“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
Education 2024
”Expressive Figures” with Roberta Dyer, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA "Advanced Abstract Art" with Kate Ashton, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
Studio Artist Studio 12c - Ashton Gallery at Art on 30th
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, San Diego, CA
2008
University of Missouri St Louis
Art History 1 – Prehistoric – Gothic
Affiliations OMA Member - Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance 2023, 2024 https://oma-online.org/aa-registry/
The San Diego Watercolor Society Member 2023, 2024 https://www.sdws.org/members-websites.php
Carlsbad - Oceanside Art League Member 2024 Foothills Art Association Member 2024 https://foothillsartassociation.com/lucas-smith/ Sergeant Art Group 2024 https://www.sargentartgroup.org/lucas-smith.html Ashton Gallery at Art on 30th Studio Artist https://www.arton30th.com/studio-artists.html Art on 30th Instructor https://www.arton30th.com/art-instructors.html
Awards 2024 “Distant Shore” Ashton Art Gallery, Golden Autumn, Regional Exhibition. - Awarded Best of Show by Mike Tauber, juror “Exhilaration” Ashton Art Gallery, Splendid Summer, Regional Exhibition. - Awarded Juror’s Choice by Sandi Cottrell, juror “Aerial " North Coastal Art Gallery, 2024 Member Exhibition. - Awarded 2nd place by Denise Cerro, juror “Born to be Wild” Ashton Art Gallery, Fresh, Regional Exhibition. - Awarded 1st Place by Thai Huynh French, juror “On the Horizon” North Coastal Art Gallery, May Member Show. - Awarded 1st place by Jayne Spencer, juror “Heart Shaped Palm” North Coastal Art Gallery, April Member Exhibition. - Honorable Mention by Katie Joiner, juror “Broken Hill” North Coastal Art Gallery, August Member Show. - Awarded 2nd Place
2023
”Nature’s Spotlight” SDWS Gallery, Luminous Spaces. - Awarded Best of Minis by Chuck McPherson, juror “Vibrant Cups” SDWS Gallery, Where the Fun is Exhibition. - Awarded Honorable Mention by Roberta Dyer, juror
Solo Exhibitions
2024
“Solo Exhibition”, Gallery 21, Spanish Village Arts Center, San Diego, CA
Selected Group Exhibitions 2024 “Golden Autumn”, Regional Exhibition, Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA - Awarded Best of Show by Mike Tauber, juror “Splendid Summer”, Regional Exhibition, Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA - Awarded Juror’s Choice by Sandi Cottrell, juror “Reverberating Notes”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
“Finest Art Showcase San Diego”, International Exhibition, Artscenewest, San Diego, CA “Member Show”, North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA - Awarded 1st place by Jayne Spencer, juror
“Mixin’ It Up” Regional Exhibition, Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA “Abstract Exhibition”, Covet Art Gallery, Oceanside, CA
“Fresh”, Regional Exhibition, Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA - Awarded 1st Place by Thai Huynh French, juror
“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" North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA - Awarded 2nd place by 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”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA - Awarded Best of Minis by 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”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA, - Awarded Honorable Mention by Roberta Dyer, juror
“Color Scheming”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
“Beach Party”, Ashton Art Gallery, San Diego, CA
“Climate in Change”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
“Blooming Thoughts”, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
Press
2023, Fall, SDWS Press Release, Luminous Spaces Exhibition, The San Diego Watercolor Society, “Mission Valley Artist Wins Best of Miniatures Award” (Nature’s Spotlight by Lucas Smith) https://www.sdws.org/sdwsblog/2023/12/01/juror-comments-december-2023-members-show-luminous-spaces/
2024, Spring, San Diego Union Tribune, “Minimal Design & Organic Shapes” Solo Exhibition by Lucas Smith https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com
2024, Spring, KPBS, “Minimal Designs & Organic Shapes An Art Exhibition” https://www.kpbs.org/events/ongoing/minimal-designs-organic-shapes-an-art-exhibition
2024, Spring, Uptown News Article, Spring Artist Spotlight “Artist Lucas Smith Solo Exhibit Gallery 21”
2024, April, MYFOX8 EIN Presswire | Newsmatics, Mission Valley Artist Making His Mark on San Diego with "Minimal Designs & Organic Shapes" at Gallery 21 https://myfox8.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/698678808/mission-valley-artist-making-his-mark-on-san-diego-with-minimal-designs-organic-shapes-at-gallery-21-in-april/
2024, August, Canvas Rebel Magazine, article by Mike Alvarez “Meet Lucas Smith”
2024, October, SDVoyager Magazine, Interview “Rising Stars of San Diego”
2024, November, BOLD Journey Magazine, Fall Interview “BOLDJourney: Meet Lucas Smith, San Diego”