News - Blog

Follow along as my artistic journey unfolds through exhibition announcements, current and upcoming shows, awards, publications, new collections, and studio updates. Whether you're a collector or first-time visitor, this page offers a closer look at the stories, milestones, and creative process behind the work.

OMA Artist Alliance: In Flux

I’m excited to share that my painting Coast has been selected for In Flux: OMA Artist Alliance at Covet Gallery in South Oceanside.

Juried by Covet Gallery owner Laurie King, the exhibition brings together 50 artworks exploring movement, transformation, uncertainty, and a world in constant motion. I’m honored to have Coast included alongside fellow OMA Artist Alliance artists.

Opening Reception - Saturday, October 3 | 5–9 PM
RSVP HERE: https://oma-online.org/events/exhibition-celebration-oct-3/

Exhibition on View
October 3–29, 2026

Covet Art Gallery
1922 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054 ‍

ACCEPTED

‍Both Dreamscape and Golden Hour, each 36 x 48, have been juried into the 2026 International Online Exhibition with the The San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild.

This year’s exhibition was juried by Tina Yapelli, Professor and Senior Curator at the School of Art and Design.

I’m honored to have both paintings selected and included in this year’s exhibition.

EXHIBITION DATES:
September 1 – October 31, 2026

All paintings will be available online through the Online Gallery Shows: onlinegalleryshows.com

Click Here Golden Hour

Click Here Dreamscape

Thank you, Professor Yapelli, for including my work. ‍

ACCEPTED

ACCEPTED | Urban Rhythms

I’m pleased to share that my painting Marine Layer has been juried into the San Diego Watercolor Society’s September 2026 Virtual Show, Urban Rhythms, juried by Lisa Wang.

Marine Layer 24 × 24 in | Acrylic on Canvas

I’m grateful to have my work included alongside fellow artists in this month’s exhibition.

The exhibition is on view online through the SDWS website from August 30–September 30. ‍

Where to View My Work

There are several opportunities to experience my work throughout San Diego County and online this fall. From juried exhibitions to ongoing gallery installations, I’m grateful to have work reaching audiences across the region.

San Diego Watercolor Society

2026 September Online Exhibition juried by Lisa Wang - Urban Rhythms
August 30 – September 30, 2026 | Online - SDWS.ORG

I’m pleased to share that my painting Marine Layer has been juried into the San Diego Watercolor Society’s September 2026 Virtual Show, Urban Rhythms, juried by Lisa Wang. I’m grateful to have my work included alongside fellow artists in this month’s exhibition. All paintings are available on the SDWS website.

San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild

2026 International Online Exhibition - Click Here
September 1 – October 31, 2026 | Online

Two of my paintings, Dreamscape and Golden Hour, were selected for the 2026 International Online Exhibition, juried by Tina Yapelli, Professor and Senior Curator at the School of Art and Design at San Diego State University.

North Coastal Art Gallery | Carlsbad

Abstract Art Open Annual Award Show
September 6 – October 4, 2026

Visit North Coastal Art Gallery in the heart of Carlsbad Village for its annual juried exhibition celebrating contemporary abstract art.

300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Suite 101
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Covet Art Gallery | Oceanside

In Flux: OMA Artist Alliance at Covet Gallery
October 3 – October 29, 2026

Presented by the Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance and juried by Covet Gallery owner Laurie King, In Flux brings together 50 artists exploring movement, transformation, change, and uncertainty.

1922 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054

The Studio Door | Hillcrest

Lucas Smith | Exhibiting Artist

A rotating selection of my original paintings can be viewed throughout the year at The Studio Door in Hillcrest. Stop in to experience the work in person and explore the gallery’s collection of contemporary art.

3867 Fourth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
Tuesday–Saturday | 11 AM–6 PM

Art at San Diego Oasis | La Mesa & Rancho Bernardo

Ongoing through 2026

My work is currently on view at both San Diego Oasis locations as part of Art at Oasis, bringing original artwork by local professional artists into community spaces throughout San Diego.

La Mesa
San Diego Oasis at Grossmont Center
5500 Grossmont Center Drive, Suite 269
La Mesa, CA 91942

Rancho Bernardo
San Diego Oasis
17170 Bernardo Center Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128

‍

See What’s on the Horizon‍

Sept 1st, 2026 - San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild International Online Exhibition through Oct 31st.

Sept 4th, 2026 - San Diego Watercolor Society Member Online Exhibition Reception from 5-8pm. Exhibit on view online Aug 30-Sept 30.

Sept 6th, 2026 - Annual Abstract Exhibition, North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA. Exhibition: SEPT 6 – OCT 4

Sept 13th, 2026 - Annual Abstract Exhibition, North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad, CA. - Reception SEPT 13, 3-5pm

Sept 26th, 2026 - First Look and Awards Gala (invite only) 46th International Exhibition - The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station

Sept 27th, 2026 - The SDWS 46th International Exhibition, Opens to the Public 11AM - The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station

Oct 2nd, 2026 - SDWS Opening Reception, 46th International Exhibition - The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station - Reception 5 - 8 pm

Oct 3rd, 2026 - OMA Artist Alliance at Covet Gallery Opening Reception 5-9pm. Exhibition on view Oct 3-29.

Oct 31st, 2026 - SDWS Exhibit Closes, 46th International Exhibition - The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station - Reception 5 - 8 pm

Nov 6th, 2026 - SDWS First Friday, Art Exhibition - The San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, Liberty Station - Reception 5 - 8 pm

Nov 28th 2026 - Holiday Bazaar at North Coastal Art Gallery, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr # 101, Carlsbad, CA ‍‍ ‍

NOW ON VIEW

Thrilled to share that a selection of my newest works are now on view in Hillcrest at The Studio Door.

Visit The Studio Door

3867 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Gallery Hours: Tues–Sat, 11am–6pm

Take some time to experience the work in person—plan your visit and enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the heart of Hillcrest

Man wearing a striped shirt and khaki pants, smiling, standing next to an abstract colorful painting in an art gallery.

ON EXHIBITION

Selected for In Situ: La Jolla

Honored to share that my painting Still Water Stones (36 x 36 acrylic) has been selected for In Situ: La Jolla, presented by the San Diego Art Directory and hosted at Unscripted Spaces.

Thank you to the Lead Curator Blanca lucia Bergman.

On view now through September https://unscriptedspaces.com/about/

Unscripted Spaces 7730 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. Saturday 11am-5pm. ‍ ‍

An abstract acrylic on canvas painting titled "Still Water Stones" measuring 36x36 inches. Features flowing, swirling colors of blue, green, tan, and black with textures and layered brushstrokes.
Available Online


La Mesa

San Diego Oasis
Grossmont Shopping Center
5500 Grossmont Center Drive
Suite 269
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 881-6262

Rancho Bernardo

San Diego Oasis
17170 Bernardo Center Dr
San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 240-2880

Art at San Diego Oasis

Thank you to San Diego Oasis! I am honored to have my work on view and 2 amazing locations. If you live in Rancho Bernardo or La Mesa California, stop by and explore artwork by local professional artists at San Diego Oasis. Thank you to Aurelia and Jim Temenak for making this opportunity possible and for supporting the local arts community. Click here for more information. Art at Oasis

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Poster with jazzercise logo, handwritten thank you note, artist's signature, painting titled 'Parting Sky,' 40x60 inches, acrylic on canvas, featuring an abstract sky scene in blue, yellow, and black tones.

NOW ON VIEW

Thank you Jazzercise! I’m honored to have two of my works, Parting Sky (40x60 diptych) and Heatwave (48x36), selected for installation at the corporate headquarters in Carlsbad.

Selected among 53 works, this installation represents a strong group of local artists. Congratulations to all who were included.

Programs like this, offering 6-month leasing opportunities, create meaningful visibility for artists while bringing original work into professional spaces. It’s a model that supports both artists and the community.

Thank you again for the opportunity.

Subscribe to my Newsletter!

Each month I offer a newsletter to subscribers on my email list to hear about upcoming exhibitions and my newest paintings. Unsubscribe whenever you want.

Sign up today and let’s stay in touch! ‍

Thank You to The Word SD

We're Featured!

We are excited and grateful to be featured in The WORD San Diego news and happy to share the story behind Smartworks for Artists.

We are honored to be part of San Diego's vibrant arts community and appreciate everyone who has supported us along the way. Thank you to Patric Stillman for the opportunity.

Check out the article and video here. ‍

View Full Article

Thank You Studio Door!

“Traces of a Dream” was selected for PROUD+ 2026, the 9th Annual national LGBTQ+ exhibition presented by The Studio Door in San Diego.

June 19 – July 31, 2026

The Studio Door
3867 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Gallery Hours: Tues–Sat, 11am–6pm‍ ‍

Thank You San Diego Art Directory!

Soundwave (36x48, acrylic on canvas) was selected for inclusion in Seen & Whole, an Activated Spaces program presented by San Diego Art Directory in collaboration with the (CCLJ).

Thank you to , lead curator of Seen & Whole, for selecting my work and for this opportunity.

1216 Cave St, La Jolla, CA 92037 ‍ ‍

Three people standing inside an art gallery, next to a white wall with colorful paintings in the background. The woman on the left is wearing a purple patterned dress, the man in the middle is wearing a patterned shirt and brown pants, and the man on the right is wearing a white floral shirt and jeans. They are smiling and posing for the photo.

Common Ground: A Convergence on Abstraction 

Captivating Fine Art Exhibition by three contemporary abstract artists at Village Arts Outreach (Gallery 21) Feb 24- March 9, 2026

The “Common Ground” exhibition showcases the highly acclaimed work of San Diego artists Lucas Smith, Anuj "AJ" Jenveja, and Priyanka Pathak in a curated group exhibition at Village Arts Outreach (aka Gallery 21) in Spanish Village, Balboa Park.      

The artists present abstraction as a shared visual language, while approaching the act of creation from their unique perspectives, the three foster a convergence within their work through layered compositions, spatial awareness, and a balance between control and intuition. “Viewers will see how color and texture play a central role in our individual paintings, which share the qualities of being tactile, responsive, and deeply rooted in process,” explained Lucas.

By presenting these artists together, the works collectively illuminate how abstraction can bridge differences, revealing the ties that connect us all. “We are deeply invested in our unifying theme,” said AJ, “so much that we will be inaugurating our exhibit by unveiling a new collaborative painting on the first day”. “I believe our guests will enjoy witnessing what makes each of our styles distinct, and also how we see ourselves in each other,” added Priyanka.    

For decades, Village Arts Outreach has served as a vital artistic outreach program at Spanish Village in Balboa Park, providing thousands of local emerging and professional artists with the opportunity to display their work in its welcoming and professional exhibition space.

More Information here: KPBS.org

Poster for an art exhibition titled 'Common Ground: a convergence on abstraction' featuring artwork and portraits of three artists, Lucas Smith, Anuj 'AJ' Jeneveja, and Priyanka Pathak. The exhibition runs from February 24 to March 9, 2026, at Gallery 21, Spanish Village, Balboa Park, organized by Village Arts Outreach and KPBS.
Front page of The San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper dated February 27, 2026, featuring a section on classical art with a colorful abstract painting. The heading is 'Common Ground: A Convergence on Abstraction' with an article about an exhibition at Balboa Park. The paper includes headlines, articles, and images related to cultural events and arts in San Diego.
Poster advertising an art event called 'Art of the Sale,' scheduled for April 11 from 5 to 7 PM. Hosted by the City of Carlsbad's Cultural Arts and North Coast Coastal Art Gallery, featuring interactive art programs, a demo, and expression session. The poster includes a title with a dollar sign, describing it as a practical class for artists, hosted by Lucas Smith and Joe Gass.

ART OF THE SALE

April 11, 2026 | Thank you North Coastal

Selling art is not about pressure — it’s about connection, storytelling, and service.

Hosted at North Coastal Art Gallery, home of the Carlsbad–Oceanside Art League (COAL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artistic growth, exhibitions, and community engagement since 1951.

Watercolor painting of a landscape with a body of water in the background, rocks in the foreground, and a light sky above.

SOLD

Torrey Cliffs was sold at the 50th Annual Small Image Exhibition at Gallery 21!

Exhibit Dates: Jan 24 – Feb 22, 2026

Gallery 21, Spanish Village 1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA 92101

Advertisement for 'Elemental Drift' art series by Lucas Smith, featuring abstract acrylic paintings on wood panels with splashes of blue, black, gold, and white, shown both in images and displayed on a wall.

Mini Series Collect All 5!

An Introduction
A journey through movement & color

Elemental Drift—a series of five small-scale abstracts that celebrate movement, color, and energy. Each 8 x 6 piece is cut from a larger acrylic sheet and mounted on wood.

Shop Now

Featured Artist

Thank You!

I’m honored to have been the featured artist for the month of December, 2025 at Foothills Art Gallery.

Gallery Hours: Tues–Sat, 11am–4pm

Location: Foothills Art Gallery, 4910 Memorial Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942

Event poster for Foothills Fine Art Gallery featuring artist Lucas Smith with a photo of him smiling, wearing a striped shirt and a light-colored T-shirt, standing indoors.
Abstract painting with earthy tones and a hint of blue, hung on a blue wall with a potted green plant nearby.
Gallery wall with six abstract paintings in various colors and styles, hanging in a white-walled room.
Assorted pottery and vases displayed on white shelves in an art gallery, with abstract painting hanging on the wall above.

LUCAS SMITH ART At Falling Sky Gallery

Nov 2025 - Jan, 2026

I am very excited to partner with Falling Sky Gallery in Ocean Beach to display a solo exhibition of my work. Owner, Izzy Elizondo is a member of the San Diego Potters’ Guild and known as one of San Diego’s premier potters for over 25 years.

Falling Sky Gallery & Pottery Studio 1951 Abbott St # B, San Diego, CA 92107

Abstract painting of a landscape with a stormy sky, a dark blue body of water, and a brown rocky shoreline.

1st Place

“Coastal Horizon” Takes Top Honors

Coastal Horizon 36x48 received 1st Place in Acrylics at North Coastal Art Gallery in the November 2025 Member Exhibition, “Nature’s Rhythms.”

Rich with color and bold texture, this abstract piece features deep ultramarine blues and my favorite coarse lava gel, which creates a striking sandy texture across the canvas. I couldn’t be more honored to have this work recognized. ️

November 19th, 2025

North Coastal Art Gallery 300 Carlsbad Village Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008

Living room with a large abstract landscape painting of a rocky coastline and ocean on the wall behind a beige sofa with gray, white, and blue pillows. There are two coffee tables, one round wooden, and one black, with decorative items and books. A lamp is on the right side of the sofa.
Award certificate overlaid on image of open white gates opening to a landscape with hills and cloudy sky.

Honorable Mention

I’m honored to have received an Honorable Mention Award from Teravarna in the 13th OPEN International Juried Art Competition for October 2025.

This international exhibition features 477 artists from 48 countries, celebrating creativity and connection through art. Cick Here to view.

Man giving a presentation in an art gallery with paintings displayed around him, audience seated listening.
Poster for the 45th International Watercolor Exhibition showing abstract painting with yellow, blue, and dark tones, titled 'Golden Hour', awarded 4th place for Innovation Use of Technique, by The San Diego Watercolor Society.


SDWS 45th International Exhibition

Sept 28 – Oct 31, 2025

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.

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

A man in a suit standing next to an abstract painting with yellow, blue, and earthy tones in an art gallery.
An abstract painting with blue, black, yellow, and white colors displayed on a gallery wall with the text 'NEW Series' overlaid.
Living room with dark wood paneling, white sofa with yellow cushions, abstract landscape paintings in blue, black, white, and yellow hues on the wall, and a patterned area rug on wooden flooring.

Beyond the Boundaries: An Exploration in Abstract Art

Spring 2025

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.

Click Here

Promotional poster for an interview with Lucas Smith, an abstract artist, dated September 3, 2025, featuring a mountain landscape with a quote, 'Art is not a hobby.'

  • 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.

  • View the article here

Poster for an abstract art gallery exhibition from October 5 to November 1, featuring artwork and details about awards reception on October 11 from 3 to 5 PM, with contact number 760-434-8497.
A promotional poster for an abstract art competition at North Coastal Art Gallery, featuring the gallery's logo, event dates from October 5 to November 1, a judge named Lucas Smith, a call for art submissions, and a deadline of September 23 for online applications.

Thank You COAL Gallery!

ABSTRACT Fine Art Open Annual: Abstraction of Reality

October 5 – November 1, 2025

North Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad CA  

Outdoor art display with nine abstract paintings on a white canopy and wire grid, featuring blue, yellow, black, and brown tones, surrounded by rocks and plants.

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.

An outdoor art display at a festival with paintings hung on a white canopy and a table with more artwork, promoting the San Diego Coastal Art Studios Tour on September 13, 2025. One painting is marked as sold, and a flyer features images of artists and event details.
Three people standing together at an art exhibition, holding a framed photo, with colorful abstract painting in the background.

HART 2025

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

An art gallery wall with five abstract paintings; three smaller pieces are arranged in a row above two larger pieces, all featuring a mix of vibrant colors including yellow, blue, orange, and black.
Abstract mixed media artwork with dark backgrounds, pink and purple geometric design, black graffiti-style spider silhouette with dripping paint, and faint linear patterns.

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

A woman and a man standing next to each other in front of an abstract landscape painting. The woman has long black hair and is wearing a black blazer over a dark top and jeans. The man has short brown hair and is wearing a striped shirt over a gray t-shirt. They are smiling.

ART IS NOT A HOBBY‍ ‍
Summer June, 2025
Sit Down Interview with Phurlamu. Watch the Full Video Here on Youtube:

Click Here

Abstract blue and yellow watercolor painting with splashes, lines, and shapes, displayed on a wall with a ribbon award beside it.

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

Abstract painting with blue, yellow, orange, black, and white colors in a textured composition.

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

A smiling man in a patterned short-sleeve shirt and gray t-shirt stands in an art gallery next to a white wall with various paintings and a voting box labeled 'Peoples Choice'.
Promotional poster featuring a smiling man with short brown hair, wearing a white shirt with a small pattern, standing against a dark background. The poster advertises a solo art exhibition, titled 'BEYOND the BOUNDARIES: An Exploration in Abstract Art' by Lucas Smith, at Studio 21 from April 8 to 21, 11 AM to 6 PM, at the Spanish Village Arts Center in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. It includes a QR code for more information.

“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

A man sitting on a modern white chair with his legs extended, in an indoor setting with glass walls and blinds. A small wooden side table with keys and sunglasses is next to him. The top of the image has the text 'CANVAS REBEL' and the bottom has the text 'STORIES & INSIGHTS Meet Lucas Smith.'

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.

Canvas Rebel Magazine - Meet Lucas Smith August, 2024

A smiling man with sunglasses and a light-colored vest, holding a painting outdoors, with a balcony, plants, and a yellowish wall in the background. The painting features abstract colors and textures, and the overlay text reads 'BOLD JOURNEY'.

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:

BOLD Journey - Meet Lucas Smith San Diego, November, 2024

A man standing in an art gallery, surrounded by colorful abstract paintings, under a sign that reads 'Artist Studio & Gallery Welcome.'

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

Two men stand behind an abstract landscape painting in an art gallery, smiling at the camera.

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 ‍

A black and white portrait of a man standing in front of an art gallery wall, with various paintings and artwork displayed behind him. The portrait includes colorful abstract paintings and a mention of the art gallery's name, 'Gallery 21,' with event dates April 9th-22nd and the username @LUCASSMITHART.
A man standing in an art gallery with his arms crossed, smiling at the camera. Behind him is a tall white wall with a vertical list of art titles and prices, with red dots beside each. Artworks are hung on the walls in the background.

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

Poster for an art show titled "Where the Fun Is" featuring watercolor paintings of crows by Roberta Dyer. The event is hosted by the San Diego Watercolor Society with free admission from July 7 to July 29, 2023, open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm, at the SDWS gallery.
Abstract painting of stacked vibrant blue cups against a warm yellow and red background, with bold black outlines, sold as indicated by text at the bottom.

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

Poster for an art exhibition titled "Luminous Spaces" by Chuck McPherson at the San Diego Watercolor Society. Features a black background with a hanging gold bird ornament, a white bowl filled with red apples, and a picture of Chuck McPherson. The event runs from December 1 to December 30, 2023, with a reception on December 1 from 5 to 8 PM at 2825 Dewey Rd, San Diego, CA.
Poster with the title 'Nature's Spotlight' and a photo of dirt and rocks; the word 'SOLD!!' with a red dot at the bottom.

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

A man in a dark suit and brown shoes giving an art presentation in an art gallery, with several paintings displayed behind him. An audience member with gray hair is seated in the foreground.

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

A promotional card for the SDWS International Exhibition featuring a metallic medal embossed with 'SDWS' and surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the year '2023' embossed on textured white paper in the background.