Please introduce yourself.
I’m Barbie Smith.
Tell us about your favorite art medium.
I have been painting with oils for almost 18 years and more recently have been using gouache and casein which are water-based paints.
Who/what is your biggest artistic influences?
I am influenced by early California impressionists whose paintings captured the atmosphere and emotions of the scene without striving for the details of realism.
What motivates you to create?
My motivation to create comes from deep within my being. It is a response to the beauty and design found in nature and is my way of expressing my ideas and feelings about the subject.
When is your favorite time of day to create?
I feel most productive in the earlier part of the day but often there are other obligations to fulfill before I can enjoy uninterrupted time at the easel.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Painting helps me to learn how to simplify a task, see the big picture before getting bogged down in detail, persevere through problem solving and is a great way to calm my mind and relieve anxiety.
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Read Barbie’s previous interview here.
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