'The Smiths' Duo Exhibition by Liz Roth Smith and Sam Smith

‘The Smiths’ is a duo exhibition created by Liz Ross Smith and Sam Smith, who met during their art classes held by Christine Lemin.

Liz Ross Smith began painting about four years ago, after attending Christine Lemin’s classes with an urge to paint flowers. She credits Christine for starting her off on her new passion. This is where Liz and Sam met!

Liz is currently a member of the Humanity Painters group which is taught by Helen Kerridge. Her focus has changed significantly since she began painting, although states that she has always been influenced by our natural environment and our surroundings here in beautiful Hawkes Bay.

Liz’s studies of the fine detail of plants and flowers has now expanded to landscapes.

Sam Smith says that she has “no rules or methods.” She finds that her inspiration comes from many sources, with her current focus being the
human form and dramatic scenery. She responds to colour seen in her life and feels a need to transfer it to her painting.

At this stage Sam is a modernist painter. She loves the freedom using the palette knife brings, allowing her to bold and extravagant in applying the acrylic paint.

“I let myself go, as the painting begins to evolve it leads me. To me a special piece includes something of myself.”

Sam took art classes in High School, absolutely loved the experience, but had not painted since. That is until three years ago, when she attended painting classes for beginners, during which it became clear, ‘creating a painting’ had to become her ‘centre’. She now attends Helen Kerridge Studio Hastings, and looks forward to an exciting future in the exciting world of Art.