“My artwork is inspired by the beauty I explore in nature every day.”
artist statement
Art is healing... art stimulates receptors in the brain, creating new neurons while expanding the mind. The process for me is transformative; it is deeply restorative.
My paintings reflect my view. They're an interpretation of a moment or memory- powerful pieces that indulge edginess and emotion.
Through brushstrokes and use of texture my work is meant not only to inspire but to soothe the mind and tell a story.
What inspires you? What ties your work together?
“These are questions people ask me often. I tell them that my artwork is inspired by the beauty I explore in nature every day. It is the energy I feel, translated on canvas for everyone to see. My work reflects my continued discovery & growth as an artist.”
"Inspiration can manifest from a simple leaf, or a destination. My palette choices are bold & vibrant; I draw or sketch my ideas. The process must naturally flow and have movement on its own. My work is a series of layers- each with their own unique significance."
-Lucas W. Smith
biography
Lucas Smith is an emerging artist creating his vibrant and colorful paintings in San Diego. Relocating from the Midwest in 2021, he brings a fresh vision to abstractionism inspired by exploration of his new community.
This contemporary artist is not afraid to use color and showcase his personality through his imagination and creativity. Working with raw and often organic materials that are combined with professional tools and skilled techniques. Smith invites his viewers in, taking them on a journey through his artwork.
An award-winning artist, Smith displays paintings at several galleries across San Diego County. He is also a resident artist in Studio 12 at Ashton Art Gallery at Art on 30th in North Park.
CV
Solo Exhibitions
2024
“Solo Exhibition”, Gallery 21, Spanish Village Arts Center, San Diego, CA
Selected Group Exhibitions
2024
“Abstract Exhibition”, Covet Art Gallery, Oceanside, CA
“Fresh”, Regional Exhibition, Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA
“RED HOT”, Regional Exhibition, Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA
"Treasures", The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
"Mentor Exhibit -Retrospective", Studio 6 at Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
"The No Theme, Theme Show", Covet Art Gallery, Oceanside, CA
"Small Image Art Show", Gallery 21, Spanish Village Arts Center, San Diego, CA
"2024 Member Exhibition" 2nd Place, North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA Denise Cerro, juror
"Artistic Resurgence”, OMA Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance, San Diego, CA
"Emerging Free”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
2023
"3rd Annual Mentorship Exhibition", Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA
"Luminous Spaces”, Best of Minis Award, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA, Chuck McPherson, juror
"Holiday Art Show", Oceanside Artwalk at the Seabird Resort, Oceanside, CA
"What's the Story?", The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
"Holiday Art Show", North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA
"MyPoint", The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
"4th Annual Reigning Cats & Dogs Exhibition", Gallery 21, Spanish Village, San Diego, CA
"Autumn Glory", Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA
“Under the Moon”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
“71st Fine Art Open Annual”, North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA
“Where the Fun is”, Honorable Mention, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA, Roberta Dyer, juror
“Color Scheming”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego
“Beach Party”, Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA
“Climate in Change”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CZ
“Blooming Thoughts”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
Education & Associations
2024
"Advanced Abstract Art" with Kate Ashton, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
Studio Artist Studio 12c - Ashton Gallery at Art on 30th
OMA Member - Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance
The San Diego Watercolor Society Member
Carlsbad - Oceanside Art League Member
2023
“Artists Development & Mentorship Program”, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
"Finding Your Visual Voice" with Brenda York, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
"Seascapes" Workshop with Lori Hinton, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
“Abstractionism” from Germany with Barbara Inbody, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
“Textured Minimalism” with Mike Lafata, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
”Abstract "Watermedia" with Kathleen Scoggin, The San Diego Watercolor Society, San Diego, CA
"Color Mixing" with Kristen Guest, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
"Color Harmony" with Kristen Guest, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
"Intro to Abstract Art" with Kristen Guest, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
"Art 101" with Jennifer Grisard-Ludwig, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
"Intermediate Abstract Art" with Kate Ashton, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
2022
“Abstractionism” from Germany Workshops by Barbara Inbody, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
2008
University of Missouri St Louis
Art History 1 – Prehistoric – Gothic