with a warmth and depth that feels like a world outside and parallel to the usual urban stress.

You can also go to my facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/jsmithwell