News - Blog
Join us and experience this dynamic exhibition filled with inspiring works from talented artists from all around the globe.
Public Reception: Friday October 3rd from 5-8PM.
Exhibiton On Display:
SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 31
4th PLACE - Golden Hour | 36x48 | Acrylic on Wood Panel
I am honored that Golden Hour received the 4th Place Innovative Use of Technique Award in the 45th International Exhibition at the San Diego Watercolor Society.
Thank you to juror Kathleen Conover for this recognition. I’m humbled to be amongst world-renowned and master artists in this international showcase.
On view: Sept 28 – Oct 31, 2025
Public Opening: Fri, Oct 3 | 5–8 PM
SDWS Gallery, Liberty Station 2825 Dewey Rd, Suite 105
Building 202
San Diego, CA 92106
Juror Comments: Greg Grosh Innovative Use of Technique Award ($3,000 cash): Lucas Smith for “Golden Hour”
This is not only a stunning painting, and certainly illustrates the golden hour of our days, but it is unusual in that it is a color and texture piece primarily, and less about the design. There’s something in the artist's pigments that makes the painting so textural when you get up close, and that texture becomes part of the center of interest. This artwork will grab your attention from across the room because of its glowing color and soft-edged shapes and transitions. And, it will also hold your attention because of all the textural nuances and subtle line work that is so very important when you get close.
Artist & Juror, Kathleen Conover
ACCEPTED
Excited to share On the Horizon (24x18) has been accepted into Covet Art Gallery’s group exhibition Cloud 9.0.
Exhibition Dates - October 11 – November 1
Closing: Saturday, Nov 1 at 5 PM
Opening Reception - Saturday, October 18 | 5–9 PM
Covet Art Gallery, 1922 South Coast Hwy, Unit A, Oceanside, CA
Join us and experience this dynamic exhibition filled with inspiring works from talented artists.
North Coastal Art Gallery
I am truly honored to be serving as a judge for ABSTRACT: Abstraction of Reality, running October 5 – November 1 at North Coastal Art Gallery.
This exhibition is held in memory of artist David Schlegel, whose dream was to bring together abstract artists and fill the gallery with conversation, inspiration, and a shared love of the arts. Join us for the Opening Reception. More information can be found here:
Current & Upcoming Events
September 23rd, 2025 - DEADLINE: Abstract Juried/Cash Awards Show - North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA
September 27th, 2025 - SDWS International Exhibition FIRST LOOK/ARTIST GALA & AWARDS CEREMONY (INVITE ONLY)
September 28, 2025 - SDWS International Exhibit ARTIST BREAKFAST (INVITE ONLY): https://www.sdws.org/shows.php?ID=39
September 28, 2025 - October 31, 2025 - 2025 International Exhibition OPEN, The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Open 11 am - 3 pm Daily!
October 3rd, 2025 - SDWS First Friday, International Exhibition - The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station. Reception 5 pm - 8 pm (Free & Open to the Public)
October 4th, 2025 - Ashton Art Gallery Juried Regional Exhibition / Opening reception + Artists Open Studios - Reception 4 - 7pm
October 18th, 2025 Covet Art Gallery Group Exhibition / Opening Reception, Saturday 5 - 9pm.
November 7th, 2025 - SDWS First Friday, Nov Exhibition - The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station - Reception 5 - 8 pm.
November 8th, 2025 - Holiday Art Market - The Studio Door, HIllcrest, Artist Meet & Greet 6 - 8 pm.
November 8th, 2025 - Ashton Art Gallery Juried Regional Exhibition / Opening reception + Artists Open Studios - Reception 4 - 7 pm. Visit Studio 2!
December 5th, 2025 - SDWS First Friday, Dec Exhibition - The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station - Reception 5 - 8 pm.
December 5th, 2025 - Foothills Art Gallery, Featured Artist: Lucas Smith - Reception 4 -6 pm.
December 13th, 2025 - Ashton Art Gallery Juried Regional Exhibition / Opening reception + Artists Open Studios. Reception 4 pm - 7pm. Visit Studio 2!
December 13th, 2025 - Last Minute Shoppers & Santa’s Workshop - The Studio Door, HIllcrest - Meet & Greet 1 - 4 pm.
Beyond the Boundaries: An Exploration in Abstract Art
I'm thrilled to unveil a brand-new series now available on my website. ️
Featuring rich textures, earthy tones, and strong, expressive designs—each piece invites you into a layered visual story. And yes—free shipping within the continental U.S.!
Browse the full collection and let me know which one resonates with you.
Art Is Not a Hobby — It’s a Calling
In case you missed the interview, explore the latest feature by AINAH, highlighting why art is built on dedication, discipline, and passion.
Read the full article and join the conversation.
SD Coastal Art Tour 2025
September 13th, 2025 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 5th Annual Art Tour presented by SD Coastal Art Studios.
It’s always a gift to connect, share my work, and talk about my inspiration with you all.
I’m grateful that three original works found their forever homes this weekend — two Totems from the Baja series and A Field Once Dreamed, inspired by my recent hike to Julian. Each piece carries its own unique story, and I’m thankful they’ll continue to inspire in their new collections.
Thanks for coming!
️Homegrown ArtBeat HART 2025 - Presented by the San Diego Art Directory
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Union Hall Gallery
2323 Broadway # 201, San Diego, CA 92102
Golden Art Night
Thank You for an Incredible Evening!
What a night! Golden Art Night brought together collectors, enthusiasts, aficionados, and art lovers for an unforgettable experience. The gallery was alive with energy, creativity, and conversation.
Thank you, LMNL Contemporary for creating this amazing opportunity and to Union Gallery for being such great hosts.
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Union Hall Gallery 2323 Broadway, San Diego
2ND PLACE - ACRYLICS
Transdimensional - 24 x 24, Acrylic on Canvas
73rd Fine Art Open Annual Abstract Art Exhibition - Juror Daniel Foster, North Coastal Art Gallery - August, 2025
ART IS NOT A HOBBY Summer June, 2025 Sit Down Interview with Phurlamu. Watch the Full Video Here on Youtube:
THIRD PLACE Dreamscape 36x48, Acrylic on Canvas
San Diego County Fair Exhibition of Fine Art
June 11 - July 6, 2025 Mission Tower / San Diego 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA
People’s Choice
Echoe’s From the Deep (SOLD) 60 x 48 Acrylic on Canvas
Exhibition Dates: April 8th - 21st, 2025
Village Arts Outreach Studio 21, Spanish Village, Balboa Park
OPEN STUDIOS
Visit Studio 2 (second floor)
OPEN Mon-Sat 10:30AM-4PM
Ashton Gallery @ Art on 30th 4434 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92116 619-894-9009 (Call for Private Appt.)
“Beyond the Boundaries”
April 8th - 21st, 2025 Just wanted to say..
Thank you to everyone who attended my solo exhibition. Seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones, hearing your thoughts about the work made it a special experience. ️
I’m incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement, and love from my art community, collectors, and friends. I had so much fun and took attendance everyday! A bit of Show info, we sold 13 paintings and I acquired 2 new commissions!
Over 1,500 people came through during the 2-week show — from international visitors to my incredible San Diego art community. You all showed up and I’m beyond grateful.
San Diego, you ROCK!
Huge thanks to everyone who voted in the People’s Choice box!
Village Arts Outreach Studio 21, Spanish Village, Balboa Park 1770 Village Place, San Diego, CA 92101
Stories & Insights
Interview with Canvas Rebel Magazine
Had such a great time with Mike Alvarez with Canvas Rebel Magazine for an online interview. We chatted about my journey, recent projects, and what’s next on the horizon. Grateful for the opportunity to share my story, check out the article here.
Empower Your Journey
Excited to share my interview with BOLD Journey Magazine! I had the pleasure of speaking with writer Natalie Diaz. We talked about essential tips for building self confidence as an artist. I also shared ways you can view my work, and be the first to know what’s upcoming. With so much advice on what it takes to succeed, it can feel overwhelming-but sometimes, focusing on just a few core qualities can make all the difference.
Read the full article here:
Check this out
Interview with SDVoyager Magazine
Excited to share my Feature in SD Voyager Magazine! I had the pleasure of speaking with writer Mary Young. We talked about my work, and what inspires me. As well as challenges and lessons that I have learned as an artist and how they have helped shape my journey.
Read the full article here:
SDVoyager Magazine - Rising Stars: Meet Lucas Smith of San Diego, October, 2024
BEST OF SHOW
“Golden Autumn” Regional Exhibition
Distant Shore (SOLD) -Awarded BEST OF SHOW 48x60, Acrylic on Canvas Juried by Mike Tauber Marketing Manager for LOCA Arts Education Laguna Beach.
Ashton Art Gallery
4434 30th St
San Diego, CA 92116
SOLO EXHIBITION
Minimal Designs & Organic Shapes
THANK YOU to all who attended my solo exhibition! I am so grateful for the amazing turnout and warm reception of my work.
Gallery 21 in Spanish Village Arts Center, Balboa Park - April, 2024
Exhibition featuring art by local San Diego artist, Lucas Smith. Powerful pieces of original artwork that indulge edge & emotion. Working with raw & often organic materials that are combined with professional tools & skilled techniques. I invite my viewers in, not holding back, taking them on a journey through my artwork. Each piece tells a story & seeks to engage with the viewer. Through brushstrokes, my work is meant to not only inspire but to soothe the mind.
Juror Comments
Honorable Mention "Vibrant Cups" 20x16, Acrylic on Canvas
The San Diego Watercolor Society. Liberty Station, San Diego, CA.
I love the playfulness in this. The way the cups are stacked is impossible, and that makes the design engaging. The colors are bold. It is held together by the blues and the cuneiform pattern and by surrounding it with brightness and happiness. I could look at it for a good long time and not get tired of it. The background jumps right out at you, but it works. The composition is good. The shapes are flattened, yet the texture in it admits to a lot of give and take. It is a great piece!
-Juror Comments Artist & juror Roberta Dyer
BEST of Miniatures Award "Nature's Spotlight" 10x10, Mixed Media on Canvas
The San Diego Watercolor Society. Liberty Station, San Diego, CA.
The format is unusual, the textural surface is evocative. The value range is very strong. It has the best qualities of abstract painting.
-Juror Comments Artist & juror Chuck McPherson
Greg Grosh Innovative Use of Technique Award ($3,000 cash): Lucas Smith for “Golden Hour”
This is not only a stunning painting, and certainly illustrates the golden hour of our days, but it is unusual in that it is a color and texture piece primarily, and less about the design. There’s something in the artist's pigments that makes the painting so textural when you get up close, and that texture becomes part of the center of interest. This artwork will grab your attention from across the room because of its glowing color and soft-edged shapes and transitions. And, it will also hold your attention because of all the textural nuances and subtle line work that is so very important when you get close.
-Juror Comments Artist & juror Kathleen Conover
